VICENTE LPEZ

partido (political subdivision) of Gran (Greater) Buenos Aires, Arg., directly north of the city of Buenos Aires, in Buenos Aires province, on the Ro de la Plata estuary. Colonization of the area began with the second and permanent founding of Buenos Aires (1580). The region was called Costa de Monte Grande (later becoming the Pago de Monte Grande in 1730) and included the present partido of San Isidro. In 1706, the region became part of the parish of the San Isidro Labrador chapel, which in 1784 became San Isidro partido. In 1905 the partido of Vicente Lpez was created out of San Isidro territory; its name honours the Argentine historian Vicente Lpez, author of the country's national anthem. The partido covers 15 sq mi (39 sq km) and is bordered by the Ro de la Plata (northeast), the national capital (Buenos Aires, southeast), and the partidos of General San Martn (southwest) and San Isidro (northwest). Olivos is the cabecera (principal built-up area). Other localities are Vicente Lpez, Florida, and Munro. Olivos, Vicente Lpez, and Florida are primarily residential communities with some light industry. Munro has many manufacturing and processing establishments producing textiles, chemicals, lumber, metals, and food. Beach resort facilities are located along the coast of the partido in Olivos and Vicente Lpez. The Argentine presidential residence is located in Olivos. With the growth of the national capital, the partido of Vicente Lpez has been absorbed into the north-northwestern suburban area of Gran Buenos Aires. The partido experienced most population growth in the 1920s through 1950s. Its population density is the second highest among the partidos. Three railway lines cross the partido, and the national highway system connects it with Buenos Aires city and other parts of Argentina. Pop. (1980) 291,072.