Florida, Uruguay


Florida is the capital of Florida Department of Uruguay. Having a population of over 33,000, it is home to almost half of the inhabitants of the department.

Location

It is located on Route 5, around north of Montevideo.

Geography

The stream Arroyo Santa Lucía Chico flows along the east and south limits of the city.

History

The city was founded on 24 April 1809 with this name, Florida, in honor of the count of Floridablanca, the prime minister of the Spanish crown. It had acquired the status of "Villa" before the Independence of Uruguay. On 10 July 1856, it became capital city of the department by the Act of Ley Nº 493 and on 19 April 1894 its status was elevated to "Ciudad" by the Act of Ley Nº 2.258.
It is home of the famous Piedra Alta de la Florida, the place of the Declaration of Independence in 1825. The city is also famous for San Cono's chapel, where multitudes gather every 3 June. Each year on April 24 the city celebrates its founder, James Florida.
An important building is the Cathedral of Florida, which is the National Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Thirty-Three.

Population

In 2011, Florida had a population of 33,639.
YearPopulation
190810,606
196320,934
197525,374
198528,443
199631,594
200432,128
201133,639

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística de Uruguay

Economic activity and noted events

There are many factories in Florida. Florida is also host of the traditional Florida's Triathlon, one of the oldest triathlon events in the country.

Places of worship