Cochabamba

Cochabamba (kōchäbäm`bä), city (1992 pop. 407,825), alt. c.8,400 ft (2,560 m), capital of Cochabamba dept., W central Bolivia, the third largest city in Bolivia. It is a commercial center in an agricultural region that ships grains, coffee, tobacco, sugarcane, cacao, fruits, and potatoes. Industries produce goods mainly for local consumption. Founded in 1574, the city was called Villa de Oropeza and was renamed in 1786. Cochabamba has many historical buildings, including a convent with five paintings by the Spanish artist Goya, and a monument to the women of the city who fought and died in the Bolivian war of independence (1815). Cochabamba is the seat of the Universidad Mayor de San Simón.

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Cochabamba

City (pop., 2001: 516,683), central Bolivia. Founded as Villa de Oropeza in 1574, it received city status in 1786 and was renamed Cochabamba (Khocha Pampa), a name in the Quechua language that means “plain full of small lakes.” A favourable climate and attractive setting have helped make it Bolivia's third largest city. It is the chief distribution point for eastern Bolivia. It is the site of the Major University of San Simón (1826), a cathedral, and a government palace.