Yaracuy (Venezuela)

Yaracuy (Spanish: Estado Yaracuy, IPA: [esˈtaðo ʝaɾaˈkuj];) is one of the 23 states of Venezuela. Yaracuy is located in the Central-Western Region, Venezuela. It is bordered by Falcón in the north, in the west by Lara, in the south by Portuguesa and Cojedes and in the east by Cojedes and Carabobo. The geography of state is mountainous, the Andes range ends there, and the Coastal Range begins. It is split by two mountainous systems, the Sierra de Aroa on the North and the Sierra de Nirgua. In between lies the agricultural land drained by the Yaracuy River. Most cities and towns are in this valley, including the capital city. The Cerro María Lionza Natural Monument is located in Chivacoa. Yaracuy is known as the Louisiana of Venezuela, due to the practices of witchcraft, occultism and the practice of religions such as voodoo, very similar to Louisiana Voodoo. The economy of Yaracuy is mostly agricultural. Some manufacturing can be found in Yaritagua area and Chivacoa, usually in agribusiness.