Natagaima 5.37

Natagaima is a town and municipality in the Tolima department of Colombia, on the shore of the Magdalena River, at 326m above sea level. The population of the municipality was 21,324 as of the 1993 census, and its average temperature is. Natagaima was founded in 1606 by Spanish conqueror Juan de Borja y Armendia.EtymologySome believe the name of Natagaima comes from the words Nataga and Ima, while others state that the name was created because there was an Indian named Nataga, who was the chief of this region, and married Queen Ima, ruler of the Tribal Chiefs of the center of Tolima.LimitsNorth: Coyaima and Prado, East: Dolores and Alpujarra, West: Ataco and Coyaima, South: Aipe(Huila). Distance from Ibagué(capital of Tolima): 118km.Population and economic activitiesApproximately 26,600 inhabitants reside in the 862km2 of Natagaima. Its economy consists mainly in agriculture, an activity induced by its hot weather. The main agricultural products are rice, cotton, corn and sorghum. Besides agriculture, breeding of livestock occupies an important place in the economy of Natagaima, specially that of the Zebu species.Other economical activities include craftsmanship and saddlery.HistoryThe people of Natagaima were submitted by Spanish Conqueror Juan the Borja, who gathered the survivors of this incursion and proceeded with the foundation of the town. It is said that Natagaima lies in a place different from his original location, and was moved there by orders of the priest Ignacio Navarro in 1801. From 1863 to 1866 it was the capital of the Sovereign State of Tolima. Through a law emitted on February 21, 1963, it became a Municipality, starting its role on January 1, 1964.