Yaracuy State is one of the 23 states of 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. Its geography 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 its capital San Felipe. The economy of Yaracuy is mostly agricultural. Some manufacturing can be found in Yaritagua area and Chivacoa, usually in agribusiness. In recent years, Yaracuy had experienced some growth and social development under governor Eduardo Lapi. In 2004, thanks to the Chavez landslide, Lapi was narrowly unseated by Carlos E. Giménez, supported by Chavez political allies in the area. Since then, the economy has been in some turmoil as a considerable amount of land invasions by poor farmers in search of lands have created havoc within the agricultural system. In particular, the sugar cane production has plummeted. Carlos Giménez was followed as governor by Julio León in 2008, after he was removed from power due to allegations of corruption.
Government and politics
Like other states, the structure of the government of Yaracuy is laid out in the Constitution, the highest law in the state. The Governor of Yaracuy is in charge of the government and administration, serves for a four-year term and can be re-elected to an additional term only immediately and only once. The state legislature is made up of a single body, the Legislative Council. It has the power to pass the state's Budget Law. Like the other 23 federal entities of Venezuela, the State maintains its own police force, which is supported and complemented by the National Police and the Venezuelan National Guard.
The state capital is San Felipe de Yaracuy. Other important towns are Aroa, Chivacoa, Cocorote, Marín, Nirgua, Sabana de Parra, Yaritagua, and Urachiche. Yaracuy State covers a total surface area of. Population: 597,700 inhabitants.
