Córdoba

Industrial city and capital of Córdoba province, central Argentina, situated on the Primero (or Suquiá) River, 400 m/1,310 ft above sea level at the foot of the Sierra Chica, between the Pampas on the east and the Andes on the west; population (1999 est) 1,275,600. Main industries include cement, glass, textiles, and motor vehicles. The city's water and electric power come from the lake created by the San Roque Dam on the River Primero.

Córdoba was founded in 1573 by Jeronimo Luis de Cabrera. The cathedral, begun in 1577, is the oldest in Argentina, and the university, founded in 1613, is the second oldest in South America. There is a military aviation college and an observatory.