El César

Department in northern Colombia, which lies predominantly on the plains surrounding the River César; area 22,905 sq km/8,844 sq mi; population (1996) 827,219. The capital is Valledupar. El César is bordered to the east by Venezuela, and the Magdalena River forms part of its western boundary. Part of lake Ciénaga de Zapotasa and extensive marshland also lies to the west. The economy is primarily agricultural, based on the production of rice, cotton, wheat, sugar cane, bananas, and sorghum. There is some cattle-grazing in the flat lands. There is also exploitation of the coal deposits found in the region.