Risaralda

Department in west-central Colombia, lying in the Andes; area 4,140 sq km/1,598 sq mi; population (1996) 844,184. The capital is Pereira, one of Colombia's most important industrial and commercial centres. This is one of Colombia's main coffee-producing areas. Other regional products include sugar, bananas, and maize. There is some cattle-grazing, mining of gold, lead, and coal, manufacturing of textiles and paper, chemical-processing, and metallurgy industries.

The department's population is predominantly urban, but there are still many indigenous strongholds, particularly around Mistrató and Publo Rico.

The Nevado de Santa Isabela National Park is popular with tourists and for sporting pursuits.