Tacuarembó

Department in northern Uruguay; area 15,873 sq km/6,129 sq mi; population (1996) 40,513. Its capital is the town of the same name, 350 km/217 mi north of Montevideo. The department of Tacuarembó is bordered on the south by the Río Negro and the great lake that has been formed on this river by the barrage at Rincón del Bonete, which supplies hydroelectric power. Cattle and sheep raising are the main economic activities. The town of Tacuarembó is mainly a cattle and agricultural centre, specializing in wool, hides, and hides.