Script error: No such module "redirect hatnote".Template:Short descriptionScript error: No such module "Settlement short description".Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".Expression error: Unexpected < operator.La Pampa (Script error: No such module "IPA".) is a sparsely populated province of Argentina, located in the Pampas in the center of the country. Neighboring provinces are from the north clockwise San Luis, Córdoba, Buenos Aires, Río Negro, Neuquén and Mendoza.
File:ParqueLuro032.JPGStables at the former Roca-Luro Estate, now the Luro Prairie Preserve.
In 1604 Hernando Arias de Saavedra was the first European explorer to reach the area; it was later explored by Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera in 1662. But it was not until the 18th century that Spanish colonists established permanent settlements here.
Resistance of the local indigenous people prevented much expansion until the government of Juan Manuel de Rosas. It did not cease until Julio Roca's conquest of the desert in the 19th century. The territory was divided between the officers, and they erected the first Argentine settlements.
The Territorio Nacional de La Pampa Central was erected in 1884, containing the Río Negro Province and parts of other surrounding provinces. It had around 25,000 inhabitants. By 1915 there were 110,000 residents, a reflection of movement to that area. In 1945 the territory was divided and La Pampa became a province.
In 1952 its constitution was written and the province was renamed after Eva Peron. In 1955 after the government changed and the Peróns went into exile, both La Pampa and Chaco, which had been named for Juan Perón, were reverted to their original names.
Geography
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The general aspect of the central-eastern part of the province is that of a plain gently tilted to the east that is dissected by valleys.[2] The surface of the plain has a calcretecrust. The valleys of La Pampa, known as the transverse valleys (Template:Langx) are NE-SW oriented, with breadths of various kilometers and lengths of tens of kilometers. Some of the valleys host very large fossilinland dunes.[2] Formerly functioning as windfunnels for sand[2] at present these valleys are an ecotone region between the Dry and Humid Pampas.[3]
Being located in the Pampas, the province has a cool temperate climate.[5] In general, the province is dominated by two different types of climates: a temperate one in the east and a semi-arid one in the west.[6] Precipitation generally decreases from east to west and from north to south.[5][6] Being characterized by large thermal amplitudes, the climate of the province has continental characteristics, particularly in the west where thermal amplitudes are much larger.[5][6] The general atmospheric circulation is one of the most important factors that influence the climate on a regional scale.[7] During summer, the South Atlantic High is displaced to the southeast, which brings hot and humid air masses from the north and northeast.[7] The South Pacific High in summer is responsible for bringing cooler air masses from the southwest which when these two contrasting air masses meet lead to precipitation occurring.[7] In contrast, winters are dry due to the northward displacement of the South Atlantic high and the topographic barrier of the Andes north of 40oS which prevents frontal systems that bring precipitation from reaching the province.[7] Any winds from the southwest during winter bring in cold and dry weather since most of the precipitation and humidity are released in the Andes.[7] As such, most of the precipitation occurs during summer.[5]
Temperature
Mean annual temperatures in the province range between Script error: No such module "convert". although the thermal amplitude (difference between temperatures in the warmest and coldest months) is large.[5][7] In summer, mean temperatures in the warmest month (January) range from Script error: No such module "convert". in the north and northeastern parts to Script error: No such module "convert". in the west and southwestern parts of the province.[7] Temperatures tend to be cooler in the west owing to the higher altitudes.[7] In winter, mean temperatures in the coldest month (July) range from Script error: No such module "convert". in the north to Script error: No such module "convert". in the west and southwest.[7] The northern parts are the warmest parts of the province; absolute maximum temperatures can reach up to Script error: No such module "convert"..[7] The lowest temperatures ever recorded range from Script error: No such module "convert". in the northeast to Script error: No such module "convert". in the southwest.[7]
Precipitation
One characteristic of the precipitation in the province is that most of the precipitation occurs from October to March with little precipitation during winter.[7] Mean annual precipitation ranges from a low of Script error: No such module "convert". in the southwest to Script error: No such module "convert". in the northeast.[5] Precipitation generally decreases from northeast to southwest.[5] Most of the precipitation is caused by frontal systems.[7] Precipitation is highly variable from year to year.[7]
Economy
La Pampa, long Argentina's most economically agricultural province, produced an estimated US$3.144 billion in output in 2006, or, US$10,504 per capita (almost 20% above the national average).[8] Now, the GDP per capita of the province is of US$14.000.
Agriculture contributes a fourth to La Pampa's economy, the most important activity being cattle ranching, with 3,632,684 (2002) head, which takes place all over the province. Other livestock include 202,428 sheep, 140,498 goats and 64,118 pigs.
The Northeast, on the more fertile lands, has also an important activity with wheat (10% of the national production), sunflower (13% of NP), maize, alfalfa, barley, and other cereals.
There's also a dairy industry of 300 centres of extraction and 25 cheese factories, honey production, and salt extraction from salt basins.
La Pampa is home to hundreds of oil and gas wells, as well as deposits of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, and copper.[9] Tourism is an underdeveloped activity, however. Visitors start at Santa Rosa and reach Lihué Calel National Park, Parque Luro Provincial Reserve or visit one of the many estancias, some of which are dedicated to agritourism.
Government
The provincial government is divided into the usual three branches: the executive, headed by a popularly elected governor, who appoints the cabinet; the legislative; and the judiciary, headed by the Supreme Court.
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The Constitution of La Pampa Province forms the formal law of the province.
