Artigas Department

Artigas Department is an administrative region in northern Uruguay located along the Brazilian border. The area contains rivers, farmland, and several towns that serve as local centers for commerce and daily life.

The department was created in 1884 and named after independence leader José Gervasio Artigas. Its establishment marked a reorganization of Uruguay's northern territories under a new administrative structure.

The region blends Uruguayan and Brazilian traditions in its architecture and local customs, shaped by its position along the border. This cultural mix shows in the names people use and how communities celebrate together across both sides.

The region is primarily agricultural, so visiting during harvest seasons offers different perspectives on local life and work. Plan your visit outside the busiest farm periods for easier access to roads and towns throughout the area.

The region holds significant amethyst deposits, including some of the world's largest geodes of this purple crystal. These geological treasures attract mineral collectors and curious visitors interested in natural formations.

Inception: October 1, 1884

Capital city: Artigas

Elevation above the sea: 100 m

Part of: South America Midwest Integrated Zone

Shares border with: Salto Department, Rivera Department, Rio Grande do Sul, Corrientes Province

GPS coordinates: -30.62417,-56.94500

Latest update: December 19, 2025 23:09