Rocha Department

Rocha is an administrative region in eastern Uruguay that stretches along the Atlantic coast with beaches and coastal lagoons throughout its territory. The landscape combines seafront areas with inland zones featuring natural water bodies and open lands.

The territory was separated from Maldonado Department in 1880 through an administrative reorganization, becoming the newest of the country's administrative regions at that time. This change allowed better management of the expanding eastern coastal communities.

The region serves as a center for ranching and farming, with residents celebrating local festivals that reflect their connection to the land and sea. These traditions continue to shape how communities here live and work throughout the year.

The territory is connected to other regions by Route 9 and Route 15, with regular bus services linking major towns to the capital and surrounding areas. The road network makes travel between different parts of the region fairly straightforward.

Natural reserves within the region provide habitat for marine animals such as sea lions and serve as stopover points for migrating bird species. These areas showcase the ecological diversity found along the coast and support important wildlife protection efforts.

Inception: July 7, 1880

Capital city: Rocha

Elevation above the sea: 123 m

Part of: South America Midwest Integrated Zone

Shares border with: Lavalleja Department, Treinta y Tres Department, Rio Grande do Sul, Maldonado Department

Website: http://rocha.gub.uy

GPS coordinates: -33.93333,-54.00000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 20:38