Colonia

Colonia, a department of Uruguay, on the Plata, below the Uruguay River. The uplands are barren, but in the fertile valleys and plains are numerous European colonies, engaged in agriculture and stock-raising. Area, 2185 sq. m.; pop. (1895) 35,209. The capital, Colonia del Sacramento, on the Plata, about 100 miles above Monte Video, has a good harbour, a dock for vessels of 1000 tons, ruined fortifications, and some 1500 inhabitants.