Arauca Department - Indigenous Population

Indigenous Population

The department's total indigenous population amounts to 3591 people. Its territory is located 26 guards in an area of 128,167 hectares. Here are 6 indigenous peoples, with the following people: U'wa, 1,124 members; Betoyes 800; Sikuani, 782; Hitnü, 441; Kuiba, 241; Hitanü, 110; Chiricoa, 63 and Piapoco with 30. U'wa: The predominant ethnic group in the department. They are located in the north eastern abutment of the Cordillera Oriental, to the Nevado del Cocuy. Its total population is estimated at 7231 people, belong to the Chibcha language family. In 1124 there U'wa Arauca, i.e. 15%. Its name means "intelligent people who can speak". Betoyes:: by its people constitute the largest ethnic group in the department. Living on the River Cravo and the municipality of Tame. The area of its territory is 702 hectares. Its population is estimated at 800 people. Their language comes from the Chibcha language family. Although not retain their original language, speak a Betoyes mixed with Spanish, where they remain certain grammatical structures of this. Guahibos: appellation by which they are known Sikuani, Kuiba, Chiricoa, Hitanü (iguana) and Hitnü (Macaguane), who speak languages Guajiboan.