General Pico (Argentina)

General Pico is a city located in the northeast of La Pampa Province, Argentina. It is located at 143 m (469 ft) above sea level and inside the region of the Pampa Húmeda Llana (Flat-Humid Pampas). It has a surface area of 2,555 km2 (986 sq mi). The city was founded on November 11, 1905, by Eduardo de Chapeaurouge, The city is named after former La Pampa Province governor Eduardo de Chapeaurouge. With a population of 53,352 (2001 census [INDEC]) it is the second-largest city in the province after the provincial capital Santa Rosa, and it is the capital of the department of Maracó. The region is heavily agricultural, producing meat that is renowned around the world, and most of the grain consumed in the country. The crossing between the west and south railroads was a determinant point in the placing of this city, founded on November 11 by Eduardo Chapeaurouge. It is named after General Eduardo Gustavo Pico, who was governor of La Pampa Province for three consecutive periods (1891-1899). General Pico has a very important section dedicated to factories and what is known as a Zona Franca, a customs-free area where products can be imported and distributed to the rest of the country. The city has two basketball teams in the Argentinian League: Pico Football Club and Independiente de Pico. It also has its own airport.