Rocha Department

Flag of Rocha Department
Coat of arms of Rocha Department
Rocha Department is located in Uruguay
Rocha Department
Location of Rocha Department and its capital
Coordinates (Rocha): 34°29′0″S 54°21′0″W / 34.48333°S 54.35000°W / -34.48333; -54.35000
Country Uruguay
Capital of DepartmentRocha
Government
 • IntendantAlejo Umpiérrez
 • Ruling partyPartido Nacional
Area
 • Total10,551 km2 (4,074 sq mi)
Population
 (2011 census)
 • Total68,088
 • Density6.5/km2 (17/sq mi)
DemonymRochense
Time zoneUTC-3 (UYT)
ISO 3166 codeUY-RO
Websitewww.rocha.gub.uy

Rocha (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈrotʃa]) is a department in the east of Uruguay. Its capital is the city of Rocha. It borders Maldonado Department to its west, Lavalleja Department to its northwest, Treinta y Tres Department to its north, while to its northeast Laguna Merín forms part of its border with Brazil and at the south end of the lake it also borders the southernmost end of Brazil, with the city of Chuy "shared" between both countries, the border passing through its main commercial avenue.

Rocha has natural beauties like Cabo Polonio, Valizas, Santa Teresa National Park. It is well known for its beach resorts, like Punta del Diablo or La Esmeralda, which swell with visitors during the summer holidays. Inland, the primary economy of Rocha is based on large cattle ranches.