estado (state), northwestern Venezuela, bordered by the states of Lara (north), Cojedes (east), Barinas (south), and Trujillo (west). The northwestern portion of the territory of 5,900 square miles (15,200 square km) is in the Cordillera de Mérida, the rest being in the Llanos (plains). Although livestock raising dominates the economy, rice, coffee, cotton, tobacco, cocoa, and corn (maize) also are grown. At Turén Viejo a government-sponsored agricultural community was established to develop methods, including the application of modern technology, to bring the vast Llanos under cultivation. The shrine of Our Lady of Coromoto, patron of Venezuela, is associated with the parish church in Guanare, the state capital, and thousands visit the city annually to pay homage to the venerated image. Acarigua is the principal commercial centre. Both Guanare and Acarigua are served by all-weather highways. Pop. (2007 est.) 873,375.