San Cristobal is the third richest city of Venezuela, after Chacao and Baruta municipalities in Miranda State. As throughout the Andean states, the people of T�chira are characterized as hardworking, cordial, conservative, and devoted to their historical, religious, and folkloric traditions. The primary industries here are centered around agriculture, mainly the production of coffee, sugar, and vegetables. Other important industrial sectors which have helped fuel the economic engines of the region include meat production (cattle), manufacturing industries like shoe, basket, and ceramics production. A fact that perhaps is not widely known is that it was in T�chira State, and not in Zulia State, that the first oil wells were excavated in 1875(located in the Petrolea sector close to Rubio)-- a procedure done in those days by hand and with buckets. It is a commercial, transportation, and industrial center. Textiles, leather products, cement, tanneries,[2] and tobacco are produced, and coffee, sugar, pineapples, and corn are exported. The service sector is also strong. There are many branches of nationals banks located in the city, and it is the headquarter of two important financial institutions SOFITASA (bank of private investment) and Banforandes (Government's bank). These two main local banks are an important engine of the local economy because they help to finance many project in the region. In the dairy industry, Leche T�chira is one of the most consolidated industries in the country; this company is based in San Cristobal
