Pereira, city in western Colombia, capital of Risaralda Department, on the Otún River, in the western foothills of the Cordillera Central, near Manizales. A rail and road hub, Pereira is a market center for coffee, livestock, sugarcane, fruit, cocoa, and corn. Manufactures include processed coffee, food products, textiles, cigars, and paper. Pereira Technological University (1958) is here. Founded in 1863, the city became the capital of the new Risaralda Department in 1967. A strong earthquake struck near Pereira in 1995, killing at least 40 people. Population (1997 estimate) 434,267.
