Biggest Cities In Colombia

The Republic of Colombia is located in the northwest of South America with parts of its territories in Central America. Colombia borders several countries including Panama (northwest), Venezuela (northeast), Brazil (southeast), Peru (south), and Ecuador (southwest). Colombia’s territory also includes part of Amazon forest, coastline for both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean, and tropical grassland. Colombia, with a population of 48 million people, is Latin America’s third most populated country, according to the 2015 census. Most of the Colombians inhabit the areas around the Andean Highlands and also along the Caribbean coast.

Colombia's Most Populous Cities

Bogota

Bogota is the largest and the capital city of Colombia. The city is considered the administrative, industrial, tourism political, financial, sports, and cultural center. Bogota also houses the office of the president, Congress of Colombia, and Supreme Court among other senior agencies. The city was established in 1538 as the capital of the New Kingdom of Granada by Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada. Bogota is in the center of Colombia’s Bogota Savannah characterized by a constant fresh climate. The city covers a total area of 1,587 square kilometers and is subdivided into 20 localities. Industrialization and complex socio-political factors have accelerated urbanization in the city. Bogota has a population of 9.8 million people with a population density of 4,500 people per square kilometers with the majority of the people (98%) having no ethnic affiliation while Afro-Colombians constitute 1.5% and Indigenous Amerindians constitute 1.5% of the entire population.

Medellin

The Municipality of Medellin is the second-largest city and the capital of Antioquia, Colombia. The city is located in the Aburra Valley and was founded on November 2, 1675, by the queen consort Mariana of Australia. Medellin was subsequently named the capital of the Department of Antioquia in 1826. The city was once the most violent in the world. However, the crime rate and poverty have significantly reduced thanks to the past innovative city mayors. The Metropolitan area of Medellin has over 3.7 million inhabitants. The city is the second largest Colombian economic contributor accounting for 11% of the country’s GDP. The city is also a significant region because of academic institutions like universities and schools, health services, flower growing, trade, science, and festivals. In 2013, Medellin was ranked as the most innovative city in the world by the Urban Land Institute.

Cali

Santiago de Cali serves as the capital of Velle Del Cauca Department and has an estimated population of 3.4 million people. The city covers a total area of 120.9 square kilometers. Cali is the only city in Colombia with access to the Pacific coast. The city, founded in 1536, is one of the fastest growing economies in Colombia. Cali is surrounded by mountains with Cauca River bordering the city to the west. The city offers several historical areas including historic churches like La Merced and La Ermita. The historic centers and other sites like El Gato, Cali River, San Antonio, and Cristo Rey are some of the tourist attractions which promote tourism in the Cali. Cali is also served by modern transport system including railway lines, airport, and bus station.

Significance of Colombian Cities

Cities in Colombia promote the country’s economy. Most of the big cities act economic, scientific, academic, social, political, and recreation centers. These big cities are characterized by developing industrialization and high population.