Country | Colombia |
Population | 7968095 |
Area | 307.36 km2 (118.67 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC−5 |
Coordinates | 4.60971, -74.08175 |
Highest elevation | 2,640 m (8,660 ft) |
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City Description
Bogotá, officially Bogotá, Distrito Capital, and formerly known as Santa Fe de Bogotá, is the capital and largest city of Colombia. With an estimated population of over 7.4 million in the city proper and approximately 10 million in the metropolitan area, it is one of the largest cities in South America and the world. The city is situated in the center of Colombia on a high plateau known as the Bogotá savanna, part of the Altiplano Cundiboyacense in the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes, at an altitude of 2,640 meters (8,660 feet) above sea level, making it the third-highest capital in South America.
Founded on August 6, 1538, by Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, Bogotá became the capital of the New Kingdom of Granada and later the Viceroyalty of New Granada. The city played a pivotal role in Colombia’s independence and was the site where Simón Bolívar reestablished its name in honor of the indigenous Muisca people. Since then, Bogotá has remained the nation’s capital through various historical transformations, including the formation of modern-day Colombia.
Geographically, Bogotá covers an area of 1,587 square kilometers (613 square miles) and is divided into 20 localities, each with its own administrative structure. The city’s climate is classified as temperate, with a consistent cool temperature throughout the year due to its high altitude. This makes it a unique urban environment within the tropical latitude.
Culturally, Bogotá is a significant center for Colombia and Latin America, housing numerous theaters, libraries, and museums. Notable cultural institutions include the Gold Museum, the National Museum, and the Botero Museum. The city is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, particularly in the La Candelaria neighborhood, which features colonial-era landmarks and a lively street art culture.
Bogotá’s economy is robust and diverse, being the financial and commercial heart of Colombia. It accounts for nearly a quarter of the country’s total GDP. The city’s economy is driven by a combination of financial services, real estate, commerce, and industry. El Dorado International Airport, one of the busiest in Latin America, supports the city’s economic activities by facilitating significant passenger and cargo traffic.
Educationally, Bogotá is home to the largest number of universities and research centers in Colombia, including the National University of Colombia and the University of the Andes. These institutions contribute to the city’s reputation as a center of academic excellence and innovation.
In terms of governance, Bogotá serves as the seat of Colombia’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The city is administered as a Capital District, providing it with a unique status equivalent to that of a department.
Overall, Bogotá’s blend of rich history, diverse culture, strategic economic importance, and educational prowess makes it a vital and dynamic city in both Colombia and the wider region.
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