Bogotá

Bogotá
Pedro Szekely from Los Angeles, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Bogotá
Settlement type	Capital city and Special District
Coordinates	4, 42, 40, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Colombia
Established title	Founded
Established date	August 6, 1538
Founder	Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada
Government type	Special District
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Carlos Fernando Galán
Area total km2	1,587
Elevation m	2640
Population total	7,412,566
Population as of	2018 Census
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	Colombia Time
Utc offset	-5
Website	[https://bogota.gov.co/ bogota.gov.co]

Bogotá. Formally known as Bogotá, Distrito Capital, it is the capital and largest city of Colombia, serving as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the nation. Founded in 1538 by the Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada on the territory of the indigenous Muisca Confederation, the city is situated on a high plateau in the Andes Mountains at an elevation of approximately 2,640 meters. As a special administrative district, it is a major hub for finance, commerce, education, and the arts in South America.

History

The area was originally the center of the Muisca Confederation, a pre-Columbian civilization whose cultural legacy includes the legend of El Dorado. The Spanish conquest, led by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, established the city as the capital of the New Kingdom of Granada in 1538. It quickly became a focal point of colonial administration under the Spanish Empire and the seat of the Royal Audiencia of Santafé de Bogotá. Following the Cry of Independence on July 20, 1810, the city played a pivotal role in the Spanish American wars of independence, later serving as the capital of Gran Colombia after the campaigns of Simón Bolívar. The 20th century was marked by rapid urbanization, political turmoil including the Bogotazo riots of 1948 following the assassination of Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, and its ongoing growth as a modern metropolis.

Geography

The city is located on the Sabana de Bogotá, a high plateau within the Eastern Ranges of the Andes Mountains. Its topography is relatively flat, bordered by the eastern hills of the Cerros Orientales, which include the prominent peaks of Monserrate and Guadalupe. The Bogotá River runs through the western part of the savanna, flowing into the larger Magdalena River basin. The urban area is divided by numerous streams and is part of the larger Altiplano Cundiboyacense region. The climate is classified as a subtropical highland climate, with relatively consistent, cool temperatures year-round due to its high altitude.

Demographics

With a population exceeding seven million within its metropolitan area, it is one of the most populous cities in the Americas. The demographic composition is largely the result of internal migration from other regions of Colombia, such as Antioquia, Boyacá, and the Caribbean coast, creating a diverse mix of backgrounds. While Spanish is the official language, the city is home to small communities of indigenous peoples and a growing number of international migrants. Major districts with high population density include Suba, Kennedy, and Engativá.

Economy

As the primary economic engine of Colombia, the city contributes a significant portion of the nation's GDP. It is the headquarters for major national and multinational corporations, including Bancolombia, Avianca, and Ecopetrol. Key sectors include financial services, telecommunications, construction, and information technology. The city hosts important commercial and industrial zones like the Centro Internacional and the World Trade Center. It is also a center for the creative industries, publishing, and is a major venue for international fairs and congresses at venues like Corferias.

Culture

The city is a renowned cultural capital, home to world-class institutions such as the Gold Museum, which houses the world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold work, and the Botero Museum, featuring works by Fernando Botero and other international artists. Major performing arts venues include the Teatro Colón and the Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo. It hosts major international events like the Bogotá International Book Fair and the Ibero-American Theater Festival. The city's culinary scene reflects its diversity, and its vibrant street art, particularly in the La Candelaria district, is internationally recognized.

Government and politics

Administratively, it is organized as the Capital District, a special entity with the same administrative status as a department. It is governed by a Mayor and a City Council, both elected by popular vote. The current mayor is Carlos Fernando Galán of the New Liberalism Party. The city is also the seat of the national government, housing the principal branches: the Congress of Colombia in the Capitolio Nacional, the President of Colombia in the Casa de Nariño, and the Supreme Court of Justice of Colombia. It is divided into 20 localities, each with its own local administrative board.

Category:Capitals in South America Category:Populated places established in 1538 Category:1538 establishments in the Spanish Empire