Antioquia

Antioquia is a department of Colombia located in the northwest of the country. Its capital and largest city is Medellín, a major urban and economic hub. The department sits in the Andean region with an access point to the Caribbean through the Gulf of Urabá, and it is bordered by multiple departments, contributing to its geographical and cultural diversity.

Geography and climate vary across the territory, ranging from tropical valleys to high mountain areas. The Aburrá Valley is a central feature, housing the metropolitan area of Medellín. Rivers such as the Cauca and the Porce support hydroelectric power generation and agriculture, while the varied topography supports a mix of urban and rural landscapes.

Historically, the region was inhabited by Indigenous groups before Spanish colonization. Medellín was founded in the 17th century, and the department was organized during the republican era in the 19th century. Since the 20th century, Antioquia has evolved into an important industrial and urban center in Colombia.

Demographically, the population is concentrated in the Medellín metropolitan area, with other significant urban centers including Itagüí, Envigado, Bello, Rionegro, and Caldas. Antioquia is one of the most populous and economically influential departments in the country, with a diverse economy anchored in manufacturing (textiles, clothing, chemicals), services, and agriculture (fruits, coffee, and flowers). The region also engages in mining and generates substantial hydroelectric energy.

Culturally, Antioquia is known for festivals such as the Feria de las Flores in Medellín and for tourist destinations like Guatapé and the colonial town of Santa Fe de Antioquia. The metropolitan area is served by the Medellín Metro and a network of cable systems, and the department comprises about 125 municipalities.