Bogotá

Bogotá, officially Bogotá, D.C., is the capital and largest city of Colombia. It is located in the Andean region on the eastern edge of the Altiplano de la Sabana de Bogotá, at an altitude of about 2,640 meters (8,660 feet) above sea level. The city sits in the department of Cundinamarca and serves as Colombia’s political, administrative, cultural, and economic center.

Founded on December 6, 1538 by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada as Santa Fe de Bogotá, it developed as the seat of the Spanish conquest and later became the capital of the Republic of Colombia. It is the country’s most populous city, with about 7–8 million residents in the city proper and around 10 million in the metropolitan area.

Bogotá has a temperate climate, with mild temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 7 to 19°C (45–66°F) and a bimodal rainfall pattern with wetter seasons in spring and autumn. The urban core includes the historic district of La Candelaria, known for its colonial architecture, museums, and cultural venues, while other notable neighborhoods include Chapinero, Usaquén, and Suba.

The city hosts cultural institutions such as the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), Botero Museum, National Museum, and numerous universities, including the Universidad Nacional de Colombia and Universidad de los Andes. Its economy centers on services, government, education, finance, and manufacturing.

Transportation infrastructure features El Dorado International Airport and a large bus rapid transit system, TransMilenio. A metro project is in development to expand mass transit. Outdoor recreation is provided by parks and foothills such as Monserrate, which offers panoramic city views.