chocó

Chocó is a department of Colombia located in the country’s Pacific region along the western coast. Its capital is Quibdó. The department is known for its extremely high rainfall, extensive tropical rainforest, and rich biodiversity. It is part of the Chocó biogeographic region, a globally important area of dense forests and river systems that extend from the coast into the hinterlands.

Geographically, Chocó encompasses lowland tropical rainforest and substantial river networks, including major rivers such as the Atrato and San Juan. The Pacific coast supports coastal and mangrove ecosystems, while inland areas rise into tropical forests and mountain foothills. The climate is hot and very wet, contributing to one of the world’s most productive yet fragile ecosystems.

Demographically, the department has one of Colombia’s smaller populations, with a large Afro-Colombian community alongside Indigenous groups such as the Emberá and Wounaan. Spanish is the dominant language, with Indigenous languages spoken within communities. The region’s cultural fabric reflects Afro-Colombian, Indigenous, and coastal traditions.

Economically, Chocó relies on fishing, forestry, mining, and agriculture, but development remains limited by dense terrain and infrastructure gaps. Transport is often by river or air, with coastal towns such as Nuquí and Bahía Solano serving as important access points. The area has faced social and environmental challenges, including effects from armed conflict and illegal activities, which have contributed to displacement and poverty in parts of the region.

Conservation and identity are central to Chocó, which hosts protected areas such as Utría National Natural Park and supports a high level of biodiversity despite ongoing developmental pressures.