Florencia

Colombia

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Florencia, city, southeastern Colombia, in the eastern slopes of the Andean Cordillera Oriental, on the Orteguaza River, a tributary of the Caquetá. It was founded in 1908 by Capuchin missionaries. Cattle raising and rice cultivation are widespread around Florencia. The city also serves as a trading centre for the densely forested lowlands to the south and east. Florencia is linked by road to Neiva, capital of Huila department, 95 miles (153 km) to the north-northeast in the Andes. Pop. (2003 est.) 123,038.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.

Caquetá

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Caquetá

department, Colombia

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

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Caquetá, departamento, southern Colombia, bounded south by the Caquetá River and northeast by the Apaporis River. Given commissary status in 1910 and raised to intendency level in 1950 and to department status in the late 1970s, the territory consists of forested lowlands except in the west, where it rises abruptly into the Andean Cordillera (mountains) Oriental. The region is known for its cedar, mahogany, rubber, ipecac, and other trees. Tropical plants such as bananas and other fruits are cultivated in the lowlands, and corn (maize) predominates in the highlands. Cattle raising is widespread around the department capital, Florencia. The only major road runs from Neiva in Huila departamento across the Andes to Florencia. Other transport is by river or by air. Area 34,350 square miles (88,965 square km). Pop. (2007 est.) 427,634.