What is Amazonas, and where is it located within Colombia?

Amazonas is a department situated in the southern region of Colombia. It holds the distinction of being the largest department in the country based on its geographical area.

What is the capital city of the Amazonas department?

The designated capital city of the Amazonas department is Leticia.

What geographical feature gives the Amazonas department its name?

The department derives its name from the mighty Amazon River, which is the primary river that drains the entire territory.

How does the Amazonas department's size compare to other Colombian departments in terms of area and population?

Amazonas stands out as the largest department in Colombia by area, yet it ranks among the smallest in population, holding the position of having the third smallest population among all departments.

What is the primary geographical characteristic of the Amazonas department's territory?

The Amazonas department is entirely comprised of territory belonging to the Amazon Rainforest, reflecting its deep connection to this vital ecosystem.

What is the "Amazonian Trapeze," and where is it geographically situated within the department?

The "Amazonian Trapeze" refers to the southernmost part of the Amazonas department, located below the Putumayo River. This unique region encompasses the tri-border area where Colombia, Peru, and Brazil converge, with the Amazon River itself marking its southern boundary.

What is the historical origin of the name "Amazonas" as applied to the river and the department?

The name "Amazonas" originates from the Spanish explorer Francisco de Orellana during his 16th-century expedition. He recounted an encounter with fierce female warriors, whom he likened to the Amazons of Greek mythology, leading him to name the river and surrounding region accordingly. It is also suggested that he may have been impressed by long-haired native warriors.

Which indigenous ethnic groups inhabit the Amazonas department?

The Amazonas department is home to a diverse array of indigenous ethnic groups, including but not limited to the Bora, Cocama, Macuna, Mirana, Okaina, Ticunas, Tucano, Uitoto, Yagua, and Yucuna.

How ancient is the presence of indigenous peoples in the Amazonas department?

The indigenous groups residing in the Amazonas department possess a rich history that spans over 5,000 years, indicating a long-standing cultural heritage in the region.

What was the recorded population of the Amazonas department in the year 2018?

According to data from 2018, the population of the Amazonas department was 76,589 individuals.

How does the 2018 population figure for Amazonas rank in comparison to other Colombian departments?

With a population of 76,589 in 2018, Amazonas was the 30th most populous department among Colombia's administrative divisions.

What is the population density of the Amazonas department?

The population density in the Amazonas department is approximately 0.69839 people per square kilometer, which is equivalent to about 1.8088 people per square mile. This low density highlights the vastness of the area relative to its population.

What is the total land area covered by the Amazonas department?

The Amazonas department encompasses a total area of 109,665 square kilometers, which is equivalent to 42,342 square miles.

How does the area of Amazonas compare to other Colombian departments?

Amazonas is the largest department in Colombia in terms of land area, covering 109,665 square kilometers (42,342 square miles).

What was the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Amazonas reported for the year 2022?

In 2022, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for Amazonas was reported as 1,068 billion Colombian Pesos (COP), which converts to approximately 0.3 billion US Dollars (US$).

Which time zone is observed in the Amazonas department?

The Amazonas department operates on the UTC-05 time zone.

What is the official ISO 3166 code assigned to the Amazonas department?

The standardized ISO 3166 code for the Amazonas department is CO-AMA.

What was the Human Development Index (HDI) for Amazonas in 2019, and how did it rank nationally?

In 2019, the Human Development Index (HDI) for Amazonas was recorded at 0.717, which is categorized as 'high.' Nationally, it ranked 26th out of the 33 departments in Colombia.

What is the official web address for the government of the Amazonas department?

The official website for the government of the Amazonas department can be accessed at www.amazonas.gov.co.

What is the official motto of the Amazonas department?

The official motto of the Amazonas department is "Entre todos podemos," a Spanish phrase that translates to "All together we can."

What is the title of the official anthem for the Amazonas department?

The official anthem of the Amazonas department is known as the "Himno de Amazonas."

What was the administrative status of Amazonas prior to its establishment as a department in 1991?

Before being officially designated as a department in 1991, Amazonas held the status of an intendancy, a different form of administrative division within Colombia, starting from 1931.

What does the image depicting a site in Leticia with the Victoria Regia represent?

The image showcases a location in Leticia, the capital of Amazonas, likely featuring the Victoria Regia, a distinctive large water lily found in the Amazon basin, highlighting the region's unique botanical features.

What does the flag shown in the department's infobox represent?

The flag displayed within the infobox is the official flag representing the Amazonas Department of Colombia.

What is the significance of the coat of arms featured in the infobox?

The coat of arms presented in the infobox serves as the official symbol and emblem of the Department of Amazonas in Colombia.

How is the geographical location of the Amazonas department visually indicated on the provided map of Colombia?

On the map of Colombia, the Amazonas department is visually highlighted in red, clearly delineating its position within the country's national territory.

What information is conveyed by the topographic map of the Amazonas department?

The topographic map provides a visual representation of the Amazonas department's terrain, illustrating its various elevations, landforms, and geographical features.

What does the political map of the Amazonas department illustrate?

The political map of the Amazonas department displays its internal administrative divisions, specifically identifying and outlining the boundaries of its various municipalities.

What proportion of the Amazonas department's territory is designated as protected area?

A substantial portion of the Amazonas department, amounting to 109,665 square kilometers (42,342 square miles), is designated as protected area. Much of this has been recognized as a forest reserve since 1959.

How many national parks are officially recognized within the Amazonas department?

There are currently four national parks located within the boundaries of the Amazonas department: Amacayacu, Cahuinarí, Río Puré, and Yaigojé Apaporis.

Could you list the municipalities that comprise the Amazonas department?

The Amazonas department is administratively divided into the following municipalities: El Encanto, La Chorrera, La Pedrera, La Victoria, Leticia, Mirití-Paraná, Puerto Alegría, Puerto Arica, Puerto Nariño, Puerto Santander, and Tarapacá.

Besides the Colombian department, what other major administrative regions share the name "Amazonas"?

The name "Amazonas" is also used for significant administrative regions in neighboring countries, specifically Amazonas State in Venezuela and Amazonas State in Brazil, reflecting the vastness of the Amazon region.

What historical population figures are documented for the Amazonas department?

Historical population data for Amazonas includes figures such as 6,414 in 1938, 7,619 in 1951, 12,962 in 1964, 15,677 in 1973, 39,937 in 1985, 56,399 in 1993, 67,726 in 2005, and 76,589 in 2018.

What was the percentage population growth in Amazonas between 1973 and 1985?

The population of Amazonas experienced a significant increase of 154.7% between the years 1973 and 1985.

What was the percentage population growth in Amazonas between 2005 and 2018?

From 2005 to 2018, the population of Amazonas grew by 13.1%.

Who currently holds the position of Governor for the Amazonas department?

The current Governor of the Amazonas department is Óscar Sánchez Guerrero, who began his term in 2024 and continues to serve in the present.

What types of external resources are available for further information on the Amazonas department?

Additional information can be found through external resources such as a travel guide on Wikivoyage, the Territorial-Environmental Information System of Colombian Amazon (SIAT-AC) website, and archived travel information specific to Leticia and its surrounding areas.

To which major administrative region of Colombia does Amazonas belong?

The Amazonas department is part of the Amazonía Region, one of the major administrative and geographical regions of Colombia.

What is the significance of the "forest reserve" designation in Amazonas since 1959?

The designation of large parts of Amazonas as a "forest reserve" since 1959 highlights a long-standing recognition and effort towards the conservation and protection of the department's extensive rainforest environment.

How does Amazonas's population density reflect its geographical characteristics?

With a population density of less than one person per square kilometer, Amazonas exhibits an extremely low population density, which is characteristic of its vast and largely undeveloped rainforest terrain.

What does the historical term "intendancy" imply regarding Amazonas's past administrative structure?

The classification of Amazonas as an "intendancy" prior to 1991 indicates that it was governed under a specific administrative framework distinct from its current status as a department, suggesting a different level of autonomy or structure in Colombia's past.

What is the literal translation and implied meaning of the Amazonas department's motto, "Entre todos podemos"?

The Spanish motto "Entre todos podemos" translates directly to "All together we can." This suggests a core value of collective action, unity, and shared responsibility within the department.

What purpose does the ISO 3166-2 code, CO-AMA, serve for the Amazonas department?

The ISO 3166-2 code CO-AMA provides a standardized, unique identifier for the Amazonas department, facilitating consistent data management and recognition across various international and national systems.

What does the 'high' classification of Amazonas's Human Development Index (HDI) signify?

An HDI rating of 0.717 classified as 'high' indicates that Amazonas generally performs well in key areas of human development, such as life expectancy, educational attainment, and income levels, when compared to global benchmarks.

What is the function of the 'Authority control databases' section found in the article?

The 'Authority control databases' section links to external, specialized databases like GND and Yale LUX. These links provide standardized cataloging information and metadata for the Amazonas department, aiding researchers in finding and verifying information across different systems.

What does the inclusion of multiple national flags in the navigational box (Navbox) signify?

The Navbox displays flags representing the various departments of Colombia. Its purpose is to provide easy navigation between these different administrative regions, showing Amazonas in the context of the country's other departments.

What is the geopolitical significance of the "Amazonian Trapeze"?

The Amazonian Trapeze is significant because it contains the unique tri-border area where Colombia, Peru, and Brazil meet, with the Amazon River forming a major part of its southern border, making it a point of convergence for three South American nations.

What information is provided by the citation referencing the 2023 gubernatorial elections in Amazonas?

The citation related to the 2023 gubernatorial elections points to the results for the governorship of Amazonas, confirming the existence of electoral processes and the selection of leadership within the department.

What can be inferred from the archived link to the Amazonas government's website regarding geographical information?

The archived link suggests that the official government website for Amazonas previously contained detailed geographical information about the department, indicating the importance placed on disseminating such data and the preservation efforts for this information.

What is the implication of referencing DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística) for data on Amazonas?

Citing DANE, Colombia's national statistics agency, for data such as population and GDP implies that the figures presented for Amazonas are official, verified statistics, lending credibility to the information provided.

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Introduction to Amazonas

A Vast Ecological Province

The Department of Amazonas stands as Colombia's largest administrative division by area, encompassing a significant portion of the Amazon Rainforest. Despite its immense geographical footprint, it ranks third lowest in population among all Colombian departments. Its strategic location is defined by the mighty Amazon River, which lends its name to the department and serves as a vital artery through its territory.

Geographical Significance

The department's territory is almost entirely situated within the Amazon basin. A notable feature is the "Amazonian Trapeze," the southern region south of the Putumayo River. This unique geographical area includes the tri-border confluence of Colombia, Peru, and Brazil, with the Amazon River forming its southernmost boundary. This confluence point is of immense geopolitical and ecological importance.

Administrative Context

Established as an intendancy in 1931 and later reorganized as a department in 1991, Amazonas operates under a distinct administrative framework. Its capital, Leticia, serves as the primary urban center and administrative hub, connecting this remote region to the rest of Colombia and the world. The department's governance is overseen by a governor, with Óscar Sánchez Guerrero holding the position from 2024 onwards.

Etymological Origins

The Name's Genesis

The name "Amazonas" is derived directly from the Amazon River. Historical accounts attribute the naming to the Spanish explorer Francisco de Orellana during his 16th-century expedition. Orellana reported an encounter with fierce female warriors, which reminded him of the Amazons of Greek mythology. While the existence of such a tribe is debated, the conqueror's impression led him to christen the vast jungle and the river that flows through it with the name "Amazon."

Population and Heritage

Diverse Indigenous Communities

The Department of Amazonas is home to a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures, many with ancestral ties to the region stretching back over 5,000 years. Prominent ethnic groups include the Bora, Cocama, Macuna, Mirana, Okaina, Ticunas, Tucano, Uitoto, Yagua, and Yucuna, among others. These communities represent a vital part of the department's cultural heritage and ecological stewardship.

Population Trends

As of 2018, the department's population was recorded at 76,589 individuals. This figure represents a modest growth rate, reflecting the challenges and unique characteristics of life in this remote region. The population density remains very low, underscoring the vast, sparsely inhabited nature of the Amazonian landscape.

Historical Population
Year	Population	% Change
1938	6,414	—
1951	7,619	+18.8%
1964	12,962	+70.1%
1973	15,677	+20.9%
1985	39,937	+154.7%
1993	56,399	+41.2%
2005	67,726	+20.1%
2018	76,589	+13.1%

Conservation Efforts

Protected Natural Areas

The Department of Amazonas is a significant hub for conservation, with a substantial portion of its territory designated as protected areas. Since 1959, much of its land has been recognized as a "forest reserve." Currently, the department is home to four officially designated National Parks: Amacayacú, Cahuinarí, Río Pure, and Yaigojé Apaporis. These parks are crucial for preserving the unique biodiversity and ecological integrity of the Amazon Rainforest.

Administrative Divisions

Key Municipalities

The department is structured into several municipalities and communities, each contributing to the region's unique character. The primary administrative center and capital is Leticia. Other significant municipalities include:

El Encanto
La Chorrera
La Pedrera
La Victoria
Leticia
Mirití-Paraná
Puerto Alegría
Puerto Arica
Puerto Nariño
Puerto Santander
Tarapacá

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This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional geographical, cultural, or administrative consultation. Always refer to official Colombian government sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs related to the region.

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Amazonas Unveiled

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Introduction to Amazonas 🗺️

🏞️ A Vast Ecological Province

📍 Geographical Significance

🏛️ Administrative Context

Etymological Origins 📜

🗣️ The Name's Genesis

Population and Heritage 👥

🌍 Diverse Indigenous Communities

📊 Population Trends

Conservation Efforts 🌳

🌿 Protected Natural Areas

Administrative Divisions 🏛️

🏘️ Key Municipalities

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Introduction to Amazonas

A Vast Ecological Province

Geographical Significance

Administrative Context

Etymological Origins

The Name's Genesis

Population and Heritage

Diverse Indigenous Communities

Population Trends

Conservation Efforts

Protected Natural Areas

Administrative Divisions

Key Municipalities

Sources

Cited Information

Test Your Knowledge

Interactive Quiz

Study Aids

Flashcards

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

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Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

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Disclaimer

Important Notice