Atlántico Department, Administrative division in northern Colombia
Description
Atlántico Department is an administrative region along Colombia's Caribbean coast covering roughly 3,300 square kilometers with 23 municipalities spread throughout. Barranquilla serves as the capital and largest urban center where most economic activity takes place.
History
The region became an independent department in 1910 when it split from Bolívar during President Rafael Reyes' modernization reforms. This administrative change allowed for better management of the densely populated and economically important coastal area.
Culture
The name comes from the Atlantic Ocean that borders the region to the north and shapes local identity. People here blend Caribbean traditions with local customs visible in music, dance, and food throughout daily life.
Practical
The region stays warm year-round with average temperatures around 26°C, though coastal and inland areas experience different weather patterns. Visitors should pack light clothing and prepare for humidity, especially when exploring the smaller municipalities away from the coast.
Did you know?
Several municipalities carry the names of settlements from the pre-colonial Mocana people, such as Tubará and Usiacurí, which remain visible in the landscape today. These indigenous place names connect the modern administrative structure with the area's deeper past.
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Estadio Romelio Martínez
42.1 km
Queen Mary Cathedral, Barranquilla
42.3 km
Castle of Saint Anthony of Salgar
41.1 km
Laureano Gómez bridge
40.5 kmGrand Lodge of Colombia
42.7 km
Teatro Amira de la Rosa
43.1 kmEdificio Intendencia Fluvial
42.8 km
Museo de Arte Moderno de Barranquilla
53.5 km
Loa de los Santos Reyes Magos
16.5 km
Biblioteca Pública Departamental Meira Delmar
41.6 km
Biblioteca Piloto del Caribe
42.8 km
Joaquín Barrios Polo
36.4 km
El Totumo
31.8 km
Sitionuevo
30.4 km
Saint Nicholas of Tolentino Church
42.2 km
Zoologico de barranquilla
44.2 km
Ventana al mundo
45.1 km
Saint-Roch Church
41.7 km
Parque Cultural del Caribe
55.4 km
Teatro Colón
42.4 km
Museum of Poet Julio Florez
10.9 km
Museo del Atlántico
41.9 km
Plaza de la Paz, Barranquilla
42.3 km
Ciénaga de Mallorquín
46 km
Teatro Rex
42.5 km
Embalse del Guájaro
17.1 km
Plaza de san Nicolás
42.2 km
Museo del Carnaval
42.9 km
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