Atlántico Department, Administrative division in northern Colombia
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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