Colombia

Bogotá is Colombia’s capital and largest city, home to the president, Congress, and Supreme Court. Founded in 1538 as Santa Fe de Bogotá, it sits high in the Andes at about 2,640 m (8,660 ft), making it one of the world’s highest capitals. Today it’s the country’s political, cultural, and economic hub, known for landmarks like the historic La Candelaria district and the Gold Museum. Don’t confuse it with Medellín (the “City of Eternal Spring”), Cali (famous for salsa), or Cartagena (a fortified Caribbean port). Memory tip: Bogotá = Big Official Government—BOG. Or think “bo-go-TALL”: the capital with altitude in the Andes.