Sumapaz

Summary

Sumapaz is the 20th locality of Bogotá, capital of Colombia. It is the largest of Bogotá's 20 localities, starting in the north at the edge of the urban frontier with Usme and stretching to the south at the border of Cundinamarca with the departments of Meta and Huila. It is completely rural, with no city services.

Sumapaz
Location of the locality in the Capital District of Bogotá
Location of the locality in the Capital District of Bogotá
Coordinates: 4°15′36″N 74°10′42″W / 4.26000°N 74.17833°W / 4.26000; -74.17833
Country Colombia
CityBogotá D.C.
Area
 • Total780.96 km2 (301.53 sq mi)
Elevation
3,500 m (11,500 ft)
Population
 (2007)[1]
 • Total5,667
 • Density7.3/km2 (19/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time)
WebsiteOfficial website

History edit

The Sumapaz Páramo, covering most of the locality, was a sacred site for the indigenous Muisca in pre-Columbian times. In the 16th century, it was discovered by conquistadors led by Nicolaus Federmann in their quest for El Dorado.

It has been the stage for several rural conflicts, including those of 1928 and 1946. La Violencia of 1948 gave rise to the formation of the guerrilla groups still present in Colombia. At the beginning of the 21st century, the Colombian army took the territory from guerrilla hands as part of a counter-guerrilla strategy of president Álvaro Uribe.

Economy edit

The population is dependent on small-scale farming and livestock.

General information edit

Borders edit

Hydrology edit

Within the borders of the locality, several rivers are formed, mostly within Sumapaz National Park. The two largest rivers are the Pilar and Sumapaz River, the latter flowing into the Magdalena River.

Points of interest edit

References edit

  1. ^ (in Spanish) Population 2007 - DANE

External links edit

  • (in Spanish) Video about Sumapaz
  • (in Spanish) National University of Colombia site about Sumapaz