Insular Region of Colombia

The Insular Region of Colombia is one of the 6 natural regions that make up the country.

Departments and Capitals of the Insular Region of Colombia

Below is the complete list of departments and capitals of the Insular region:

Flags and Departments

• San Andrés y Providencia

Bolívar (Rosario Islands)
Bolívar (San Bernardo Islands)
Cauca (Gorgona Island)
Valle del Cauca (Malpelo Island)

Departments and Capitals of the Insular Region

• San Andrés y Providencia: San Andrés Island

Subregions

The Insular Region of Colombia is divided into several subregions, which are:

• Archipelago of San Andrés and Providencia
• Gorgona Island
• Malpelo
• San Bernardo Archipelago
• Corales del Rosario Islands
• Fuerte Island
• Tortuguilla Island
• Tierra Bomba Island

National Natural Parks of the Insular Region

Below is the list of National Natural Parks of the Colombian Insular Region:

• Parque nacional natural Old Providence McBean Lagoon
• Parque nacional natural Islas Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo
• Parque nacional natural Gorgona
• Parque nacional natural Malpelo

Economy of the Insular Region

The economy of the region, especially the area comprising the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, is an economic zone in constant growth and development.

The economy of this region is based on fishing, tourism and agriculture.

• Fishing is a traditional and very important activity for the economy of the region, and is carried out both in deep and shallow waters.
• On the other hand, tourism is one of the main sources of income for the region, thanks to its paradisiacal beaches, its culture and its natural attractions. It is also a very important area for ecological tourism in the country, receiving a large number of national and international tourists throughout the year.
• Agriculture also plays an important role in the economy of the region, with fruit and vegetable crops that supply especially the local market and the tourists who visit it.
• In addition, the insular region has a free trade zone that offers tax and customs advantages for commercial activities, making it an attractive destination for foreign investment.

Additionally, Gorgona Island functions as a natural park used for biological research.

Flora and Fauna of the Insular Region of Colombia

San Andrés has beautiful white sand beaches, many species of birds, not to mention the immense marine fauna, making it one of the most beautiful and paradisiacal places one can visit in the Caribbean.

In the region, various species of birds can be found, including the yellow-eared parrot and the San Andrés woodpecker, which are exclusive to the area.

In its marine wealth you can find: turtles, sharks, lobsters, snails and a great variety of fish.

Thanks to its great coral reef, there is an abundant variety of underwater flora and fauna in which sponges of all shapes and colors stand out, making it a popular destination for diving and snorkeling.

In the underwater animal life we can find puffer fish, angelfish, trumpetfish, snappers, rays, lobsters, moray eels, among others.

As for flora, the region has a great variety of plant species, including the deer's horn tree, the rose of Jericho and the San Andrés cycad.

Gorgona Island, located in the Colombian Pacific, has a great variety of animal species, including humpback whales, dolphins, hammerhead sharks and sea turtles. In addition, the island is home to various species of birds, such as the blue-footed booby and the frigatebird.

On the other hand, Malpelo Island, located in the Colombian Pacific, is one of the most important places for the conservation of marine fauna in the world. The island is home to various species of sharks, such as the hammerhead shark, tiger shark and whale shark, as well as other marine species, such as giant rays and turtles.

Although this region has faced different challenges in the conservation of its flora and fauna, efforts are currently being made to protect and preserve these unique species and ensure their long-term survival.

Celebrations and Festivals of the Insular Region

Among the most popular celebrations and festivals of the Colombian Insular region are:

• Raizal Culture Festival: This festival is celebrated in San Andrés in November and is an opportunity to learn about the rich culture of the Raizales, the original inhabitants of the island. The festival includes parades, gastronomy samples, music and traditional dances.
• Green Moon Festival: The festival begins with a beautiful march to the beat of drums through the main streets of the island. This celebration teaches us the history of these islands; it shows us how the indigenous people totally disappeared from the island, as well as how they were colonized by the English who introduced Africans as labor in large plantations. We can see this influence in the culture of San Andrés.
• The Crab Festival: a gastronomic celebration held in San Andrés, where the islanders prepare various dishes based on crab, various appetizers, carambolas, crab rice, cakes, pastries, etc. This festival is very cheerful with good music and dance to entertain all the attendees of said celebration, both locals and tourists.
• Providencia Carnival: This carnival, celebrated in Providencia in July, is a party full of color, music and dancing. During the festivities, the inhabitants of the island dress in traditional costumes and participate in parades and competitions.
• Coconut Festival: This festival, celebrated in San Andrés in August, pays homage to the coconut, one of the most important products of the region. During the festival, activities such as coconut-based food tastings, competitions and contests take place.

Find more information about the regions of Colombia at IGAC.