The 6 Natural Regions
of Colombia
The Colombian territory is divided into 6 natural regions with distinct geographic, climatic and cultural characteristics. Each region groups departments with similarities in ecosystems, relief and traditions.
The Andean Region is the largest of the 6 natural regions of Colombia and is located in the center of the country with 17 departments.
The Caribbean region of Colombia consists of 8 departments, it is one of the 6 natural regions of Colombia, located north of the country facing the Caribbean Sea.
The Pacific Region of Colombia consists of 4 departments and is part of the 6 natural regions of Colombia, located facing the Colombian Pacific Ocean.
The Amazon region of Colombia or Amazonía, is one of the 6 natural regions of Colombia. The 8 departments and capitals of the Amazon region of Colombia.
The Orinoquía Region of Colombia, also known as the Eastern Plains of Colombia, is one of the 6 natural regions of Colombia with 4 departments.
The Insular Region of Colombia is also one of the 6 natural regions of Colombia. It is a set of islands, keys and islets away from the coasts.
What are the natural regions of Colombia?
The natural regions of Colombia are territorial divisions based on similar geographic, climatic and ecological characteristics. Unlike the departments —which are political-administrative divisions—, natural regions reflect the country's environmental and cultural diversity.
Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, thanks to its tropical location and variety of ecosystems: from the Amazon rainforest to coastlines on two oceans, Andean páramos, vast eastern plains and Caribbean archipelagos. This ecological wealth is the foundation of the regional division.
The 6 natural regions
The Colombian territory is divided into six major natural regions, each with its own characteristics:
- Andean Region: the most populated area of the country, it occupies the center and crosses Colombia from south to north with three mountain ranges. It is home to the main cities: Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Bucaramanga and Manizales. It comprises 15 departments.
- Caribbean Region: northern coast of the country, bathed by the Caribbean Sea. Warm climate, tropical cultures, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and cities like Barranquilla and Cartagena. It comprises 8 departments.
- Pacific Region: western coastline, one of the areas with the highest rainfall and biodiversity on the planet. Predominantly Afro-Colombian culture, humid jungles and powerful rivers. It comprises 4 departments.
- Amazonian Region: the largest, covering more than a third of the national territory. Tropical rainforest, great indigenous diversity and unique ecosystems like Chiribiquete National Park. It comprises 6 departments.
- Orinoquía Region: the Eastern Plains, flat territory of savannas and large rivers. Llanero culture, extensive cattle ranching and oil. It comprises 4 departments.
- Insular Region: the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina in the Caribbean Sea. Raizal culture with Anglo-Caribbean influence and biosphere reserve. It comprises 1 department.
How many regions does Colombia have?
Colombia has 6 natural regions officially recognized. This division has no legal-administrative value like the departments, but it is fundamental for understanding the country's geography, climate, economy and culture.
Some academic texts and IGAC also identify the Amazon-Orinoquía region as a single large eastern region, or point to the Andean-Pacific corridor as a transverse zone; however, the six-region classification is the most widespread in education and public administration.
When were the natural regions of Colombia created?
The 6 natural regions of Colombia were established in the 1940s by German geographer Alfonso Cabrera, who proposed a classification of Colombian territory based on physical and environmental factors: climate, relief, vegetation and soil type.
This classification was adopted by the Agustín Codazzi Geographic Institute (IGAC) and became the official way of dividing Colombian territory for educational, scientific and planning purposes. Unlike the departments —which are political-administrative divisions created by the Constitution—, natural regions are a geographic and pedagogical tool that reflects the country's environmental diversity.
Map of the regions of Colombia
The map of natural regions clearly shows the distribution of the relief: the Andes mountain range dominates the western center of the country, splitting into three branches (Western, Central and Eastern); to the east lie the plains and the Amazon; to the north the Caribbean lowlands; and to the west the Pacific jungle.
Each of the 6 natural regions of Colombia is home to departments with unique cultural identities, specific natural resources and particular development challenges. The Andean Region is the most populated, while the Amazonian is the largest in the national territory.
The map shows the six regions differentiated by color, the departments that make them up and their main geographic boundaries. It is a useful resource for students, teachers and anyone who wants to understand the territorial distribution of Colombia.
Download Regions Map
Economic importance of the regions
Natural regions largely determine the economic vocation of the departments. The Andean Region concentrates industry, services and cold-climate agriculture (potatoes, flowers, coffee). The Caribbean and Pacific regions are strategic for foreign trade due to their ports. The Amazonian and Orinoquía regions hold large reserves of oil, gas and minerals, in addition to incalculable biodiversity. The Insular Region bases its economy on tourism and commerce.