The Geography of Colombia
Colombia is a country in the northwest of South America which borders Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. It is a very bio diverse country with a wide range of landscapes and climates. The Caribbean Sea and The Pacific Ocean are on either side of the country and the Andes Mountain Range extend almost from one end of Colombia to the other in three distinct chains or cordilleras. Colombia is also partially occupied by The Amazon Rainforest as well as deserts in the northern part of the country.
Bogotá
Bogotá is the capital of Colombia located in the centre of the country on a plateau high up in the Andes mountains. It is the third highest capital city in the world at an altitude of 8661 ft above sea level. This is something you are likely to notice physically when travelling to this city. The effects of high altitude can make a person feel weary and short of breath. It can take a while to acclimatise to this. Bogotá also has a notoriously unpredictable climate. One moment you can be soaking in the sun in one of the many parks in the city and the next moment can find you in the middle of a torrential downpour.
Urban Sprawl in Bogotá
Bogotá has an estimated population of around 8 million which is currently increasing. Colombia is a country which has been plagued by civil war and economic development has suffered as a result of this. With high population densities in towns like Bogotá and poor economic development issues such as urban sprawl can become an issue. Urban sprawl is essentially the spread of an urban area across rural areas. As this is in response to a rapidly increasing population it usually involves minimal town planning and can result in poor infrastructure.
Issues associated with urban sprawl:
1. Traffic congestion
2. Pollution
Recreational Activities in Bogotá
Bogotá has the potential to be a fantastic holiday spot for someone who is willing to forgo some of their comforts and integrate in to the Colombian lifestyle. Bicycle tours or walking tours are a good way to get a feel for the city. Free walking tours are available from multiple companies in the city. Bicycle tours are available from about €12.50 and last approximately 3-5 hours, depending on the company. Bogotá is also famous for its street art and a number of different companies offer tours of the graffitied streets.
Bogotá
Bogotá is the capital of Colombia located in the centre of the country on a plateau high up in the Andes mountains. It is the third highest capital city in the world at an altitude of 8661 ft above sea level. This is something you are likely to notice physically when travelling to this city. The effects of high altitude can make a person feel weary and short of breath. It can take a while to acclimatise to this. Bogotá also has a notoriously unpredictable climate. One moment you can be soaking in the sun in one of the many parks in the city and the next moment can find you in the middle of a torrential downpour.
Urban Sprawl in Bogotá
Bogotá has an estimated population of around 8 million which is currently increasing. Colombia is a country which has been plagued by civil war and economic development has suffered as a result of this. With high population densities in towns like Bogotá and poor economic development issues such as urban sprawl can become an issue. Urban sprawl is essentially the spread of an urban area across rural areas. As this is in response to a rapidly increasing population it usually involves minimal town planning and can result in poor infrastructure.
Issues associated with urban sprawl:
1. Traffic congestion
2. Pollution
- Air
- Water
- Medical
- Residential
- Transport
Recreational Activities in Bogotá
Bogotá has the potential to be a fantastic holiday spot for someone who is willing to forgo some of their comforts and integrate in to the Colombian lifestyle. Bicycle tours or walking tours are a good way to get a feel for the city. Free walking tours are available from multiple companies in the city. Bicycle tours are available from about €12.50 and last approximately 3-5 hours, depending on the company. Bogotá is also famous for its street art and a number of different companies offer tours of the graffitied streets.