Why is much of Colombia’s population concentrated in the mountainous interior?

The concentration of Colombia’s population in the mountainous interior is a historical pattern that predates the Spanish conquest. The Andean region has long served as the center of the nation's political and economic power, hosting its most populous cities, including Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali.12

Historically, this region was favored by advanced indigenous groups, such as the Chibcha, who practiced sedentary, intensive agriculture on high plateaus like the Cordillera Oriental. These areas provided a favorable environment for the growth of civilization compared to other parts of the country. While the Llanos and Amazonian rainforest cover nearly two-thirds of Colombia's land area, they have remained sparsely inhabited due to their geography and climate. Conversely, the Andean region's fertile valleys, such as the Cauca valley and the Antioquia highlands, have supported sustained economic activity and growth, cementing the mountains as the country's demographic core.312