Amazonas Department facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Amazonas
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|||
| Motto(s):
Entre todos podemos
(Spanish: All of us, can) |
|||
| Anthem: Himno de Amazonas | |||
.svg)
Amazonas shown in red
|
|||
| Country |  Colombia |
||
| Region | Amazonía Region | ||
| Established | October 5, 1991 | ||
| Capital | Leticia | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 109,665 km2 (42,342 sq mi) | ||
| Area rank | 1st | ||
| Population
(2013)
|
|||
| • Total | 74,541 | ||
| • Rank | 30th | ||
| • Density | 0.679715/km2 (1.760455/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC-05 | ||
| ISO 3166 code | CO-AMA | ||
| Website | www.amazonas.gov.co | ||
.svg)
.svg)
The Amazonas Department (or Departamento del Amazonas in Spanish) is a special part of southern Colombia. Its capital city is Leticia. This area gets its name from the mighty Amazon River and the huge Amazon rainforest that covers most of it.
Contents
Welcome to Amazonas!
Amazonas is Colombia's largest department by area. It is almost entirely covered by the amazing Amazon rainforest. This makes it a very important place for nature and wildlife. It is home to many unique plants and animals.
Where is Amazonas?
This department is located in the very south of Colombia. It shares borders with Brazil and Peru. The famous Amazon River flows through it. This river is like a highway for people and animals.
The landscape is mostly flat. It has many rivers and streams. These waterways are part of the Amazon River system. They help create a rich and diverse environment.
Nature and Wildlife
The Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. This means it has a huge variety of living things. In Amazonas, you can find many incredible animals. These include colorful birds, monkeys, and jaguars. There are also many types of fish in the rivers.
The plant life is just as amazing. Giant water lilies float on the rivers. Tall trees form a dense canopy. This canopy is like a roof over the forest. It provides homes for many creatures. Protecting this forest is very important.
People and Culture
Many different groups of people live in Amazonas. A large part of the population is made up of indigenous communities. These groups have lived in the Amazon for thousands of years. They have unique cultures and traditions. They often live in harmony with nature.
The people here speak Spanish and many indigenous languages. Their way of life is often connected to the river and the forest. They use the forest for food, medicine, and building materials.
The Capital City: Leticia
Leticia is the capital city of Amazonas. It is located right on the Amazon River. It is also very close to the borders of Brazil and Peru. This makes Leticia a special place. You can easily visit two other countries from here!
Leticia is a busy port city. Boats are a main way to travel. The city has a lively market. Here, you can find local crafts and fresh produce. It is a gateway for exploring the Amazon.
A Bit of History
The Amazonas Department was officially established on October 5, 1991. Before that, it was a territory. The area has a long history. Indigenous people lived here long before Europeans arrived.
The name "Amazonas" comes from the Amazon River. This river was named by early explorers. They heard stories of female warriors, like the Amazons from Greek myths. The motto of the department is Entre todos podemos. This means "All of us, can" in Spanish. It shows a spirit of working together.
Images for kids
-
Amazonas shore.
See also
In Spanish: Amazonas (Colombia) para niños
