How Many People in Cali Colombia?
Are you curious about Cali, Colombia’s population? It’s one of the largest and most lively cities in the nation. Over the years, it has grown a lot. The 2024 population of the Cali, Colombia area is now estimated at 2,890,433. It’s growing by 0.93% each year, showing it’s still getting bigger.
Cali is the third-most populated city in Colombia, after Bogotá and Medellín. It started with 230,935 people in 1950. Now, it has over 2.2 million from the 2018 count. The city is widespread, covering 560.3 square kilometers. This makes the population density about 3,600 people for every square kilometer.
Its location and strong economy have helped Cali grow. It’s also known for sports and culture. As the city changes and gets bigger, it’s becoming more important to Colombia‘s growth.
Key Takeaways
- The 2024 population of the Cali, Colombia metropolitan area is estimated to be 2,890,433.
- Cali is the third-most populous city in Colombia, behind Bogotá and Medellín.
- Cali’s population has experienced rapid growth, increasing from 230,935 residents in 1950 to over 2.2 million by 2018.
- The Cali metropolitan area covers 560.3 square kilometers, resulting in a population density of around 3,600 people per square kilometer.
- Cali’s strategic location, thriving economy, and status as a major hub have contributed to its steady population expansion.
Cali: A Vibrant City in Southwestern Colombia
Cali is a fascinating city in the southwest of Colombia. It is full of rich history and lively culture. Officially known as Santiago de Cali, it’s located near the Cauca River. It’s also close to the stunning Western Cordillera mountain range.
Geographical Location and Coordinates
Cali is strategically placed as the main Colombian city near the Pacific coast. This makes it a key economic and transport hub in the south. Its position has greatly aided in the city’s growth and development.
Nicknames: La Capital Mundial de la Salsa and More
Cali is famous for its many nicknames, showing its vibrant culture. The most popular is “La Capital Mundial de la Salsa,” or “The Salsa Capital of the World.” This title reflects Cali’s deep love for salsa music and dance. Other names include “Capital de la felicidad” (Capital of Happiness), “Capital deportiva de Colombia” (Sports Capital of Colombia), “Sucursal del cielo” (Branch of Heaven), and “La sultana del Valle” (The Sultana of the Valley). Each name celebrates a different part of Cali’s unique character.
Population Statistics and Demographics
Latest data from the United Nations shows Cali’s population area has 2,890,433 people by 2024. It covers 560.3 square kilometers. This makes the city’s density about 3,600 folks in each square kilometer. Cali ranks as the third most-populated city in Colombia, after Bogotá, the capital, and Medellín.
Ethnic and Religious Diversity
Cali boasts a rich mix of people, including Afro-Colombians, indigenous groups, and the Romani. They have their distinct languages like Spanish, Amerindian tongues, Creole, and even Romani. The city shows strong ties to the Catholic and Protestant faiths, about 87% of the population. The rest are atheist or don’t hold a religious belief.
How Many People in Cali Colombia?
2018 Census: Over 2.2 Million Residents
In 2018, Cali had over 2,227,642 people, as seen in the census. It’s the third largest city in Colombia. Just Bogotá and Medellín have more residents.
The Cali area, which includes nearby suburbs, housed an estimated 2,725,931. So, it’s clearly an important city in Colombia.
Cali’s Rapid Population Growth Over the Decades
In the year 1950, Cali had 230,935 people living there. By 1985, this number grew a lot, reaching over 1.3 million. Then, in 2005, Cali saw over 2 million residents.
This speedy growth came from more people being born, moving from the countryside to the city, and Cali’s economy and culture developing. The city’s great location, strong economy, and being a key sports and entertainment place helped too.
A Sporting and Economic Powerhouse
Cali has a proud history of hosting big sports events. It has become known as a top spot for sports. The city hosted the Pan American Games in 1971. Since then, it has had big events like the World Wrestling Championships in 1992, and the World Games in 2013.
The city also hosted the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in 2014. And in 2021, it was the first host of the Junior Pan American Games. Cali’s great sports places and buildings make it a favorite for big events.
Hosting Major International Events
Cali’s sports centers are famous. From the Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero to the Coliseo Minor. These places have brought big sports groups here. Cali’s skill in organizing these events has made it well-known. The city can make any big sports event a great time.
One of Colombia’s Fastest-Growing Economies
Cali isn’t just about sports. It’s also a big economic spot in Colombia. It’s growing fast. This is due to its location by the Pacific, and its strong industries like manufacturing. Finance and tourism are also growing here.
Many kinds of businesses, big and small, are found in Cali. They are helping our economy grow. By 2023, we expect our economy to be worth $45.9 billion. This shows how important we are for Colombia’s growth.
Historical Roots and Cultural Heritage
Cali’s story began long ago, before the Spanish conquerors arrived, it was populated by various indigenous tribes. Among them were the Gorrones, living between present-day Roldanillo and Santiago de Cali. Then you had the Morrones, whose main spot was near the Pescador River, trading with the Quimbayas.
Pre-Columbian Era and Indigenous Settlements
The Spanish arrived, and though the native tribes fought back, they were overcome. Their way of life changed forever. Still, their influence on Cali’s culture and traditions remains strong.
Colonial Period and Independence Struggles
Cali was officially born on July 25, 1536, founded by Spanish explorer Sebastián de Belalcázar. He originally placed the city a bit north of where it stands now. The city moved to its current spot the following year. During the colonial times, Cali was part of the Governorate of Popayán. This was governed by the Audiencia of Quito.
In 1810, Cali chose not to follow the Spanish Council of Regency, opting for its own junta instead. This was a key moment in the region’s fight for freedom from Spain. It was finally freed in 1819 after Simón Bolívar won the Battle of Boyacá.
Urban Landscape and Infrastructure
Cali has changed a lot over the years, going from a small town to a big city. Its size has grown way beyond the old city center. We now have many more neighborhoods and suburbs, thanks to growth that brought in old farms and lands. This transformed our landscape. Today, our lively city is spread over 560.3 square kilometers. This makes it the second biggest city in Colombia.
City Sprawl and Expansion
Cali’s important location and its growth have meant we needed better ways to get around. The Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport is a key part of this. It helps lots of people travel, from within Colombia to far-away places.
Transportation and Connectivity
Our city is also well-connected by roads to the rest of Colombia and the Pacific coast. Even in the colonial times, we had the first mule and horse trails here. Now, we have buses, a fast transit system, and more bicycle lanes for green travel. This gives people quick, eco-friendly ways to move around.
Quality of Life and Future Prospects
Cali shines with a mix of great schools and healthcare facilities. The city is known for its strong higher education scene. It has both public and private universities, with the University of Valle as a top choice in Colombia. And it shows the same care for health, with many hospitals, clinics, and more ready to help.
Education and Healthcare Facilities
Cali really prizes learning and good health. It has top schools and the latest in medical care. This lets everyone in Cali have the best chance to do well. These efforts help make Cali a top pick for those looking for a great place to live and work.
Employment Opportunities and Economic Development
Cali is a big deal in Colombia’s economy. This has made jobs in many fields easy to find. Places like manufacturing, finance, and tourism are just a start. With strong investments from home and abroad, Cali looks set to keep growing and doing well.
Conclusion
Cali is a lively city in southwestern Colombia known for its rich history and mix of people. It is the third-largest city in Colombia with over 2.8 million residents. The city is growing because of its great location, strong economy, and its love for sports and culture.
The city keeps getting better, making it more important for Colombia’s future. We can’t wait to see how Cali’s unique history, mixed culture, and new ideas will lead the way. The future looks bright for this dynamic city.
Cali has changed a lot from its early days to now being a key spot for sports and fun. Looking forward, we see Cali continuing to be an exciting place that everyone loves. It’s surely one of Colombia’s most lively and important cities.
