The capital of Colombia, Bogota is the largest city in the country and, at 12,146 feet above sea level, the third highest city in the world.Encyclopedia.com: Top ten highest cities in the world above sea level

Bogota is a unique combination of modern city high rises and colonial architecture peppered with dilapidated shanties. The city is divided into 20 localities that hold independent elections to elect by popular vote on administrative boards that are headed by local mayors.

Before being discovered by the Spanish in 1538, the area was already a major center of civilization in South America known as Bacatá and inhabited by the Muiscas. Explorer Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada renamed the area, combining the local area name and that of his birthplace (Santa Fe) to create the name Santa Fe de Bacata.