Medellín, officially known as the Special District of Science, Technology, and Innovation of Medellín, is the second-largest city in Colombia after Bogotá. It is the capital of the department of Antioquia and is located in the Aburrá Valley, a central area of the Andes Mountains in northwestern South America. According to the 2018 census, Medellín’s population was 2,427,129. The city’s metropolitan area is the second-largest urban region in Colombia by population and economy, with more than 4 million people.

In 1616, a Spanish man named Francisco de Herrera Campuzano built a small village called "Saint Lawrence of Aburrá" in what is now the El Poblado area. On November 2, 1675, Queen Mariana of Austria founded a town named "Villa de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de Medellín" in the Aná region, which is now the center of the city. This event marked the first use of the name "Medellín." In 1826, the city became the capital of the Department of Antioquia when the National Congress of the Republic of Gran Colombia, which included present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama, made the decision. After Colombia gained independence from Spain, Medellín served as the capital of the Federal State of Antioquia until 1888, when the Colombian Constitution of 1886 was established. During the 19th century, Medellín was a major center for trade, first exporting gold and later producing and exporting coffee.

In the late 20th century and early 21st century, Medellín experienced economic growth due to the construction of the Medellín Metro, changes in development policies, and improvements in security and education. Researchers from the Overseas Development Institute have recognized Medellín as a leader in a new model of economic development called the "local development state." The city is promoted internationally as a tourist destination and is classified as a "Gamma +" global city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. The Medellín Metropolitan Area contributes 67% of the Department of Antioquia’s GDP and 11% of Colombia’s total economy. Medellín is important to the region because of its universities, businesses, industries, scientific research, healthcare services, flower production, and festivals.

In February 2013, the Urban Land Institute named Medellín the most innovative city in the world for its progress in politics, education, and social development. The same year, Medellín received the Veronica Rudge Urbanism Award from Harvard University for its work on the North-Western Integral Development Project. In 2014, the city hosted the 7th World Urban Forum organized by UN-Habitat. In 2016, Medellín won the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize, which honors cities for their efforts to improve urban solutions and sustainable development.

Toponymy

The valley and its Spanish settlement have had many names over time, including Aburrá de los Yamesíes, "Valley of Saint Bartholomew," "Saint Lawrence of Aburrá," "Saint Lawrence of Aná," Villa de la Candelaria de Medellín, and finally "Medellín."

The name "Medellín" comes from Medellín, Spain, a small village in the Province of Badajoz in Extremadura. This village was the birthplace of Hernán Cortés. The Spanish Medellín was originally called "Metellinum" and was named after Roman general Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius in 75 BC. The general founded the village as a military base.

Some of the Conquistadors, such as Gaspar de Rodas, the first governor of Antioquia, came from Badajoz Province. Count Pedro Portocarrero y Luna, President of the Council for the West Indies (Consejo de Indias), asked the Monarchy of Spain to name the new settlement in America after his hometown. His request was accepted on 22 November 1674, when Queen Regent Mariana of Austria announced the city's name as Villa de Nuestra Señora de Medellín. Governor Miguel Aguinaga y Mendiogoitia officially confirmed the name on 2 November 1675. The Crown granted the city a coat of arms on 24 June 1676.

History

In August 1541, Marshal Jorge Robledo was in a place now called Heliconia. He saw something in the distance that he believed was a valley. He sent Jerónimo Luis Tejelo to explore the area. On the night of August 23, Tejelo reached a plain that is now known as Aburrá Valley. The Spanish named it "Valley of Saint Bartholomew," but this name was later changed to "Aburrá," which means "Painters" because the local leaders used colorful textiles in their decorations.

In 1574, Gaspar de Rodas asked the Antioquia cabildo for 10 square kilometers (4 square miles) of land to raise animals and build a ranch in the valley. The cabildo granted him 8 square kilometers (3 square miles) of land.

In 1616, a Spanish official named Francisco de Herrera y Campuzano created a settlement with 80 Indigenous people. He named it Poblado de San Lorenzo, which is now called El Poblado. In 1646, a colonial law called "casta" required Indigenous people to live separately from mixed-race individuals. The colonial government began building a new town in Aná, now known as Berrío Park, where a church called Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de Aná was built. Three years later, the Spanish started constructing the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, which was rebuilt at the end of the 18th century.

After 1574, when Gaspar de Rodas settled in the valley, the population began to grow. Church records show that six couples married between 1646 and 1650, and 41 couples married between 1671 and 1675. Gold mines were developed northeast of Antioquia, so food from nearby farms became important. The Aburrá Valley was located between the gold mines and the first provincial capital of Antioquia, Santa Fe de Antioquia.

The provincial capital, Santa Fe, became less important as trade and influential people moved to the Aburrá Valley. Wealthy families began buying land there. Settlers asked for a separate government, called a cabildo, in the valley. The Santa Fe government opposed this, but Queen Mariana of Austria signed an order creating the cabildo on November 22, 1674. Governor Miguel de Aguinaga announced the royal order on November 2, 1675. The new city was named Villa de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria.

Before the city was built, people lived scattered across the valley, with some families near the Aná (now Santa Elena) and Medellín rivers, and others in El Poblado San Lorenzo. After the royal order, settlers chose the Aná site as the city’s center, with the Candelaria Church at its heart.

The first buildings were simple, with roofs made of grass. Wealthier people lived in two-story homes, and the church and cabildo were not impressive. The church was improved in the 18th century. The cabildo was located on the western side of the plaza and had a grass roof until 1742, when tiles were added. In 1682, traders and foreigners began building the Veracruz Hermitage, which became a church in 1712.

In 1675, the first population count during colonial times recorded 3,000 people and 280 families. Another count was taken in 1786–1787 by Antonio Mon y Velarde, a royal inspector, which showed 14,507 people and 241 families. In 1808, two years before Colombia gained independence, the city had 15,347 people and 360 families.

In 1803, the Royal College of the Franciscans was founded in the Central Plaza, now Berrío Park. It started with classes in grammar, philosophy, and theology. Later, the college moved to a new building in San Ignacio Square. In 1821, it was renamed Colegio de Antioquia and became the University of Antioquia in 1901. The university also had the first vocational school, the first radio station in Latin America, and the first regional botanical garden.

Between 1905 and 1951, Medellín’s population grew six times, from 59,815 to 358,189 people. The Thousand Days War (1899–1902) slowed industrial growth, but the region was not directly affected by the war. After the war, President Rafael Reyes helped the city develop industry and created a Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber started a transport project connecting Medellín to other parts of Colombia and other countries.

Although gold mining helped Medellín grow early on, coffee exports became the main driver of the city’s growth in the 20th century. Colombia became a major coffee exporter, and Medellín’s industrial and commercial activity created a class of traders and entrepreneurs who started the first large industries in Colombia.

Coltejer is one of Colombia’s most important textile companies. It was founded in Medellín by Alejandro Echavarría on October 22, 1907. Its headquarters, the Coltejer Building, is the tallest skyscraper in Medellín and the fourth tallest in Colombia.

The discovery of coal in Amagá, near the Aburrá Valley, and the building of hydroelectric plants provided energy for new industries, leading to the creation of many smaller companies

Geography

Medellín has 16 comunas (districts), 5 corregimientos (townships), and 271 barrios (neighborhoods). The metropolitan area of Medellín is located in the Aburrá valley, which is 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level. The Medellín River, also called the Porce River, divides the valley and flows northward. North of the valley are the towns of Bello, Copacabana, Girardota, and Barbosa. To the south of the valley are the towns of Itagüí, Envigado, Sabaneta, La Estrella, and Caldas.

Medellín has a warm climate all year with few extreme temperatures. As a municipality, Medellín covers an area of 382 km² (147 square miles). The city has a tropical monsoon climate (Am). Because Medellín is located at 1,495 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level, its climate is cooler than other cities at the same latitude near the equator. Its high altitude and location in the Andes Range sometimes make its weather more like a humid subtropical climate than a tropical one. The city’s average annual temperature is 22°C (72°F), and its temperature remains nearly the same throughout the year due to its closeness to the equator. Temperatures usually range from 17°C to 28°C (63°F to 82°F). Because of its pleasant, springlike weather all year, Medellín is known as "La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera" or "City of the Eternal Spring." The city is in a valley, and many of its districts are on hillsides. Temperatures can be slightly cooler on the surrounding mountains.

Administrative divisions

Medellín is a city that follows a democratic system of government, as described in the Colombian Constitution of 1991. The government is organized in a way that allows different parts of the city to manage their own affairs. The Mayor of Medellín and the Municipal Council share responsibilities in running the city, and both are chosen by the people through elections.

The city is divided into official departments, called secretarías, which handle areas such as social mobility, urban culture, social development, education, evaluation and control, government, resources, public works, administrative services, environment, women’s issues, and transportation. There are also several independent organizations, including the Olaya Herrera Airport, the Public Library (Biblioteca Pública Piloto), the College of Antioquia (Colegio Mayor), the Urban Development Enterprise (EDU), the Public Service Enterprise (EPM), the Sport and Recreation Institute (INDER), the General Enterprises of Medellín (EEVVM), Medellín Bus stations, the General Hospital of Medellín, the health service enterprise "Metrosalud," the Metropolitan Institute of Technology (ITM), the Metro de Medellín, the department for managing Medellín parks (Metroparques), and Metroseguridad.

The city is divided into six zones. One of these zones is the urban area, which is further split into 16 comunas (communities). These comunas are then divided into 249 statistical neighborhoods. The other five zones outside the urban area are called corregimientos (townships).

Additionally, Medellín is part of the Medellín Metropolitan Area, which includes ten neighboring municipalities.

Law and government

The government of Medellín is divided into two parts: the executive branch and the legislative branch. The mayor of the city, called the Alcalde, is chosen by the public in elections that last four years, just like the president and governors of other regions in Colombia.

Medellín has low tax rates, so the city government uses money from its ownership of the main energy company, Empresas Publicas de Medellín (EPM), to fund social and economic programs. Thirty percent of EPM's profits go directly to the city's budget. The city also runs programs such as "Medellín Solidaria," which gives cash grants to people in need, similar to Brazil's "Bolsa Familia" program. Another program, "Cultura E," supports businesses and helps people start new jobs.

The city claims that "Medellín Solidaria" is better than Colombia's national program, "Familias en Accion." The city government also manages over 100 other social programs. Under "Cultura E," the city created 14 business support centers called CEDEZOs, located in the poorest areas of Medellín. These centers offer free advice and help to people who want to start businesses.

As part of "Cultura E," the city also runs "Banco de las Opportunidades," which gives small loans of up to $2,500 at a low monthly interest rate of 0.91%. This helps poor entrepreneurs start businesses and improves economic opportunities.

However, some mayoral candidates in the 2011 elections said the loan interest rates are too high, the repayment time is too short, and the program should include grace periods. They suggested creating a new bank to support small and medium-sized businesses.

Medellín was once known as one of the most dangerous cities in the world because of violence from drug cartels in the late 1980s. However, the city's homicide rate has dropped by 95%, and extreme poverty has decreased by 66%. This progress is partly due to mayors who planned ways to connect poor and violent neighborhoods with the city center. Today, Medellín is safer than several U.S. cities, including Baltimore, Memphis, St. Louis, Detroit, and New Orleans.

The city was also affected by the Medellín Cartel, which was funded by Pablo Escobar. After Escobar's death in 1993, crime rates dropped sharply. During the 1990s, crime remained high but gradually decreased. In 2002, President Álvaro Uribe ordered "Operation Orion" to stop armed groups like the FARC and AUC. By 2006, over 3,000 members of these groups had surrendered their weapons.

After these groups were disbanded, some members formed criminal gangs called "Aguilas Negras." These groups caused problems by enforcing curfews for young people and threatening certain groups. In 2008, the arrest of a paramilitary leader led to a temporary rise in crime.

Crime rates vary by neighborhood. Areas like El Poblado and Conquistadores have very few homicides, while parts of the southwest, near the airport, and the northern areas have higher crime rates. Crime is generally worse in neighborhoods farther from the city center. From 2010 to 2011, homicides and crime overall decreased, but poor communities still face high crime rates.

Only 3.2% of street addresses account for 97% of homicides in the city. More than half of violent deaths result from fights between criminal gangs. In 1991, there were 7,273 murders, or 266 per 100,000 people. By 2017, the number had dropped to 577 murders, or 23 per 100,000 people. The city has over 1,100 security cameras and more than 7,000 police officers.

Economy

Medellín is Colombia's second most important economic center, after Bogotá. Its economy is led by a powerful group of people from the private sector known as the Grupo Empresarial Antioqueño (Antioquian Enterprises Group). This group was formerly called the Sindicato Antioqueño (Antioquian Union), but it changed its name because people abroad misunderstood it as a labor union, which slowed its growth. The group is represented by David Bojanini, head of Grupo Suramericana (a company that provides banking, asset management, and insurance services); Carlos Ignacio Gallego of Grupo Nutresa (a food company); José Alberto Velez of Cementos Argos (a multinational cement company); and Carlos Raúl Yepes, head of Bancolombia. Together, these companies have a total value of about US$17 billion and employ more than 80,000 Colombians.

This group is also active in other parts of the city's economy and participates in the Colombian stock exchange. Medellín is the headquarters for many national and multinational companies.

Medellín's main economic products include steel, textiles, candies and sweets, food and beverages, agriculture (from its rural areas), public services, chemical products, pharmaceuticals, refined oil, and flowers. Fashion is an important part of the city's economy and culture. Medellín hosts Latin America's largest fashion show, Colombiamoda.

Aerolínea de Antioquia has its headquarters at Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellín. West Caribbean Airways also had its headquarters at Olaya Herrera Airport. ACES Colombia was based in the city. Viva Air, a low-cost airline, has its main base at Rionegro Airport.

The Metropolitan Area of Medellín contributes about 70% of the total GDP of the Department of Antioquia and more than 10% of Colombia's economy. Antioquia is the second-largest economic region in Colombia. By 2005, Antioquia's GDP was over US$20,600,000,000, and it was the top exporting province in Colombia. The Aburrá Valley, within Antioquia, had a GDP of US$14,500 million and was the top economic area in the department. Medellín is the second-largest economic region in Colombia, after Bogotá.

A 2005 report by Proexport and the International Cooperation Agency of Medellín found that Medellín's contribution to Colombia's economy was similar to cities like Panama City in Panama and San José in Costa Rica.

Medellín created the first business cluster in Colombia. The city is the top exporting region in the country, with 1,750 export businesses based there. The cluster, supported by the Chamber of Commerce of Medellín and the city government, includes 21,000 companies that account for 40% of total exports, 25% of the regional GDP, and 40% of employment in the metropolitan area. The main activities of the Medellín Cluster include electricity generation, textiles, fashion design, construction, tourism, and business. One goal is to include health services, which are important to the local economy.

Ruta N is a non-profit organization in Medellín that helps foreign companies open offices in the city.

According to data from the Measuring Monetary Poverty and Inequality Mission (MESEP), the poverty rate in Medellín and its metropolitan area dropped by 22.5%, from 49.7% to 38.5%, between 2002 and 2008. Extreme poverty also decreased by 25.2%, from 12.3% to 9.2%. These improvements were linked to better access to health, education, and public services. By 2014, the poverty rate had fallen to 14.7%, and extreme poverty to 2.8%.

The unemployment rate in Medellín and its metropolitan area has decreased over the past decade. According to the National Statistics Department (DANE), unemployment in the area dropped by 25%, from 14.1% in 2005 to 10.6% in 2015. However, in 2014, Medellín had one of the highest levels of inequality in Colombia, with a GINI coefficient of 0.506.

Urban development

Medellín has many signs of new buildings and developments, especially with the construction of tall skyscrapers. The city is growing faster than other major cities in Colombia, like Bogotá, in building and planning new high-rises. As of October 2016, Medellín had 10 skyscrapers, 410 high-rises, and 119 buildings under construction, including 48 that were planned. The city also plans to expand its metro system to nearby areas such as Sabaneta. This new project is expected to open soon.

In 2013, Medellín won the "Innovative City of the Year" award from the Wall Street Journal on March 1, after beating cities like New York and Tel Aviv.

A "library park" is a term first used in Medellín to describe a place that combines a library with large green spaces for public use. These parks are built in areas of the city that need more cultural and educational services. They are part of an effort to improve communities by creating centers for education, culture, sports, and recreation.

In 2009, Medellín built five libraries with attached parks to help underprivileged neighborhoods. One of these was the Biblioteca Parque España, designed by Giancarlo Mazzanti, and named after Spain, which helped fund part of the building. Other libraries were designed by Ricardo La Rotta Caballero and Hiroshi Naito. The other four libraries were León de Greiff Library (La Ladera Library Park), San Javier Library Park, Bethlehem Library Park, and La Quintana Library Park.

In 2011, five more libraries were added to the plan. These included the Doce de Octubre Library Park for Comunas 5 and 6, Noroccidente; Las Estancias Library Park for Comunas 8, 9, and Centroriental; Parque Biblioteca Guayabal for Comuna 15 and Suroccidente; Parque Biblioteca San Cristóbal for Corregimiento and Occidente; and Parque Biblioteca San Antonio de Prado for Corregimiento and Sur.

The idea of "library parks" has inspired similar projects in other countries, such as the Manguinhos Library Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Medellín Metropolitan Area Library Network connects over 100 libraries, 29 of which are in Medellín. This network includes all of Medellín's library parks, as well as other libraries like the Public Pilot Library and the EPM Library. The network was created in 2005 through a partnership between Empresas Públicas de Medellín, its EPM Foundation, the Mayor of Medellín, and the Pilot Public Library. In 2009, the network received a $1 million award from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Other libraries not part of the network include private, public, and university libraries.

In 2013, Medellín won the Veronica Rudge Green Prize in Urban Design from Harvard University for the PUI Integral Urban Project Northeast area, designed by Development Corporation Urbano. Medellín has few buildings from the 19th century. While the Aburrá Valley was important for agriculture and livestock during the colonial period, Medellín did not develop the same level of colonial architecture as cities like Cartagena, Tunja, Popayán, and Bogotá. This is because Medellín was not a political or administrative center and was geographically isolated, so its elite did not invest in large buildings. From the colonial period, only a few buildings remain, such as the Candelaria Church and the Church of the Veracruz.

Between 1850 and 1930, Colombian architecture was called "Republican." This style used brick and European designs. Enrique Haeusler built the Guayaquil Bridge in 1879. The French architect Carlos Carré was important in Medellín’s Republican architecture, designing the Episcopal Cathedral and other buildings in Guayaquil. The Metropolitan Cathedral was completed in 1931 and was designed by Vásquez and Carré, located near Plaza Cisneros. The Medellín Antioquia Railway Station, designed by Enrique Olarte, helped develop the Guayaquil area. In the 1920s, Republican architecture reached its peak, with buildings like the old Municipal Palace (now the Museum of Antioquia), the National Palace, and the Palace of Departmental Government (now the Palace of Culture). These were designed by the Belgian architect Agustín Goovaerts, who used Romanesque and Gothic styles. Other works by Goovaerts include the Church of the Sacred Heart and the Church of San Ignacio. In the 1930s, the Prado neighborhood had buildings like the Egyptian House and the Teatro Prado.

Important parks in Medellín include Berrío Park in the city center, Bolívar Park near the Metropolitan Cathedral, and others like Bethlehem Park, El Poblado Park, and Laureles Park. Some modern parks, such as Barefoot Park, Wishes Park, Explora Park, and Bicentennial Park, are both places for fun and learning.

One of the most visited areas is the Arví Ecotourism Park, which covers about 20,000 hectares and is located near Medellín, Bello, Copacabana, and Envigado. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, biking, camping, and fishing. The park’s high position offers views of the entire city.

Seven hills surround Medellín and serve as natural viewpoints and places for recreation, culture, and ecotourism. These hills include El Volador, La Asomadera, Nutibara, Pan de Azúcar, El Salvador, El Picacho, and Santo Domingo. These areas have viewpoints, pre-Hispanic roads, religious icons, birdwatching spots, and the most complete living collection of plants in the Aburrá Valley.

Other parks in Medellín include North Park and Juan Pablo II Park. The Santa Fe Zoo, opened in 1960, has about 1,000 animals from Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Popular parks and places in Medellín include:
– Wishes Park
– Botero Plaza
– Parque Lleras
– Bolívar Park
– Bicentennial Park

Plaza Cisneros is located between the EPM Library and the Vásquez and Carré buildings.

Health

Medellín is known as a leading city for medical research in Colombia. It is recognized for its advanced surgical procedures in the country and across Latin America. Health clinics and dental centers in Medellín are leaders in providing high-quality services in many medical areas. The University Hospital San Vicente de Paul, the Pablo Tobon Uribe Hospital, and Clinical Cardiovascular Santa Maria have received national and international recognition for their work in organ transplants.

América Economía magazine listed Medellín as having eight of the top 100 hospitals and clinics in Latin America. The highest-ranked hospital was Pablo Tobon Uribe Hospital, which reached seventh place in 2014. This hospital is non-profit and private.

Specialized health centers, such as the San Vicente Foundation hospitals, earned the Silver Category of LEED certification. This is the only hospital outside the United States to receive this certification.

Notable universities with strong medical research programs include the University of Antioquia, CES University, and UPB University.

Air pollution in Medellín caused more than 7,000 deaths in 2016. It also leads to high costs for treating respiratory diseases.

Education

Medellín has more than 30 universities. Some of the most important public universities include the following:

There are also important technological centers, such as the Metropolitan Institute of Technology (ITM), Jaime Isaza Cadavid's Politecnico, and the Antioquia Institute of Technology.

Over the past 10 years, the city's government has focused on improving public education by building schools and libraries in poorer neighborhoods. Private schools and colleges have a long history in Medellín, with many operated by the Catholic Church, private groups, and foreign organizations. Examples include Gimnasio Internacional de Medellín, The Columbus School (the only SACS-approved school in the city), Theodoro Hertzl School, St. Ignatius Loyola College, Colegio Calasanz, Colegio Colombo Britanico, El Corazonista School, Marymount School, Montemayor Sagrado Corazon, Montessori School, Colegio Fontán, Gimnasio Los Pinares, Gimnasio Los Alcázares, San Jose de la Salle, Instituto Jorge Robledo, the Salesian Technical School Pedro Justo Berrío, Colegio Cumbres, Colegio San Marcos, Lycee Français Medellín, Liceo Salazar y Herrera, and 'El Sufragio' Salesian School.

Many non-governmental and official groups help support children and young people in poor communities. One example is Ciudad Don Bosco, which helps street children. After the city became safer, organizations began working in the poorest areas to assist youth involved in violence and improve their chances for the future. Public and private universities in Medellín, along with local and national government institutions, also contributed to these efforts.

Transportation

Medellín has two airports: Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) and José María Córdova Airport (MDE). José María Córdova Airport is located in Rionegro, 29 kilometers (18 miles) east of Medellín. In 2012, the busiest domestic flight route connected José María Córdova Airport to Bogotá, while the busiest international route connected José María Córdova Airport to Panama City.

José María Córdova Airport receives international flights from airlines such as Aeromexico, American Airlines, Avianca, Iberia, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, Air Europa, and LATAM Airlines. It also serves cargo flights from companies like FedEx Express. This makes Medellín accessible to many regions in America for both passengers and cargo. Avianca, Colombia’s national airline, operates important flights from this airport. The airport offers direct flights to cities such as Lima, Quito, Mexico City, Madrid, Miami, Houston, and New York City.

Medellín has two transportation terminals: the North Transportation Terminal and the South Transportation Terminal. The city’s public transport system includes diesel buses, taxis, trams, and an urban train called the Medellín Metro, which is the only metro system in Colombia.

The Metro connects Medellín to most parts of its metropolitan area. It has five lines. Line A runs from Niquía to La Estrella (north to south), and Line B runs from San Antonio to San Javier (downtown to west). Lines K and J, which are air cable cars known as Metrocable, serve areas that are difficult to reach because of the geography. Line K starts at Acevedo Station on Line A and ends at Santo Domingo Savio. Line J starts at San Javier Station on Line B and ends at La Aurora. Line L is a tourist-oriented line connected to Arví Park and is part of a project to provide access to nature for the public. Colombia is the largest user of such transportation services in Latin America.

In 2006, construction began on Metroplús, a bus rapid transit system with a dedicated road, similar to Bogotá’s TransMilenio. The first line opened in 2011, and a second line opened in 2013. The first route, called Troncal Medellín, connects the Universidad de Medellín in the west to Aranjuez in the northeast. Metroplús will reduce pollution and traffic by replacing older buses with new natural gas-powered buses.

Because of its work on sustainable transportation, Medellín, along with San Francisco, won the 2012 Sustainable Transport Award from the Institute for Transport and Development Policy. According to EMBARQ Director Holger Dalkmann, “Medellín pioneered the use of cable cars as a transit option in low-income areas with steep hills, moving 3,000 passengers per hour in each direction; this innovation is now being used in cities like Caracas and Rio de Janeiro.”

The Western Tunnel, officially named the Fernando Gómez Martínez Tunnel, is Colombia’s and Latin America’s second-largest and most modern tunnel. It connects Medellín to Santa Fe de Antioquia. It is 4.6 kilometers (3 miles) long and includes advanced safety and service features. The tunnel opened on January 20, 2006.

Trams were Medellín’s main transportation system until 1950, but they were closed in 1951 due to population growth and more cars. Over 60 years later, a new modern tram system called the Ayacucho Tram opened on September 30, 2015. This is the first modern tram in Colombia and is connected to the Metro and local buses.

On average, people in Medellín spend 66 minutes commuting to and from work using public transit on a weekday. Twelve percent of public transit users spend more than two hours traveling each day. On average, people wait 11 minutes at a stop or station for public transit, while 14% wait more than 20 minutes daily. The average trip distance using public transit is 5.9 kilometers, and 5% of people travel more than 12 kilometers in a single direction.

Demographics

The Aburrá Valley has 58% of the people living in the Department of Antioquia. Of these people, 67% live in the city of Medellín. In Medellín, 61.3% of the population was born in the city, 38% were born in other parts of Colombia, and 0.3% were born in another country.

According to the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), Medellín had 2,427,129 people in 2018, making it the second-largest city in Colombia. The metropolitan area of Medellín had 3,312,165 people in 2005. The city has 5,820 people living in each square kilometer. In the city’s townships, 130,031 people lived there. Of these, 46.7% were male and 53.3% were female. Among people older than 5 years old, 5.8% could not read or write. In Medellín, 98.8% of homes had electricity, 97.3% had access to drinking water, and 91% had a land-line phone.

In 2005, the DANE census reported 33,307 births in Medellín, which was a little fewer than in 2004 (33,615). In 2005, there were 10,828 deaths, compared to 11,512 in 2004.

The DANE census of 2005 showed the ethnic groups in Medellín as follows:
– White or Mestizo (mixed European and Indigenous heritage): 93.4%
– Black, mulatto, Afro-Colombian, or Afro-descendant: 6.5%
– Indigenous Amerindians: 0.1%

During the 17th and 18th centuries, many immigrants from Spain arrived in Medellín. Many Indigenous people died from diseases brought from Asia, and those who survived often married Spanish settlers, who were mostly men. Later, Spanish women also began to move there. Thousands of Irish, Scottish, and English people who lived in Antioquia fought for the Colombian army during the independence movement. In the 19th and 20th centuries, immigrants came from Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Portugal, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. Many people from Medellín are called Paisas, a term for people of mainly Spanish heritage, many of whom have Basque origins. A small number of people in Medellín are Afro-Colombian or Zambo-Colombian (people of Indigenous and African heritage).

The Chocó Department is located just west of Antioquia and is home to many Afro-Colombian and Zambo-Colombian people who move to Medellín and nearby areas. Migration from the Colombian Caribbean coast has been significant, especially among young people who come to study in Medellín’s universities and later stay to work in the city. The largest group of foreign immigrants in Medellín are Ecuadorians and Venezuelans, who often work in informal trade.

Culture

The culture in Medellín is closely connected to the Paisa culture, which includes unique features like a special Spanish accent, traditional food, and friendly hospitality. Today, Medellín has many cultural places for the public, such as about 40 museums, 21 public parks, 28 theaters, and several public libraries. The city also has several places named National Monuments of Colombia. Medellín is recognized by UNESCO as a "Design City."

Most people in Medellín are Catholic, as shown by the many churches and religious activities in the city. Some important churches include the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the world made entirely of baked brick. Others are the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, which was the official cathedral until 1931; the Church of San Ignacio, with a Baroque style on the outside and a Colonial style on the inside; the Church of San José; the Church of San Antonio, which has one of the largest domes in Colombia; the Church of San José del Poblado, located in Parque del Poblado where the first European settlement in the Aburrá Valley was built in 1616; and the Church of Nuestra Señora de Belén. These churches have religious art and are in the city center, making it easy to visit them.

In December, the city is decorated with thousands of lights, creating the famous Alumbrados (Christmas lights), which National Geographic named one of the top ten most beautiful in the world. These lights are mainly seen on La Playa Avenue and the Medellín River.

Plaza Mayor is the center of big events and business. Between 1980 and 1990, a city rule required that all new buildings or developments include a sculpture by a famous artist. This is why Medellín has the most sculptures per square kilometer in Colombia.

The city also has many festivals and exhibitions throughout the year. The silletero tradition, which involves carrying flower-covered saddles, is part of Colombian cultural heritage. This tradition continues in the Silleta Parade during the annual Festival of the Flowers, which happens in July and August.

Many works by famous local and international artists can be seen in the city. Some well-known artists include Rodrigo Arenas Betancur and Fernando Botero.

People from Medellín are often called Antioqueños, named after their province, or Paisas, a term that may come from the word "paisano," meaning "fellow countryman." Paisas are one of five regional cultures in Colombia. The Paisa region includes Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío, and parts of Valle del Cauca and Tolima. Although Paisa culture is strong in Medellín, the city is becoming more diverse, offering music and food from other parts of Colombia, such as Vallenato and Chocó, as well as Chinese, Cuban, and Argentinian restaurants.

Paisa culture has Spanish roots and is traditionally Catholic and business-focused. Paisas are known for speaking softly, smiling often, and enjoying music, poetry, soccer, market shopping, and parties. They take pride in their city and work to keep it clean, following a campaign from the 1980s called "Depende tambien de ti, darle amor a Medellín" (It depends on you too to give love to Medellín). The city's weekend nightlife, in places like discos, pubs, parks, and certain streets, is called "rumba."

• The Festival of the Flowers happens from late July to early August. It includes the Desfile de Silleteros, a colorful parade of flower-filled saddles, and is well-known worldwide.
• Christmas lights in Medellín are a traditional event where the city is decorated with millions of lights and holds light shows and other cultural events. National Geographic ranked Medellín's Christmas lights as one of the top ten places to see them.
• The International Poetry Festival is an annual event where poets share their work in parks, auditoriums, and neighborhoods. It has received the Right Livelihood Award, a prize linked to the Nobel Peace Prize. The XVII International Poetry Festival of Medellín took place from July 14 to 22, 2007, with over 80 poets from 55 countries.
• The International Tango Festival celebrates tango culture, a tradition Medellín adopted after the death of Carlos Gardel, a famous tango singer, in a plane crash in 1935. Activities include street dancing and music events.
• The Book and Culture Festival is a major event held in Medellín's Botanical Garden for 10 days in September. It features art, books, and culture, and is free to attend. It is sponsored by the city's mayor.
• The Feria Internacional del Caballo, added in 2009, is a horse-themed event held in October with participants from many countries and horse races.
• The Bullfighting Festival of La Macarena happens every year between January and February.

Medellín has about 40 galleries, which are major attractions. Some important museums include:

• The Museum of Antioquia, the second museum founded in Colombia and the first in Antioquia. It is located near Botero Plaza and has 187 works by Fernando Botero.
• The Museum of Modern Art of Medellín (MAMM), founded in 1978, has a collection of modern art, including sculptures, paintings, and works by local and international artists. It also has a large collection of works by Débora Arango and hosts a video art festival in September.
• The University Museum, part of the University of Antioquia, was created in 1942. It has exhibits of pre-Columbian artifacts, contemporary art, and historical documents. It also displays stuffed animals, minerals, and fossils.
• The Museum El Castillo, built in 1930 in a medieval Gothic style and opened to the public in 1971, has French-style gardens, a library, and a concert hall. It displays porcelain, glass, stained glass, and music-related items.

Sports and recreation

Soccer is the most popular sport in Medellín and is played widely throughout the city. Medellín has two professional soccer clubs: Independiente Medellín, which was founded in 1913, and Atlético Nacional, which was founded in 1935. Both teams play at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium. The city has a strong soccer history because of famous players like René Higuita, Iván Córdoba, Andrés Escobar, Víctor Aristizábal, Jackson Martínez, and others. Other well-known athletes from Medellín include Camilo Villegas, a professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour; Daniel Bluman, an Israeli Olympic show jumping rider born in Medellín; and Roberto Guerrero, a former Formula One, Champ Car, and IndyCar driver.

Horseback riding is a popular sport in Medellín and across Antioquia. This has led to the production and trade of tools and equipment for horseback riding, such as saddles and horseshoes, which are exported. During the Festival of the Flowers, horse parades set a Guinness World Record in 1996 and 1999.

Medellín also has two professional basketball teams: the Arrieros of Antioquia and the Mountain Academy.

The Atanasio Girardot Sports Complex is the main sports area in the city. It covers 280,000 square meters (about 3 million square feet) and includes fields and stadiums for 34 different sports. This complex is the headquarters for most professional sports leagues in Medellín. It has hosted major events, including the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the 2010 South American Games, and the 2001 Copa América.

In 2011, Medellín hosted the 15th IAAF Pan American Race Walking Cup. Athletes from countries in North, South, and Central America, as well as the Caribbean Islands, participated. In 2013, the city hosted the IAAF Pan American Junior Athletics Championships for track and field. Athletes from the same regions competed in this event, which served as a trial for the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics.

Medellín tried to host the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics but lost the bid to Buenos Aires on July 4, 2013.

Cycling is another important sport in Medellín. The main venue for cycling events is the Martin Rodriguez Velodrome, named after Colombian cyclist Martín Emilio Rodríguez. BMX cycling is also supported, with the main venue being the BMX Track Antonio Roldán Betancur. Famous athletes from Medellín include Santiago Botero, a three-time Tour de France stage winner and World Time-Trial Champion, and Mariana Pajón, an Olympic Gold Medalist and multiple BMX World Champion.

EnCicla is Medellín’s bicycle-sharing system. It is the first bike-sharing program in Latin America and the only one of its kind in Colombia. EnCicla won the Sustainable Transport Award in 2012 along with San Francisco. It was created through a partnership between the Valley of Aburrá metropolitan area and EAFIT University. EnCicla operates within the city’s existing bike lanes, public transit, and mass transportation systems. Bikes are available from Monday to Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at every EnCicla station.

Symbols

The coat of arms, flag, and anthem of Medellín are officially recognized symbols of the city, as stated in Decree No. 151 from February 20, 2002. These symbols are part of the city’s official identity and appear in all public events, documents, and media where they are needed to represent Medellín.

The coat of arms is the oldest symbol of the city. It was first granted by King Charles II of Spain in a royal decree issued in Madrid on March 31, 1678. A more detailed version of the coat of arms, though not officially used, describes it in heraldic terms. Over time, the design has remained unchanged, though different versions exist between the mayor and city council, focusing more on style than official symbolism.

To connect Medellín with the Antioquia region, the city adopted the flag of the Department of Antioquia, which is displayed alongside the coat of arms. The flag has two horizontal stripes of equal size: white on top and green on the bottom. The coat of arms is centered between the stripes. White symbolizes purity, honesty, strength, and clear communication. Green represents hope, prosperity, freedom, and trust.

The anthem of Medellín is called "Anthem of Antioquia," as stated in Decree No. 151, Article 10, from February 20, 2002. The decree explains that the anthem, with lyrics by Epifanio Mejía and music by Gonzalo Vidal, is used as the official song of Medellín. It is performed at all official events where the mayor of Medellín is present.

Gallery

• Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria
• San Ignacio Square
• Central area of Medellín
• Public Library
• Christmas lights on Nutibara Hill
• Medellín Botanical Garden
• Paraninfo of the University of Antioquia
• Old Railway Station
• Metrocable
• International Business Center CIC
• Metropolitan Theatre
• Barefoot Park
• Estadio Metro Station
• EAFIT University
• Hewlett-Packard Headquarters on Route N

Notable people

• Manuela Arbeláez is a model who appears on the game show The Price is Right
• Juan Arias is a singer
• José Balvín is a singer
• Daniel Bedoya is a footballer
• Fernando Botero is an artist
• Jaime R. Echavarría is a musician and Governor of Antioquia
• Pablo Escobar is a drug lord and smuggler
• Sebastian Giraldo is a singer
• Paula Garcés is an actress
• Isabella Gomez is an actress
• Salomón Hoyos is a singer
• Stiven Londoño is a singer
• Pedro Juan Moreno is a racing driver
• Carolina Navarro is a singer-songwriter
• Santiago Patiño is a footballer
• Juan Vásquez is a singer