Montería, Colombia

Montería is a city located in Northern Colombia, the capital of the Colombian Department of Cordoba. The city is located 50 KM (30 Miles) from the Coast of the Caribbean Sea, on the banks of the Sinú River.

The city and region are famous for their distinct cultural heritages which include a blend of indigenous Zenu and U'wa peoples, colonial Spanish descendants, and most recently, Arab immigrants. The city is home to the sombrero vueltiao, a national symbol; and is the home of Porro folklore music. The city has an inland seaport connected to the Caribbean Sea by the Sinú River.

Montería was founded May 1, 1777 by Juan de Torrezar Díaz Pimienta and was then called San Jerónimo de Buenavista, a name used until the town was moved to its current location by the banks of the river. With a population of approximately 400,000, the city is considered to be one of the 15 most important cities in Colombia and is locally known as La Perla del Sinú (The Pearl of the River Sinú). The town's economy is based mainly on cattle farming, and a very prosperous commercial district consisting of modern Malls, shops, and restaurant chains. It is considered to be the Cattle Farming Capital of Colombia and celebrates this title with a yearly festival. Montería used to be located within the bounds of the Colombian Department of Bolívar until 1951 when it separated from Bolívar and became the capital of the new Department of Córdoba.

The town's climate is mainly warm and dry, with average yearly temperatures of 27ºC (80ºF)