departamento, northwestern Colombia, located on the Caribbean coastal plain and bounded east by the Magdalena River. The department was established in 1905. Although it is one of Colombia's smallest departments, Atlántico's position at the mouth of one of the continent's major rivers is of strategic importance. Almost three-fourths of the population lives in the department capital of Barranquilla, one of Colombia's most active ports, lying 15 miles (24 km) upstream from the mouth of the Magdalena. Cotton and sesame are the principal commercial crops grown in the district. Cattle are raised, and fishing is important. Area 1,308 square miles (3,388 square km). Pop. (2007 est.) 2,227,713.