departamento, central Colombia, extending from the Andean Cordillera (mountains) Central across the Magdalena River valley to the Cordillera Oriental. Created in 1861, the department ranks first in Colombia in the production of rice and sesame; other crops grown in Tolima include cotton, coffee, corn (maize), bananas, sugarcane, and beans. Livestock, particularly cattle and pigs, are numerous. There is some light industry. Tolima is traversed by highways and railroads, which link Ibagué, the departmental capital, with Bogotá, Armenia, and Neiva. Area 9,097 square miles (23,562 square km). Pop. (2007 est.) 1,371,253.