city, southeastern Colombia, in the eastern slopes of the Andean Cordillera Oriental, on the Orteguaza River, a tributary of the Caquetá. It was founded in 1908 by Capuchin missionaries. Cattle raising and rice cultivation are widespread around Florencia. The city also serves as a trading centre for the densely forested lowlands to the south and east. Florencia is linked by road to Neiva, capital of Huila department, 95 miles (153 km) to the north-northeast in the Andes. Pop. (2003 est.) 123,038.