FLORENCIA

capital of Caquet department, southeastern Colombia, in the eastern slopes of the Andean Cordillera (mountains) Oriental, on the Ro Orteguaza, a tributary of the Caquet. 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 mi (153 km) to the north-northeast in the Andes. Pop. (1973) 28,056.