Santiago de Cali, commonly known as Cali, is the capital of the Valle del Cauca department in southwest Colombia. Founded on July 25, 1536, by the Spanish explorer Sebastián de Belalcázar, it serves as a primary urban and economic center for the southern region of the country.
The city has an estimated population of 2,280,522 residents as of 2023, making it the third most populous city in Colombia. Spanning a total area of 560.3 km2 (216.3 sq mi), with 120.9 km2 (46.7 sq mi) designated as urban area, Cali is recognized as the second-largest city in the nation by land area and features one of Colombia's fastest-growing economies.