El Retén Population 2026
El Retén has a population of 19,345, making it the #258 biggest city in 🇨🇴 Colombia, located in Magdalena Department. It is about 397× smaller than Bogotá, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
19,345
Rank in Colombia
#258
Coordinates
10.61°N, 74.27°W
~24 m elevation · America/Bogota
Distance to capital (Bogotá)
668 km
415 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Magdalena Department
| City | Population | Rank in Colombia |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Marta | 499,192 | #10 |
| Ciénaga | 88,311 | #62 |
| Fundación | 59,175 | #79 |
| El Banco | 54,522 | #90 |
| Plato | 48,606 | #106 |
| Aracataca | 41,872 | #119 |
| Puebloviejo | 33,720 | #150 |
| Sitionuevo | 33,440 | #152 |
Cities near El Retén
FAQ
What is the population of El Retén?
El Retén has a population of 19,345 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #258 biggest city in Colombia.
What region is El Retén in?
El Retén is located in Magdalena Department, Colombia.
Is El Retén the capital of Colombia?
No, the capital of Colombia is Bogotá, about 668 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
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