Old commercial map of Colombia, 1931

The "Mapa Comercial de la República de Colombia," published in 1931 by Banco de la República, is an important cartographic document that provides an extensive overview of Colombia's commercial landscape during the early 20th century. This map serves as both a practical guide for commercial activities and a historical snapshot of Colombia’s economic geography at the time. 

Major agricultural and mineral production areas are marked, emphasizing the economic activities predominant in different regions. This includes coffee plantations, banana farms, oil fields, and precious metal mining areas like gold and emeralds.
The map indicates areas of high economic productivity, illustrating Colombia's diverse natural resources and their contribution to the economy.

The map details the transportation infrastructure crucial for commercial activities, including major railways, roads, and shipping routes.
Key ports such as Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Buenaventura are prominently displayed, reflecting their importance as gateways for international trade.
The comprehensive depiction of transportation networks highlights how goods were moved across the country and exported to international markets.

Political boundaries, including departmental divisions, are clearly marked, showing the administrative organization of the country and its impact on commercial zoning.

This map serves as a historical document that captures the state of Colombia’s infrastructure and economy during a pivotal period of development. It reflects the efforts of the Banco de la República to promote economic development and provides a visual representation of the country’s commercial landscape.
It is a valuable tool for historians, economists, and researchers studying the evolution of Colombia’s economy and the impact of infrastructure development on its growth. 

Beyond its historical value, the map was also a practical tool for businesses, traders, and policymakers. It helped in planning and decision-making by providing comprehensive information about the country’s commercial infrastructure and resources.
The map serves as an educational resource, teaching about the economic history and development of Colombia, offering a detailed view of how the country’s economy was structured and operated during the early 20th century.