Magdalena, departamento, northern Colombia, occupying the Caribbean lowlands and bounded by the Magdalena River on the west. Much of its area is swamp, floodplain, or high mountains (including the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in the northeast). The major economic activity is banana cultivation, especially in the vicinity of Santa Marta, the departmental capital, which has an excellent natural harbour. Cattle are also raised in the region, and there are a number of small industries. Area 8,953 square miles (23,188 square km). Pop. (2007 est.) 1,180,703.