It is part of the Alto Magdalena Province and is situated 148 kilometers southwest of Bogotá[2] In pre-Columbian era, the territory of what is now the municipality of Nilo was inhabited by the Panche indigenous people.

By the late 18th century, with the aim of increasing the establishment of parishes for white settlers in the region, Father Francisco Antonio Ruíz founded the first church in Nilo in 1783.

It was in Nilo where the first rehearsal of the anthem took place, which was later officially premiered in the city of Bogotá on November 11, 1887, in commemoration of the anniversary of Cartagena.

In the lower left section, it features, on a golden background, the head of a bull in black, symbolizing the municipality's livestock wealth.

Oreste Síndici, the great composer, Left a legacy of immortal music, To grant you the honor and privilege, Of being the birthplace of the national anthem.

Agriculture in Nilo focuses on crops such as coffee, bananas, mangoes, oranges, tangerines, soursop, papayas, and corn.