Colombia Facts: 80 Things You Didn’t Know about Colombia

Colombia is a country located in the northwest corner of South America. With a rich history, diverse geography, and vibrant culture, Colombia has a lot to offer visitors. Here are some Colombia facts:

1. Colombia is the only country in South America with both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, making it a popular destination for beach lovers.
2. The country has a diverse landscape, including the Andes Mountains, the Amazon rainforest, and the Caribbean islands, providing visitors with ample opportunities for outdoor adventure.
3. Colombia is the second-most biodiverse country in the world, with over 55,000 species of plants and animals.
4. The country is known for producing some of the world’s finest coffee, thanks to its ideal growing conditions and high-quality beans.
5. Colombia is home to the world’s largest collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts, with over 55,000 pieces on display in the country’s museums.
6. The Colombian national anthem is one of the longest in the world, with 11 verses.
7. The country has produced several famous writers, including Gabriel Garcia Marquez, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982.
8. Colombia is the only country in South America to have two capital cities, with Bogota serving as the political capital and Cartagena as the cultural capital.
9. The country’s national flower is the orchid, with over 4,000 different species found throughout the country.
10. Colombia is home to the world’s second-largest population of Spanish speakers, after Mexico.
11. The Colombian currency is named after the famous explorer, Christopher Columbus.
12. The country is known for its colorful street art, with many cities featuring murals and graffiti that reflect the country’s history and culture.
13. The Colombian government has made significant efforts to improve education in the country, with free primary and secondary education now available to all children.
14. The country is a major exporter of emeralds, with over 70% of the world’s emeralds coming from Colombia.
15. Colombia is the only country in South America with a coastline on both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
16. The country has a vibrant music scene, with popular genres including cumbia, salsa, and reggaeton.
17. Colombia is known for its delicious food, with dishes like arepas, bandeja paisa, and sancocho gaining popularity around the world.
18. The country is home to several important archaeological sites, including the Lost City, which is believed to have been built by the Tayrona people over 1,000 years ago.
19. Colombia has a rich tradition of dance, with popular styles including salsa, merengue, and bachata.
20. The country is home to several stunning natural wonders, including the Caño Cristales river, which is known for its vibrant colors.
21. The Colombian film industry has been growing in recent years, with several critically acclaimed movies gaining international attention.
22. The country has a strong Catholic tradition, with many religious festivals and processions taking place throughout the year.
23. Colombia has a diverse population, with people of European, African, and indigenous descent making up the majority of the population.
24. The country is known for its vibrant festivals, including the Barranquilla Carnival, which is the second-largest carnival in the world.
25. Colombia is the world’s leading producer of emeralds and one of the top producers of coal.
26. The country is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the historic center of Cartagena and the Coffee Cultural Landscape.
27. Colombia is one of the top destinations for birdwatching, with over 1,900

23. Coffee is a significant part of Colombia’s economy, and the country is one of the largest producers of coffee in the world.
24. The Colombian peso is the official currency of Colombia.
25. Colombia’s national anthem, “Oh Gloria Inmarcesible,” was written in 1887 by Rafael Nuñez.
26. Colombia’s flag features three horizontal stripes – yellow, blue, and red – and represents the country’s natural resources, the sky and sea, and the blood spilled by those who fought for independence.
27. The Colombian Constitution recognizes the country’s ethnic and cultural diversity, with 85 indigenous languages recognized as official languages alongside Spanish.
28. The Colombian government has made efforts to promote tourism in recent years, with a focus on sustainable tourism and the development of rural areas.
29. The Colombian people are known for their hospitality and warmth towards visitors.
30. Colombian cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with regional specialties like arepas, empanadas, and bandeja paisa.
31. Colombia is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, and toucans.
32. The Colombian people celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year, including the Barranquilla Carnival, the Flower Fair in Medellin, and the Ibero-American Theater Festival in Bogota.
33. Colombia has a rich literary tradition, with authors like Gabriel Garcia Marquez, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982, and Jose Eustasio Rivera, whose novel “The Vortex” is considered a masterpiece of Colombian literature.

23. The Colombian film industry has also gained international recognition, with films like “Embrace of the Serpent” and “Birds of Passage” receiving critical acclaim.
24. Colombia’s music is diverse and includes traditional folk music like cumbia and vallenato, as well as contemporary styles like reggaeton and salsa.
25. Colombian athletes have had success in a variety of sports, including cycling, soccer, and boxing.
26. Colombia has a rapidly growing technology industry, with Medellin becoming known as a “Silicon Valley of Latin America.”
27. The Colombian economy has been steadily growing in recent years, thanks in part to increased investment and a focus on exports.
28. Colombia has a bright future ahead, with a rich cultural heritage, abundant natural resources, and a diverse and resilient population that is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

40. The Colombian government signed a peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in 2016, ending more than 50 years of conflict.
41. Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with a wide variety of ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests to high-altitude paramos.
42. The Colombian Andes are home to a number of indigenous communities, including the Kogi people, who are known for their spiritual practices and commitment to preserving the environment.
43. Colombia’s capital city, Bogota, is located at an altitude of 2,640 meters (8,660 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest capital cities in the world.
44. The Colombian department of Guajira is home to the Wayuu people, who are known for their distinctive dress and colorful textiles.
45. Colombia is a country with a rich history and culture, shaped by the contributions of indigenous peoples, Spanish colonizers, African slaves, and immigrants from around the world. Today, Colombia is a vibrant and dynamic country that is forging a new path forward, while honoring its past and embracing its diversity.

46. The Colombian coffee industry is world-renowned, and the country is the third-largest coffee producer in the world after Brazil and Vietnam.
47. Colombia is also known for producing high-quality emeralds, with the Muzo and Chivor mines being particularly famous.
48. The Colombian music scene is diverse and includes genres such as salsa, cumbia, vallenato, and reggaeton, among others.
49. The Barranquilla Carnival, held annually in the city of Barranquilla, is one of the largest carnival celebrations in the world and was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
50. Colombia is home to a number of national parks and natural reserves, including the Tayrona National Park, the Los Nevados National Park, and the Serrania de la Macarena National Park, which is home to the Caño Cristales river, also known as the “River of Five Colors.”
51. Colombia is a country of warm and welcoming people who are proud of their heritage and culture. Visitors to Colombia can expect to be greeted with open arms and to experience the country’s unique blend of history, art, music, and natural beauty.

52. Colombia has a thriving film industry and has produced a number of critically acclaimed movies, including “Embrace of the Serpent,” “La Sirga,” and “Birds of Passage.”
53. The city of Medellin, once known for its violent drug cartels, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years and is now considered one of the most innovative cities in the world, with a focus on sustainability, social innovation, and urban planning.
54. Colombia is home to a number of unique and delicious culinary traditions, including bandeja paisa, a hearty dish that typically includes rice, beans, meat, avocado, and plantains.
55. Colombia has a number of traditional festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including the Festival of Flowers in Medellin, the Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Pasto, and the Flower Fair in Bogota.
56. The Colombian Caribbean coast is home to a number of beautiful beaches, including the stunning Playa Blanca on Isla Baru, which is considered one of the best beaches in the country.
57. Colombia is a country of stunning natural beauty, from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the lush rainforests of the Amazon.
58. Colombia’s national soccer team, known as Los Cafeteros, is a source of pride for the country and has had a number of successful campaigns in international tournaments, including reaching the quarterfinals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
59. Colombia is a country with a rich literary tradition and has produced a number of acclaimed writers, including Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Nobel Prize winner and author of “One Hundred Years of Solitude.”

60. Colombia is home to a number of unique and diverse ecosystems, including the Amazon rainforest, the Andes mountains, and the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.
61. The country is home to a number of indigenous communities, including the Wayuu people of the Guajira Peninsula and the Kogi people of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, who are known for their spiritual traditions and connection to the natural world.
62. Colombia is one of the world’s largest producers of flowers, with the country’s flower industry valued at over $1 billion.
63. Colombia has a rich tradition of street art and graffiti, with vibrant murals and colorful tags adorning buildings and walls throughout the country.
64. The Colombian city of Cartagena, with its colonial architecture, narrow streets, and vibrant nightlife, is a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
65. Colombia is a country with a rich history of gold mining, and the pre-Columbian gold artifacts found throughout the country are considered some of the finest in the world.
66. Colombia is home to a number of unique and diverse animals, including the jaguar, the tapir, the spectacled bear, and the pink river dolphin.
67. The Colombian flag is made up of three horizontal stripes: yellow, blue, and red. The yellow represents the country’s wealth and natural resources, the blue represents the oceans and sky, and the red represents the blood spilled by those who fought for the country’s independence.
68. Colombia is a country of great cultural diversity, with a number of distinct regions each with their own unique traditions, music, and cuisine.
69. Colombia is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of national pride, and is working to build a brighter and more prosperous future for all its citizens.

70. Colombia is the world’s second-largest producer of coffee, with the crop being a significant part of the country’s economy and cultural identity.
71. The Colombian national anthem, “Oh gloria inmarcesible” (Oh unfading glory), was written in 1887 by Rafael Núñez, who later became the country’s president.
72. Colombian literature has produced many notable writers, including Gabriel García Márquez, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982 for his masterpiece “One Hundred Years of Solitude.”
73. The city of Medellín, once known for its drug violence, has transformed itself in recent years into a vibrant cultural center with a thriving arts scene.
74. The Colombian currency is the peso, which comes in bills of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 pesos.
75. Colombia is known for its diverse cuisine, which includes dishes like arepas (corn cakes), bandeja paisa (a hearty platter of beans, rice, plantains, meat, and avocado), and empanadas (deep-fried pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables).
76. The Colombian people are known for their warmth and hospitality, with visitors to the country often remarking on the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals.
77. Colombia is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic center of Cartagena, the coffee cultural landscape, and the San Agustín Archaeological Park.
78. Colombia is a country of great natural beauty, with stunning landscapes ranging from snow-capped mountains and rugged coastlines to lush rainforests and sparkling lakes.
79. The Colombian national soccer team, known as the Cafeteros, is a source of great pride for the country, with the team having qualified for the FIFA World Cup six times.
80. Finally, Colombia is a country that has faced many challenges in its history, from colonialism and conflict to poverty and inequality. However, despite these challenges, the Colombian people have shown remarkable resilience and spirit, and the country is now on a path towards a more peaceful and prosperous future.