35 Interesting Facts About Colombia (You Probably Didn't Know) (2023)

FAQs

How old is Colombia? ›

In a nutshell, Colombia is famous for its arepas and specialty coffee, as well as the kindness of its people. It's known for its diverse landscapes and culturally rich heritage where art, music, and theater mix. It also has its share of famous people like Shakira and Sofia Vergara.

Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, after only Brazil which is 10 times its size, and one of only 17 “megadiverse” countries. It has the highest amount of species by area in the world, including more species of bird than all of Europe and North America combined.

It goes back to Christopher Columbus. The names Colombia and Columbia both hail from the explorer and mean more or less the “Land of Columbus.” , it was likely decided that the name of a Spanish-speaking country should carry a spelling more approximate to the Spanish spelling. Hence, Colombia.

Despite the country's GDP and the problems linked to drug trade, Colombians seem to be the happiest people in the world: they consider themselves satisfied by numerous bonds of friendship and by a high level of personal freedom.

Most Colombians, even children, drink coffee. But the rate of consumption is just half that of the United States and less than in many European countries. Colombians also prefer to drink their coffee cheap; they would never pay the $3.50 a cup charged by New York cafes.

It would be nice to put the former President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos in the number one spot as the most famous Colombian. After all, he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2016 for bringing the country's more than 50-year civil war to an end.

The common verbal greeting is “Buenos dias” (Good day), “Buenas tardes” (good afternoon) or “Buenas noches” (good evening/night) depending on the time of day. The formal title to greet people is 'señor' (mister) for men and 'señora' (missus) for women.

Colombia, officially Republic of Colombia, Spanish República de Colombia, country of northwestern South America.

What did Colombians invent? ›

Unbreakable earphones and a cell phone charger that runs on sunlight are some of the technological inventions created by Colombians who, with their creativity, talent and knowledge, have been able to design innovative green projects in order to improve people's lives and, at the same time, protect the environment.

What makes Colombia the best country for a holiday? Colombia is one of the world's most diverse countries with two oceans, a range of climates, energetic cities, astonishing wildlife and things to do including kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, surfing, diving, dancing and more.

Colombia celebrates Christmas and holidays

The most typical Colombian Christmas traditions include eating natilla (a custard dish resembling a flan) and buñuelos (fried dough balls) and attending a Novena de Aguinaldos, when families come together to eat, sing carols (villancicos) and recite a set of prayers.

The name Columbia, derived from explorer Christopher Columbus, was used during the American Revolution era as a patriotic reference for the United States (In 1871, the Territory of Columbia officially was renamed District of Columbia.)

More than 99.5% of Colombians speak Spanish. English has official status in the San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina Islands. In addition to Spanish, there are several other languages spoken in Colombia.

Wiktionary. Columbianoun. America; the United States; an appellation given in honor of Columbus, the discoverer. Columbianoun. The female personification of the USA.

Perhaps one of the best-known Colombian accents, paisa is heard throughout much of the coffee-growing region including Antioquia, Risaralda, Quindío and Caldas. One of its most distinctive features is the phrasal intonation that drags out the end of a sentence in a most peculiar tonal rise and fall.

Especially in the 19th century, Columbia was visualized as a goddess-like female national personification of the United States and of liberty itself, comparable to the British Britannia, the Italian Italia Turrita and the French Marianne, often seen in political cartoons of the 19th and early 20th century.

Most Colombians are very proud of their country, especially in regard to its national soccer team, incredible natural treasures and indigenous roots.

The majority of Colombians identify as being of either European or of mixed European and American Indian ancestry. The ethnic diversity of Colombia is a result of interactions between indigenous peoples, Spanish colonizers, and African slaves. Colombia boasts an ethnic diversity of around 85 different ethnic groups.

What is the happiest country in the world? ›

Finland. For the fifth year in a row, Finland is number one when it comes to happiness.

2. “Duty Before Life” It's the law in Colombia that all radio and public television broadcast companies play the national anthem twice a day – this is done at 6am (when it gets light) and 6pm (when it gets dark).

They consist of three kids living in the Encanto town: Juancho, who drinks coffee despite being young; Cecilia, who is the kindest and sweetest of her friends; and Alejandra, a noisy and rambunctious girl.

Tinto, the Colombian term for black coffee, is the ever-present friend of Colombians. You'll find tinto on every city street corner, on every coffee farm, and you'll be served tinto every morning when you stay with a Colombian friend, at a hotel, or in a hostel.

Colombians (Spanish: Colombianos) are people identified with the country of Colombia. This connection may be residential, legal, historical or cultural. For most Colombians, several (or all) of these connections exist and are collectively the source of their being Colombian.

Most of the population (over 86 percent) is either mestizo (having both Amerindian and white ancestry) or white. People of African (10.4 percent) and indigenous or Amerindian (over 3.4 percent) origin make up the rest of the Colombian population.

1. SHAKIRA. Native artist from Barranquilla, Colombia. Internationally immortalized his famous song “The hips do not lie.” It is recognized for its concern for the education of children from the neediest strata of Colombia.

1) “Lo siento,” – said in a low tone, accompanied by a wide mouth grimace and a look of fear. Literal meaning: I'm sorry/I regret it.

Neutral phrases to say bye

Since you may use these phrases in formal or informal situations, here's where you can use the basics: Adios: Goodbye. Chao: Bye. Chao, cuidate: Bye, take care.

How much is $1 US in Colombia? ›

13. Basic education is free and compulsory (ages 5 to 15). 14. At the university level, fees are set according each student's socioeconomic background At public universities, tuition fees per semester can be about $1000 (US).

Colombia is classified as an upper middle-income economy and is one of Latin America's largest economies, according to the International Monetary Fund. The country's economy is shaped by its land and like many South American nations is based in its rich natural resources.

El Salvador/Jesus Christ: Literally translated, it means the savior — Jesus Christ.

After a couple of initial settlements in the early years of the sixteenth century that was short-lived, in 1525 a man named Rodrigo de Bastidas founded the first proper settlement in the territory: Santa Marta. The city is the oldest in Colombia that still remains today and the second oldest in South America.

Guaro—the colloquial name for aguardiente—is Colombia's national spirit, distinct with its soft notes of anise layered over tropical fruit, and a perceivable sweetness.

Aguardiente, the national alcoholic beverage of Colombia, is lauded for its superior taste and smooth finish. This drink has been a part of Latin American culture for many years and remains significant in Latin American cultures today. Aguardiente, or firewater, is a Colombian liquor made from sugar cane and anise.

Aguardiente

Aguardiente, which means “fiery water” in English, is Colombia's most popular traditional tipple. It's an anise-flavored drink, made from sugarcane.

Who invented arepa? ›

"The arepa, which has pre-Columbian origin, originated from indigenous tribes in Colombia and Venezuela," said Ronald Patiño, manager at Noches de Colombia. Both countries make their arepas using corn dough, but the way in which they are served is what distinguishes one from the other.

In their free time, Colombians enjoy going to parks, movies, discos, and friend's houses. They also enjoy many festivals and carnivals throughout the year. These include the Carnaval de Blancos y Negros, Semana Santa (held during Holy Week), and Feria de las Flores.

Guaymaral, Colombia

The average temperature there is 95 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the warmest site with a weather station in South America.

1. In Cali, Colombia, a woman may only have sex with her husband, and the first time this happens her mother must be in the room to witness the act.

2. “Duty Before Life” It's the law in Colombia that all radio and public television broadcast companies play the national anthem twice a day – this is done at 6am (when it gets light) and 6pm (when it gets dark).

Most Colombians, even children, drink coffee. But the rate of consumption is just half that of the United States and less than in many European countries. Colombians also prefer to drink their coffee cheap; they would never pay the $3.50 a cup charged by New York cafes.

The name Columbia, derived from explorer Christopher Columbus, was used during the American Revolution era as a patriotic reference for the United States (In 1871, the Territory of Columbia officially was renamed District of Columbia.)

Vegetables, plants and plant materials are banned from entry. Meat and animal based foodstuffs are also banned from entry. Guns, explosives and ammunition are prohibited from being imported to this country without stated permission from Colombian authorities.

The formal title to greet people is 'señor' (mister) for men and 'señora' (missus) for women.

Is Uber illegal in Colombia? ›

Renting cars is entirely legal, and Uber came up with a new business model that allowed users to rent a vehicle with a driver. The court decision was soon overturned, but Uber remains illegal.

The Colombian prison system is known to be very overcrowded. Overcrowded prisons infer and amplify broader social issues. These prison environments amplify the spread of infectious diseases like HIV, tuberculosis and, most recently, COVID-19.

Colombia. In 2009, Colombia's Supreme Court ruled that possession of illegal drugs for personal use is not a criminal offense, citing a 1994 decision by the country's Constitutional Court.

As the clock strikes midnight on 1 January, it's tradition to eat a grape and make a wish for each chime of the clock. 12 grapes in as many seconds is no easy task, so careful chewing is advised.

50% of Colombian population started taking coffee at the age of 10. We have always been grateful to our mothers and grandmothers who made us smile in the morning with a mild cup of coffee. 7.

While the Colombian traditional breakfast is fading away in some places due to the nature of modern lifestyles, many Colombians continue to eat traditional regional breakfasts which can include tamales (Tolima, Bogotá, Boyacá), hot chocolate with cheese and artisanal breads (interior departments), changua (a milk and ...

However, strictly speaking, drinking in public is illegal, and the decision about whether to enforce the law is entirely at the discretion of the officers in question.

Colombia is nicknamed the "gateway to South America" because it sits in the northwestern part of the continent where South America connects with Central and North America.

Is Columbia a Goddess? While she's often called “Goddess Columbia”, Columbia doesn't belong to any religion. No one really claims that she has godhood either – she is just a symbol of the New World and the European colonies in it.

From 1830 to 1856, the country was known as New Granada, and from 1856 to 1863, it was known as the Grenadine Confederation. The country became the United States of Colombia in 1863, and it changed its name to the Republic of Colombia in 1886.