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Colombia is a country in South America!

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                                      Major Cities

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                                      Major Cities

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Located in Cartagena, this historic building is one of the most popular attractions in Colombia. The outer walls of the Fort hold knowledge of the history of Cartagena.

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                                           Music

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                                           Music

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Colombia Travel Blog by See Colombia Travel

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There was recently an article in El Tiempo discussing what Bogota needs in order to become a 'global city'. I already see Bogota as an ostensibly cosmopolitan, international city, but I understand what the article is saying. Indeed, it's a topic we at the Colombia Travel Blog have thought about before. For all it's virtues, in terms of tourism Bogota lacks a clearly defined and well-promoted landmark; a photo opportunity those who spend most their day on their Mac before nipping out for a quick photo to upload onto Facebook showing people where they are in the world. And it's not just limited to Bogota.

Does Colombia have an iconic landmark, and if so what is it?

This isn't to say Colombia doesn't have essential places or sights to visit because it does, and in abundance. There's so much to see here that the mind boggles when trying to come up with shorter itineraries, but therein lies the problem. If you can only go to one place, it's difficult to decide where that place is. Any ideas?

Landmarks aren't essential to travel, and arguably it's a much richer experience to immerse yourself in a culture rather than visit a few items on a Lonely Planet checklist, but still, it's landmarks that plant themselves in the mind and capture the imagination as you imagine yourself wandering around a foreign country.

But with all that said, part of Colombia's charm is its unassuming attitude towards tourism. Locals love to interact with foreigners, and their warmth is a huge part of the country's charm. That might not be marketable in any obvious way, but it does make the whole experience something to remember. Equally, hunting down your own icons and landmarks and being able to create your own vision of a country is something that is missing from a great deal of travel in today's climate of sharing everything, but Colombia allows you to do just that.

With that said, here are our choice of 5 landmarks from all around the country you cannot miss when you travel to Colombia. Will one of these come to serve as a symbolic representation of tourism in the country? I'm not convinced, but for those of us still eager, curious and in love with travel, it's not necessarily a bad thing.

1. Monserrate, Bogota

Monserrate is a beautiful church that overlooks the city of Bogota. High up in the mountains, it not only offers spectacular views if you go up to visit it, it also looms large over much of the city, offering as it does a focal point for meandering walks.

2. Plaza de Las Esculturas (Plaza Botero), Medellin

Fernando Botero is Colombia's major gift to the art world, and one of Medellin's most famous sons. In homage to his work, Medellin houses 'Plaza Botero': a selection of 23 Botero sculptures in his idiosyncratic style. Great for a stroll, it's also the place to find Medellin's impressive Botero collection, so it's a must-visit for art and culture buffs.

3. Fort of San Felipe, Cartagena

While Cartagena's Old City is undoubtedly the prime attraction of the city, it's difficult to pick just one of the colonial buildings as a focal point. Instead, just outside the walls of Cartagena is the Fort of San Felipe, a historic and fascinating structure that gives a great insight into the history of Cartagena and, therefore, South America in general.

4. El Cabo, Tayrona National Park

Tayrona is a stunning haven of windswept beaches that is essential to explore if you're visiting Colombia's Caribbean coast. Of all the beautiful rock formations and wild coastlines you can find, however, El Cabo remains the most iconic thanks to the hut perched on a hill looking over the beach. It fits perfectly into the Tayrona myth: a paradise untouched by modernity.

5. Cocora Valley, Salento

While the thought of going to visit some trees may seem unappealing to some, those who have visited Cocora Valley often report back saying it's their favorite part of the country. It's the sheer uniqueness of the area that really captures people; this is a landscape you won't find anything close to anywhere else in the world and it's something you simply can't miss on a vacation in Colombia.

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5 Unforgettable Landmarks Around Colombia You Cannot Miss

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There was recently an article in El Tiempo discussing what Bogota needs in order to become a 'global city'. I already see Bogota as an ostensibly cosmopolitan, international city, but I understand what the article is saying. Indeed, it's a topic we at the Colombia Travel Blog have thought about before.

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How much Money should you bring to colombia?

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How much Money should you bring to colombia?

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Many of the activities in Colombia are sightseeing attractions. This means most of the money you spend will be on food and a place to stay. We recommend bringing around $1,500 USD

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Monserrate is a church building that looks over the city of Bogota. It is high up in the mountains and is a focal point for walks that offers a beautiful view of the city under the mountains.

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Caño Cristales

Caño Cristales, or "the river of five colors," is located in the Serranía de la Macarena National Park. This unique and wonderfully colorful phenomenon is a picturesque sight located within a remote part of the country. The 62-mile (100-kilometer) stretch of river has beautiful waterfalls and natural pools.

Andrés Carne de Res

Bar, Restaurant, South American, $$$

Andrés Carne de Res is a truly unique bar and restaurant located just outside of Bogotá in Chia. Upon stepping into the location you feel transported into another world, with crazy decorations, a menu or book full of delicious meats and other typical Colombian food, all served on one-of-a-kind plates and cups. Andrés Carne de Res is a must-see for any trip to Bogotá and Colombia.

Salt Cathedral

Art Gallery, Cathedral, Movie Theater, Museum, Theater

First constructed in 1816 by the miners working within the salt mine as an area to pray, the Salt Cathedral has developed dramatically into a major tourist attraction on the outskirts of Bogotá. Located in Zipaquirá, 32 miles (52 kilometers) from Colombia's capital, Bogotá. The Salt Cathedral is made up of a number of attractions including a 3,000-seat cathedral, the seven stations of the cross, a climbing wall, 3D movie theater, museum, art gallery and café.

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Caño Cristales, or "the river of five colors," is located in the Serranía de la Macarena National Park. This unique and wonderfully colorful phenomenon is a picturesque sight located within a remote part of the country. The 62-mile (100-kilometer) stretch of river has beautiful waterfalls and natural pools.

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Compared to living in the United States, the cost of living in Colombia is 59.24% lower.
Rent is also much cheaper in Colombia. Rent in Colombia is, on average, 76.51% lower than it is in the United States.

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                               Famous Landmarks

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                               Famous Landmarks

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By Victor Kiprop on October 3 2018 in World Facts

The official flag of Colombia.

The current flag of Colombia was officially adopted on December 17, 1819. Colombia's flag is solid stripes of blue, yellow, and red.

The flag features three horizontal bands of yellow (double-width), blue and red. Colors of the flag are commonly interpreted in two ways. One version indicates that the yellow symbolizes sovereignty and justice, blue as loyalty and vigilance, and red represents the valor shown and the victory achieved during the battles for independence from Spain.

A very popular children's song claims that yellow represents the gold Colombia once owned until the arrival of the Spanish, blue indicates the country's contact with two oceans and red represents the blood that Colombians spent in their struggle for independence from Spain.

Description of the Flag of Colombia

The official flag of Colombia consists of three horizontal stripes of yellow at the top, blue at the center, and red at the bottom. The yellow stripe at the top occupies half of the flag while the other two occupy the other half equally. It is locally known as the National Tricolor. The original version was adopted in 1806 but it was not until on November 26, 1861 that the current version was made the official national flag. The three colors of the flag are similar to the colors used by the Gran Colombia, a short-lived republic that collapsed in 1830.

History of the Flag of Colombia

The flags of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela share the same colors in a similar order although various additions differentiate the flags. The three countries all adopted the colors of the Gran Colombia that was designed by Francisco de Miranda. He was inspired by the colors of the Burger Guard of Hamburg he had come across during one of his expeditions in Germany. As the British planned to liberate Spanish America in 1901, he submitted ten versions of a proposed flag with the three colors to the cabinet although they were all rejected. On March 12, 1806, he raised the yellow-blue-red flag on a hired ship during his expedition to Venezuela marking the first use of the flag as a national symbol. In 1831 the Gran Colombia collapsed and Colombia became part of Republic of New Granada. Its official flag consisted of vertical stripes of red, blue and yellow. In 1861 the country officially adopted the current flag as its official flag.

Rules for Displaying the Flag of Colombia

In 1925, Colombian president Pedro Nel Ospina declared August 7th a national flag day to mark the victory of the Freedom Army against the Spanish colonial army on August 7, 1819. The flag is hoisted on all Colombian official offices including overseas embassies on July 20th to mark the country's Independence Day. The same is done on August 7th, October 12th, and November 11th to mark Battle of Boyacá Day, Race Day, and Cartagena's Independence Day respectively. The flag should be raised from 8am-6pm and it should never make contact with the ground or be raised at night.

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What Do the Colors and Symbols of the Flag of Colombia Mean?

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By Victor Kiprop on October 3 2018 in World Facts The current flag of Colombia was officially adopted on December 17, 1819. Colombia's flag is solid stripes of blue, yellow, and red. The flag features three horizontal bands of yellow (double-width), blue and red. Colors of the flag are commonly interpreted in two ways.

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                                                                             Travel

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Interesting Facts for Kids

Here are some interesting Colombia Facts which were chosen and researched by kids especially for kids.

Colombia for Kids

Population: More than 51 million people live in Colombia (2022)

Capital: Bogotá with 11 million inhabitants is the country's largest city

Name: Republica de Colombia or Republic of Colombia.

Government: Presidential Republic

Language: Spanish

Literacy: More than 94% of the people can read and write.

Religion: mainly Christians (Roman Catholics 79%, Protestants 14%)

Currency: 1 Peso = 100 centavos

National Symbols: Orchid (national flower), Andean condor (national bird) wax palm tree (national tree)

Motto: "Libertad y Orden" which means "Freedom and Order"

National Day: 20 July (Independence Day)

History: The country was inhabited by mainly semi-nomadic tribes before the arrival of the Spanish colonialists. Colombia is named after explorer Christopher Columbus. However, the land was also referred to as New Grenada from 1499. Colombia gained independence from Spain on 20 July 1810. Slavery was abolished in Colombia in 1849. Finally in 1886 the Republic of Colombia was proclaimed.

Colombia Facts: Geography
Where is Colombia?

Colombia is a country in South America. The Latin American country shares borders with five countries: Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Equador and Panama. Colombia's capital city is Bogotá.

Below see another Spanish map of Colombia with the neighbouring countries as well as the major waterways and roads. The Caribbean islands San Andrés and Providencia are the largest islands belonging to Colombia.

The longest of the Colombian borders is shared with Venezuela and is 2,219 km/ 1,378 miles long.

Colombia is roughly the size of Norway, Sweden and Finland combined, or similar in size to Ethiopia or about twice the size of Texas/USA.

A flight from London/UK to Bogotá takes roughly 11.5 hours and from New York/USA a flight takes 5.5 hours.

Colombia has a diverse climate from tropical steppe, rainforest as well as glacial climate in the Andean mountain regions. More than 60% of the country are low-lying grassland and sparsely populated. Colombia sits on the Ring of Fire and is prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

Colombia Facts
Colombia Geo Superlatives

Colombia is the fourth largest country in South America and the second most populous country in South America after Brazil.

The country has coastlines on two oceans: the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea which is part of the Atlantic Ocean.

Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world after Brazil and thus one of 17 megadiverse countries.

Colombia houses the world's largest protected tropical rainforest: Serrania del Chiribiquete.

The Magdalena River is Colombia's longest river (that is flowing entirely in Colombia). It has a length of 1,528 km/ 950 miles. In Colombia, you will also find the world's second longest river, the Amazon. There are several other big rivers in Colombia, such as the Orinoco River or the Rio Negro.

The highest waterfalls of the country are the La Chorrera Falls with 590 m/ 1,936 ft in hight.

Colombia's highest mountain is the 'Pico Cristobal Colon' which is 5,800 m/ 19,020ft high.

There are more than 30 volcanoes in Colombia, with Galeras (4,276 m/ 14,029 ft) as the most active volcano. Nevada del Ruiz is the highest active volcano of the Andes mountain range.

Colombia Attractions

Bogotá: the country's capital city has a beautiful old centre called La Candelaria with 300 year old Spanish colonial buildings. There are also graffiti and street art to be admired throughout the city. The artists are actually sponsored by the Colombian government!

In Cartagena on the northern coast of Colombia, you will find colonial buildings and an old town with cobbled streets. Today this city is a major port city.

Medellin: During the civil war the city was called 'murder capital of the world', today, Medellin has cleaned up crime and is now known for its arts and culture scene. Here you will find sculptures of Colombian artist Fernando Botero in many places. These sculptures are known for displaying oversized people and objects.

Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy: Here are some of the largest glaciers on the South American continent.

Caño cristales: The crystal river is also called River of Five Colours or the 'Rainbow River' because of its changing colour during the year.

San Andrés Island, also called Saint Andrew island is the largest island of Colombia in the Caribbean sea. The island is known for its beautiful coral reefs and picturesque white sandy beaches.

Colombia Facts
Colombia Economy

Colombia is rich of natural resources such as petroleum, natural gas, coal, gold and copper. The country's biggest trading partner is the USA.

Coffee is also a main export product and Colombia is the world's third biggest exporter.

The country is also famous for its magnificent emeralds, which are bright green gemstones.

Colombia Facts
Colombia People

Colombia is the second most populous country in South America. Colombia is a Spanish speaking country, but various Amerindian, Creole and Romani languages are spoken as well. In fact more than 75 indigenous languages are used in Colombia.

Most Colombians live in the northern and western regions of the country, in the Andean highlands near the capital city Bogotá or near the Caribbean coast. The southern and eastern parts of the country are the least populated areas in Colombia.

More than 81% of the population of Colombia live in cities or major towns. The five biggest cities in the country are:

Among famous Colombian people are singer and songwriter Shakira or the painter and sculptor Fernando Botero you can see below with one of his artworks.

Famous is also Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Marquez is well known for the Spanish book "Love in the Time of Cholera" which is one of the most read Spanish novels of all times.

One of the most well known Colombians was terrorist and drug lord Pablo Escobar. He was the founder and head of the notorious Medellín drug cartel that supplied cocaine and other drugs to the USA and thus was also referred to by many as the 'King of Cocaine'. He was the world's wealthiest criminal (while also being a Colombian politician) until he died in a shooting in 1993.

Family is very important to Colombians. Among sports, soccer is the most popular sport played in Colombia. Tejo is considered a national sport.

Colombia Facts | Peace

Colombia has been shaken over many decades by civil wars and clashes between government forces and paramilitary groups. These rebels were largely funded by drug trade in the 1990s. Over 200,000 people were killed and over 8 million people were displaced in the civil war.

In 2016, the historic peace deal was signed between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). For this peace deal, the former Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos won the Nobel Peace Award in 2016. The current president is Iván Duque Márquez (2021).

Colombia Facts
Typical Colombian Food

The Colombian cuisine is mainly influenced by indigenous food as well as Spanish and African cooking styles. The typical Colombian dishes vary depending on the regional climate and the fruit and vegetables available in season.

Many traditional dishes contain maize, rice, potatoes or cassava as well as meats and seafood. Tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, passionfruit, guava, dragon fruit or lulo (a fruit with a citrus flavour) are available throughout the country.

Typical Colombian food and drinks include:

Tamales: South American corn or rice cakes that are filled with chicken, vegetables or even sweet fruits

Arepa: maize flatbread, a common snack usually baked or grilled and often eaten with avocados or meats, sometimes split open and stuffed with a variety of fillings

: caramel sauce similar to dulce de leche and made with sweet milk and sugar

Changua: milk soup with eggs which is traditionally eaten for breakfast

Lechona: roasted pig or pork meat with onions and yellow rice and various spices, usually made in outdoor ovens

Chocolate con Queso: hot chocolate drink made with real cacao and cheese that gets dipped into the hot drink

Colombia Facts
Animals in Colombia

Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world. It has the largest amount of endemic species, that means animals that exist only in this country.

Manatees and brown woolly monkeys are among the vulnerable species. Endangered animals include the pink Amazon river dolphins.

Colombia is also the country with the world's largest number of bird species.

Popular Pages

Useful Resources for Colombia Facts
Images on Colombia facts page: shutterstock.com and own images Return from Colombia Facts to Kids World Travel Guide Homepage

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Colombia Facts | Colombia for Kids | Geography | People | Animals

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Here are some interesting Colombia Facts which were chosen and researched by kids especially for kids. Population: More than 51 million people live in Colombia (2022) Capital: Bogotá with 11 million inhabitants is the country's largest city Name: Republica de Colombia or Republic of Colombia.

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Kids learn about the Geography of Colombia. The history, capital, flag, climate, terrain, people, economy, and population.

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Argentina and Uruguay - Tango

First gaining popularity in the middle-class dance halls of late 19th century Buenos Aires and Montevideo, the smooth and seductive sounds of Tango are a true hallmark of the region. Perhaps more famous for the accompanying dance, Tango is actually thought to have originated from the seedy brothels of Buenos Aires where late-night call girls invented the risque moves. Tango legend Carlos Gardel exported the genre to France in the 1920s where it earned a more sophisticated reputation, partly thanks to his uber-elegant classic Por un Cabeza.

Chile - Cueca

Although Chileans enjoy a number of traditional and contemporary musical genres, it is the upbeat Cueca which resonates most closely with their national identity. The music's origin is somewhat unclear, although it is thought to have evolved in the countryside sometime during the mid 19th century. Variations of Cueca exists across the country, including a more modern and urbanized version known as Cueca Brava which has done away with traditional Andean instruments such as panpipes and tubas. The accompanying dance of the same name was declared Chile's national dance in 1979 and is characterized by flirtatious courtship with ample waving of handkerchiefs.

Bolivia - Folklorico

Bolivia is home to a dizzying array of vibrant folklore music, each style with its own unique costume and dance. A favorite among many is the uptempo Morenada, a joyful genre that encapsulates the essence of the nation. Morenada comes from the days when African slaves worked the mines of Potosi, a fact evident by the dancers' black face masks and the bells on their shoes which clink like chains. A number of Morenada tracks have found success on the local scene, one of the best of which is Maria Juana's Idilio.

Peru - Folklorico

With a large region covering a myriad of climatic zones, Peru has a huge number of traditional musical genres including Huayno, Criolla and Chicha, to name just a few. But it's their Andean folk music that best represents the nation, beloved for its melancholy panpipes and rhythmic charangos. Peruvian folk music has much in common with that of Bolivia, with some genres such as Caporales equally adored in both countries. As for quintessential tracks, it's pretty hard to go past the internationally revered and instantly recognizable El Condor Pasa.

Brazil - Bossa Nova

Mammoth Brazil makes up almost half of South America, both in size and population, so it's no surprise these fun-loving people have contributed plenty to music over the years. Choro, Samba and Brazilian rock have all made their mark, but it's Bossa Nova that really put Brazil on the map. Best described as a jazz fusion with a slow samba beat, Bossa Nova was born in Rio in the 1950s and took off internationally when Tom Jobim released Garota De Ipanema, a timeless classic that has been translated into English (The Girl From Ipanema) and covered by the likes of Frank Sinatra. Keen to hear more Bossa Nova goodness? Mas Que Nada is another one for the ages.

Ecuador - Pasillos

Although enjoyed throughout the continent, Pasillos is regarded as the national genre of Ecuador and forms an integral part of their cultural identity. Originating sometime during the 19th century, this downtempo style is influenced by the European Waltz and other more local tastes. Hugely sentimental, the genre is characterized by poetic lyrics alongside melancholic guitar and flute melodies. The king of Pasillos is no doubt the legendary Ecuadorian Julio Jaramillo, a man widely regarded as one of Latin America's best singers.

Colombia - Salsa

Salsa was actually invented by migrant Latino communities in New York during the '60s. Colombians have certainly taken a liking to it though, forming their own fun-filled fusion of Cuban, Puerto Rican, Afro-Percussion and North American Jazz influenced Salsa which has taken the country by storm. Cali is at the heart of the Colombia's scene, a city where all-night clubs attract scores of salsa veterans almost every night of the week. Grupo Niche, one of Colombia's favorite salsa bands, pay homage to the Cali scene in their smash hit Cali Pachanguero.

Venezuela - Joropo

Ask a Venezuelan about their country's most typical music and they'll tell you about Joropo, an uptempo genre that embodies their collective identity. Derived from the word 'party', this fast and fun music originates from the countryside and has European, African and indigenous influences. A traditional dance similar to the Spanish Fandango complements the harps, guitars and maracas with plenty of turns, shuffles and spins. So ingrained is Joropo in Venezuelan society that its most famous song, Alma Llanera, is passionately referred to as the second national anthem.

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The Most Quintessential Music of Each South American Country

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Argentina and Uruguay - Tango First gaining popularity in the middle-class dance halls of late 19th century Buenos Aires and Montevideo, the smooth and seductive sounds of Tango are a true hallmark of the region. Perhaps more famous for the accompanying dance, Tango is actually thought to have originated from the seedy brothels of Buenos Aires where late-night call girls invented the risque moves.

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Weather and climate

Best time to visit

The climate is very warm and tropical on the coast and in the north, with a rainy season from May to November. Though the temperature varies little throughout the year due to Colombia's proximity to the equator, it does vary according to altitude. It is cooler in the upland areas and cold in the mountains, and in the cooler times of the year the nights can be freezing. Bogotá is always spring-like, with cool days and crisp nights, though when the sun is shining the days can get quite hot. The Amazon region generally stays warm and wet year round.

The best time of year to visit is at either of the drier times: December to March or July and August. This is a good time for hiking, too; getting caught out in a storm is not ideal, especially if you can't dry out for several days because you're on a multi-day hike. Bear in mind that major religious holidays will also play a part in the best time of year to visit: Santa Semana is a stunning time to travel to Colombia due to the ostentatious celebrations, but the hotels book up fast and double their rates.

Required clothing

Generally, Colombia requires light clothing suitable for warm to hot weather. However, Bogotá and other places of high altitude get cold at night and even in the shade during the day, particularly in the cooler times of year. You'll definitely need at least a warm sweater and trousers for this, preferably a jacket.

If you are hiking you'll need good boots in the colder mountainous regions and good walking sandals for the Zona Cafetera to let your feet air but still give support. Very light clothing for the Amazon Basin is required, but having long sleeves and trousers for the evenings to prevent mosquito bites is a good idea. For the rainy season, have something waterproof such as a light jacket to fend off the downpours.

Geography

Colombia is situated in South America, bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Brazil. The Andes Mountains extend into the country in three ranges running south to north, dipping finally into the lowlands of the Caribbean coast.

Along the southern Pacific coast run marshy lowlands and rugged low mountains. The southwestern coastal lowlands extend in a trough running from the port of Buenaventura to the Caribbean. East of this rise the slopes of the Western Cordillera which, with the Central Cordillera range, runs north to the Caribbean lowlands from Ecuador. Further north lies the fertile Cauca Valley, which becomes a deep gorge running between the Cordilleras to the Caribbean lowlands.

The Eastern Cordillera, the longest range, rises north of the Ecuadorean border and runs north then northeast towards Venezuela. Flat grassy prairies in the east along with the jungles and towering rainforests of the Amazon make up over half the country's area. Colombia also claims two small islands, San Andrés and Providencia, located 700km (430 miles) north of the coast.

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Since emerging from decades of civil unrest, Colombia has established itself as one of the world's top destinations. And rightly so: this exquisite South American nation is blessed with natural beauty - think high Andean peaks, Caribbean beaches, pristine Amazon jungle -

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From JFK to Colombia you can fly into Cali, Bogota, Madellín, Cartagena and Pereira.

El Dorado Luis Carlos Galán Sarmiento International Airport in Bogota:

~8h 30m

2,481 mi

Aeropuerto Internacional Alfonso Bonilla Aragón in Cali:

~ 9-11 hours

2,574 mi

Olaya Herrera International Airport in Madellín:

~12-20 hours

2,377 mi

Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena:

~19-28 hours

2,091 mi

Aeropuerto Internacional Matecaña in Pereira:

~21-39 hours

2,477 mi

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What clothing should you pack when traveling to Colombia?

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What clothing should you pack when traveling to Colombia?

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When traveling to Colombia for most cities you should pack light clothing for warm weather, although many people wear long sleeves or pants year round to protect themselves from mosquitos (especially in the evenings). When traveling to cities such as Bogotá, you may want to pack some warmer clothes such as a jacket and pants. It is always a good idea to pack a ran jacket and umbrella no matter what time of year you are traveling to Colombia!

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This national park is located next to the city of Santa Marta which is on the Caribbean coast. This park is a piece of sacred land for the indigenous community located there. This park is home to the country;s best beaches and on one side is covered by the Serrania del Chiribiquete rainforest and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

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                           Food In Colombia

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                           Food In Colombia

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The current flag of Colombia was officially adopted on December 17, 1819. Colombia's flag is solid stripes of blue, yellow, and red.
The yellow symbolizes sovereignty and justice, blue as loyalty and vigilance, and red represents the valor shown and the victory achieved during the battles for independence from Spain.

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The best months to travel to Colombia are December through March. These are Colombia's driest months of the year. Because of Colombia's proximity to the equator, all four seasons are offered in Colombia at almost any time.

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Otherwise known as the "River of Five Colors". This beautiful river is located in Serranía de la Macarena National Park and it is 62 miles long. Within the river there are many waterfalls and natural pools that are bursting with color.

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                          Best Spots for Tourists

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                          Best Spots for Tourists

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In Colombia, Salsa music and dance is very popular.

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The well known singer and song writer Shakira is from Colombia.

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The Colombian cuisine is mainly influenced by indigenous food as well as Spanish and African cooking styles. Typical Colombian food and drinks include: tamales, arepa, arequipe, changua, lechona and chocolate con queso.

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- Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world
- Colombia is home to the worlds largest protected rainforest; Serrania del Chiribiquete
- there are more than 30 volcanoes in Colombia, the most active being Galeras.
- Colombia also has coastlines on two major oceans; the Pacific Oceana and the Caribbean Sea which is part of the Atlantic Ocean
- Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy is the name for the largest glaciers on the South American Continent, and they are located in Colombia.

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Cartagena - located on the northern coast, this city is home of many colonial buildings with an old town that has cobbled streets. Today, this city is a major sea port.

Medellin - During the duration of the civil war, this city was known as the "murder capital of the world". However, since then, the city has been cleared out of crime and is now known for the arts and culture that has swarmed the land. The area is filled with sculptures.

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Colombias longest river is the Magdalena River. This river is 950 miles long (1528 km).
The worlds second longest river, the Amazon, also runs through Colombia.

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1 US Dollar = 3,651 Colombian Pesos

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Colombian National Anthem - "¡Oh Gloria Inmarcesible!" (ES/EN)

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In Colombia, the main language spoken is Spanish.

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The capital of Colombia is Bogotá. However the country itself was named after Christopher Colombus.

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Total Size: 1,138,910 square km (slightly less than twice the size of Texas)
Continent: South America
Hemisphere: Northern Hemisphere
Type of Government: Republic
Nationality: Colombian(s)
National Holiday: Independence Day, 20 July (1810)
Population: 50,882,891
National Symbol: Andean condor

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Colombia is extremely diverse and is one of the largest countries in South America. This country is also well known for tourists because it is filled with rich culture and interesting places.

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There are 50,882,891 people living in Colombia. Colombia has a small population in comparison to the United States which has a population of 331,002,651.
More than 80% of the people living in Colombia live in cities or major towns. The five biggest cities in the country include:
Bogotá: 8 million people
Medellín: 2.5 million people
Cali: 2.4 million people
Barranquilla: 1.2 million people
Cartagena: 1 million people

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                 We are going to Colombia!

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                 We are going to Colombia!

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By Alissa Salerno, Kayla Zdonick, Brianna Brennan