Quick Facts: Colombia

Interesting Facts About Colombia

The Land of Coffee

Colombia is one of the world’s top coffee producers, known for its high-quality beans. The country's coffee-growing regions, such as the Coffee Triangle (Eje cafetero), are recognized by UNESCO for their cultural and historical significance.

Home to the Amazon Rainforest

A significant portion of the Amazon rainforest lies in Colombia, making it one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. The country has a rich variety of wildlife, including jaguars, capybaras, toucan birds, and monkeys.

The Only Country in South America with Coastlines on Both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans

Colombia is unique in South America as it has both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. This offers a wide range of climates, ecosystems, and coastal attractions.

Birthplace of Shakira and Gabriel García Márquez

Colombia is the birthplace of several world-famous figures, including Shakira, the international pop star, and Gabriel García Márquez, the Nobel Prize-winning author best known for his novel "One Hundred Years of Solitude".

Home to the Amazon River Basin

The Amazon River Basin is an important part of Colombia’s geography, and the country is one of the nine countries that the river runs through. The basin is rich in biodiversity and indigenous cultures.

Salsa and Cumbia Music

Colombia is known for its vibrant music scene, with cumbia, salsa, and vallenato being some of the most popular musical genres. The city of Cali is known as the “Salsa Capital of the World”, and the Vallenato Festival is celebrated annually.

Bogotá – The Andean Capital

Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, sits high in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of 2,640 meters (8,660 feet). The city is known for its rich culture, including the famous Gold Museum and vibrant La Candelaria neighborhood.

The Only Country to Produce Emeralds in Large Quantities

Colombia is the world’s largest producer of emeralds, responsible for around 70-90% of global supply. The country’s Muzo mines are particularly famous for their high-quality emeralds.

National Parks and Natural Beauty

Colombia is home to numerous national parks, including Tayrona National Park along the Caribbean coast, known for its tropical beaches and stunning landscapes. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains and the Chingaza National Park also attract nature lovers and hikers.

The Diversity of the People

Colombia has a rich cultural diversity, with a population made up of mestizos, indigenous peoples, Afro-Colombians, and Europeans. This diversity is reflected in the country's festivals, cuisine, music, and traditions.