The Spaniards brought Catholicism, African slaves, economic system and a caste system that pulled.european born whites ahead. 11 Interesting Facts About Colombia . Elders are deeply respected and revered in this tropical nation. Here, for an unknown, weird reason, people put blocks of salty cheese into their coffee when they are finished drinking it, and eat the mushy blobs of coffee soaked cheese. I was confused what my friend, the cashier at Juan Valdez, was talking about. There is so much to this country. 3. It is a sovereign state largely situated in the northwest of South America, with territories in Central America. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Bogota is somewhat “Americanized” and has amazing nightlife. The funny irony is; they dug so much silver that for their generation, silver became worth nothing….literally. Gringos don’t get a full week off at Christmas or Easter. Due to its long history as a Spanish colony, Colombia is ethnically diverse, with the largest group consisting of mestizos, who are an ethnic blend of indigenous and Spanish heritage. Colombia, officially known as the Republic of Colombia, is the second most diverse country in the world, distinguished for its natural resources, modern cityscapes, and diverse culture.The world’s leading source of emeralds, Colombia is more than salsa, coffee, and beautiful women. That’s too much. Colombian culture, foreigners, women, and more were the topics at hand. According to Calenos, Paisas, and the people on the coast – Bogota is cold, the people are rude, and the women are all ugly. While reggaeton reigns supreme in Medellin, Salsa is still king throughout every region in Colombia. Peso (COP) is the currency of Colombia. You’ll need to make some friends and go party in big groups. Colombian women are very edgy about their curves. The country has more than 150 mines churning out high-quality emeralds. It has an area of 1,138,910 sq km. In comparison, the United States only has 11 holidays each year. The finest quality emerald, a green gemstone, is found only in Colombia. It is made from sugarcane and is the best drink to enjoy the Colombian sun. It loves its holidays, organizing salsa parades, flower parades, carnivals and more. Committed to showing a different style of travel - one that involves actually interacting with locals and exploring different cultures. Fashion: Dress is both conservative and fashionable in Colombia. Colombia has a vibrant music scene, two of the most well-known Colombian musicians are Shakira and Juanes. Starbucks opened its 1000th store in Latin America, and the first in the city of Medellín, Colombia. While I’m by no means an expert on Colombian culture, I have picked up on a few things during my time in the country. From the Midwest, but often based in Latin America. So they’ll go out of their way to accommodate you in many situations. Nomadic Hustle is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.We are also a professional review site that receives compensation from the companies whose products we review. Then I realized he was talking about relationships and infidelity. 47. The culture of the Caribbean coast is way different than that in Bogota or in the coffee region. There are thousands of dudes here from all over the world. The government has made great strides in recent years to secure peace with revolutionaries, minimize crime, and protect its strong democratic institutions and the country boasts at growing economy. 17 Things to Know About Colombian Culture. Apparently, infidelity is more tolerated in Colombia than in other places. He just laughed, “My girlfriend is from Medellin. Facts & statistics . 2. Colombians really, really love holidays. It is important to point out that dark green emeralds are a rare find, but in Colombia, these emeralds occur in the deepest part of the Andean Colombian forest. Too much nationalism for a country its size! Many a Colombian will avoid talking negatively about anything in their country, as they are exceptionally proud of Colombia. While it’s funny, there’s some truth to it. She said five. 6. 3. It is also a country where 30% of the people live in poverty with food insecurity and insufficient education. It’s kind of a running joke throughout the country. 45. Genetic research with over 60,000 blood tests and 25 variables, determined that the average Colombian has an admixture of 65% European, 22% native Amerindian and 13% African ancestry, however these proportions vary widely from one region to … You’ll see 70-year old men dancing some salsa steps along outside the local mini-market on a regular basis. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. 5 x Colombia Facts for Kids. Moral of the story: Always book your return flight…eh..ship. It’s ColOmbia, and not ColUmbia. Colombia is known worldwide for cocaine. The coast of Colombia is one of the more unique places I’ve ever visited. Nice girls putting up with my retard Spanish for a quick photo. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own. Colombia is the third largest exporter of coffee in the world after Brazil and Vietnam. 10. Colombia has been a contributor of very important advances in medicine, biology, geology, physics, mathematics, anthropology, and psychology. Dancing is a HUGE part of Colombian culture. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Exploring Colombian Culture. 31. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Incidentally, it’s on the run, and has moved more than a thousand miles in the last 170 million years. The country is filled with stunning nature, amazing tourism, and great people. The golden rule of Colombia: If you hear music, start moving. The music is also thumping and pumping in Colombia. Colombia, which is located at the northern tip of South America, is a country of lush rainforests, towering mountains and coffee plantations. No matter where you go in Colombia, you’ll quickly notice how friendly and helpful many of the people are. Here are ten fun facts about the country of Colombia to know before you go! 53. The government not only tolerates graffiti but also encourages and sponsors street art. 5. The caffeine-drenched country loves to dance. Drugs are prominent and narcos can be found all over the country. Palenquera selling fruits at the market The traditional national sport of Colombia is called Tejo. Initially, people who went to find the treasures of El Dorado never returned. Full Affiliate and Legal Disclosure – Privacy Policy – Contact. Tejo is the native and national sport of Colombia. Being away from his girlfriend was better, as he was able to have other girlfriends on the side. This name was accepted in 1819 by the Republic of Columbia that was created from the Old Victorian territories of Grand Dada (in the modern age Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Northwest Brazil, and Panama). Many a Colombian man will tell you about the women from Pereira. Colombia is one of the most-populous countries in Latin America. The older you grow, the more powerful your voice becomes. The details in the many churchesin the country reflect the Mediev… Family members share their good fortune with other members of the... More. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The most popular sport is football; 99% of the population speak Spanish; The country is named after Christopher Columbus, also known as Cristobal Colon; It’s normal for children to drink coffee with milk; The Andean Condor is the national animal of Colombia […]. There is archaeological evidence of the existence of pottery in Colombia earlier than anywhere else in the Americas. While the weather sometimes sucks, don’t pass on Bogota just because your Colombian friends aren’t fans. 24. Colombia is even home to many pre-Columbian archaeological sites dating back to before there were European settlements. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In larger cities, men wear suits and ties. In Colombia, that’s not a common ordeal. 39. ... Local Culture . Our first of many episodes looks at some amazing facts about the people, size, and culture of Colombia. The theme of most children’s games, El Dorado, is actually a mythical city in ancient Colombia. Here’s something about drugs: 15 tons of raw pure cocaine — that’s how much white powder just one man shipped into the U.S. alone each day, at one point in time. 15. 27. Outside of Bogota, you won’t want to roll around with just a foreign friend. Maybe they were all broke. China has the most neighbors – 16 (North Korea, Russia, Mongolia, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Macau and Hong Kong). If you plan to spend some time here, then make an effort to learn some Spanish. The King of Coke, Pablo Escobar, was born and bred in Colombia. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. This train is referred to as Metro de Medellin. However, the company’s first store was inaugurated in Colombia in the capital city of Bogotá in 2014. 9. Colombianas aren’t jumping your bones just because you’re a gringo. Almost 60% of the Amazon rainforest lies in Brazil, 13% lies in Peru, and 10% lies in Colombia. The eight-month war, known as the Leticia War, started due to a dispute in the sugar trade. While the women may be attractive in Pereira, they certainly aren’t all whores like Colombian dudes would want you to think. 42. She lives there.”. “That must suck for you,” I replied in mediocre Spanish. The red and yellow colors of the Colombian flag were adapted from the Spanish flag and the stripe of blue symbolizes the ocean that separates the country of Colombia from Spain. However, the country is so much more than drugs and pretty women. One of the most interesting facts about Colombia is that it was the happiest country in the world according to the 2013 and the 2014 Barometer of Happiness and Hope. 52. Don’t take my word for it. Bogota is somewhat “Americanized” and has amazing nightlife. With so many happy-go-lucky chemicals flowing around, Colombia is reported to be the happiest place on planet earth. Travel junkie turned blogger. 33. Colombia hosts the world’s largest theater festival, the Iberoamericana. Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, at 13,000 m, is the world’s highest coastal mountain range. The … The National Police is a branch of the armed forces and was formed in 1891 in order to enforce the federal laws of Columbia. 19. Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, is the 29th most populous country in the world. Plus, they’re just a friendly and happy people overall. All the hard work did work out, and Spain finally mined out silver, lots and lots of silver. But don’t think they care too much about foreigners. Using free local labor plus hardworking llamas, they mined down the mountain, rock by rock. There are many friendly people in the city and the nightlife is amazing. That’s more than the monthly salary of all the CEO’s of all the top Fortune 500 companies put together. Colombia is a Spanish speaking country, but various Amerindian, Creole and Romani languages are spoken as well. The country has more than 150 mines churning out high-quality emeralds. 49. If you don’t, many a local will see you as some type of outcast. This is especially true in places like Medellin, Cartagena, and Santa Marta. In fact more than 75 indigenous languages are used in Colombia. People go out in big groups with their friends. 46. Colombian art is often synonymous with Fernando Botero. Colombia is the second most populous country in South America. Colombia is one of the 17 mega diverse countries in the world namely: Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, United States and Venezuela. 25. If you’re in the country, you absolutely must try some coffee from Juan Valdez. If you’re looking to learn Spanish, the people in Bogota and the coffee region speak a crisp, clear Spanish that is easy to understand. 58. With the second largest Spanish-speaking population, Colombia is also nicknamed “gateway to South America”. Both men and women occasionally get work done. Girls get fake breasts, fake butts, liposuction, and nose jobs. 12. The coast of Colombia is one of the more unique places I’ve ever visited. Although extended families rarely live under one roof, apart from in rural areas, many still live very close and frequent one another's houses often. In the early 2000s the government pass legislation encouraging the development of the country's film industry. The most popular choice for breakfast in Colombia is Changua. Five full cups of coffee every single day. Regional cultural traditions are diverse, with a broad range of distinct groups that have unique customs, accents, social patterns, and cultural adaptations. Cities in Colombia: A Gringo's Go-To Guide When Visiting - Nomadic Hustle. Can you believe that Colombian art history has been evolving for 3,000 years? 28. 14. Location independent. Its capital and largest city is Bogotá, D.C. Spanish is the official language of Colombia. Culture Many aspects of Colombian culture are traced back to the culture of Spain of the sixteenth century and the clash with indigenous cultures of Colombia. Since declaring independence on 20 July 1810 and achieving it in 1819, Colombia has changed its name seven times. 8. It’s simply a milk soup with an undercooked egg (Yes, it’s milk soup; you read it right.). © 2020 TheFactFile.Org. While I’ve still found a number of loyal, trustworthy people here who are disgusted by infidelity – there’s no denying infidelity plays a small role in Colombian culture. Colombia is known for its significant natural resources, modern cities, and a diverse culture. It is mandatory for radio and public television in Colombia to play the national anthem every day at 6 am and 6 pm. They are guerrilla organizations known as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia and the Army of National Liberation. Colombians from the interior of the country love to make fun of people from the coast, especially how they speak Spanish. The rumors are true. The following interesting facts about Colombia should excite more than one wildlife lover. Colombia is known for its diverse landscape of tropical beaches, dense rainforests and towering mountains. […] So here it is. Its capital, Bogotá, is the most populated city in the country, with almost 8 million people living there. I once asked a friend how many “tintos” she drank each day. Oatmeal is not a breakfast cereal, but a juicing material. 4. Not lazy, but fun loving: Colombia, with 18 national holidays, came second in the “countries with the most national holidays” list. It lies above the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region where volcanoes and earthquakes are as natural as birds and bees. Colombia is considered to be a hierarchical societyand people earn respect due to their position and their age. 40. Interesting Facts About Colombia: Nature Because of its geographical situation and its different landscapes, Colombia is a paradise for the fauna and flora. Related Read: 10 Uruguay Facts: Interesting Trivia On Culture, History, Food & More. All Rights Reserved. It’s absolutely fantastic. According to all of the locals, the women in Pereira are a bit looser than anywhere else. All Colombians speak Spanish except for certain populations that live in the Amazonian basin. Colombia is named after the legendary Italian explorer, navigator, and colonizer – Christopher Columbus. And I won’t lie – there’s a ton of cocaine in Colombia. During his heyday, he collected revenue to the tune of $420 million, weekly. 32. And they should be. It is often referred to as the most Roman Catholic of the South American countries, and most of its people are proud of the relative purity of their Spanish language . 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. 5. If you can speak a little Spanish, you’ll be rewarded in Colombia. Colombian culture dictates that there is a cure for every ailment and visitors will often be offered a traditional ‘ if they suffer any woes. The family takes centre stage in the social structure. Colombia strongly reflects its history as a colony of Spain. But at the Compassion center, there is hope. Colombia. Colombia, situated in the north-western corner of South America, is the only South American country with coastlines on both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Do you have any questions, feedback, or other facts about Colombia we should include on our list? There are two major organizations in Colombia these days. Did you know? If you’ve noticed anything else about Colombian culture while in the country, feel free to sound off in the comments. While Colombia had it’s string of tough times during the narco years, the country remained proud. Many have stunning jet black hair, pretty faces, and look pretty solid in a swimsuit. The Spanish conquest of present-day Colombia would see the founding of Bogotá (over the Muisca city of Bagatá), Cali and other cities. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. These cookies do not store any personal information. Colombia loves anything and everything that has something to do with Futbol (soccer). When the Spanish came to conquer South America, their foreign European diseases killed most native people, even before any war. Each of the main areas or cities in Colombia is completely different. We test each product thoroughly and give high marks to only the very best. It is still comm… The History of Colombia. 38. Colombia started off as the Viceroyalty of New Granada, but soon broke up to become the Republic of Colombia. Coffee is gulped down like water. Or so I’ve been told. 55. 2. 57. Colombia is the 2nd most megadiverse country in the world - ranking first in bird species. Seems like Colombia colonized Spain, and not the other way around. It represents more than 10% of all the species of Fauna and Flora on earth. The official language of Colombia is Spanish. Colombia practices a free-market economy that has greatly benefited the country due to foreign investment and foreign trade. Colombians will treat you with more respect and it’ll be much easier to make local friends. #1: Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, after only Brazil which is 10 times its size. Although they shipped 840,000 tonnes of it to other countries in 2015. 11. Colombia is comprised of many regional cultures.Many of the indigenous groups of Colombia have embraced the Spanish cultural influences. 30. Colombia is one of only 17 “mega-diverse” countries in the world. 7. Legend has it that a king used to spray himself with gold powder and then jump off from a golden boat into a lake in order to appease an undersea god. Like many a Colombian dude, my barber was telling me about the stunning women in Medellin. Honestly, it’s difficult to understand a culture completely as an outsider, but I’ll do my best here. In recent years Colombia (much like South Korea since the 1990s) has undergone major dedicated efforts to export their pop culture around the globe. Colombia’s jungles located in the east take up over 50% of the country’s total area, yet houses just 3% of its total population. But then luck struck Spain, and Spain struck a mountain. Get $40 off your first Airbnb rental by clicking here! Each of the main areas or cities in Colombia is completely different. Beer is so common in this game, it’s almost a rule. While Colombia has a lot more to offer than cocaine, there’s no doubt narco culture is still alive and well to this day. 18. Manufacturing exports include textiles, chemicals, garments, and metal products. Yes, Colombians love to drink down the Avena, which is literally oatmeal juice. World-famous pop singer Shakira hails from good old Colombia. This river’s bed changes color between yellow, green, blue, black, and especially red, beginning the end of July and through November. Many aspects of Colombian culture can be traced back to the early culture of Spain of the 16th century and its collision with Colombia's native civilizations (see: Muisca, Tayrona). They even trust gringos to play with machetes. I countered that I preferred women from other parts of the country. Coming to Colombia? Introduction of Country | Colombia Culture & History Facts “Columbia” name is taken from the second word of Christopher Columbus. More than I ever imagined. Colombia is the home country for many famous people such as Shakira and the famous writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Colombia is a place of fun, frolic, and festivity. It’s simply not true. 39. There’s nearly 20 public holidays each year and many Colombians get a full week off for Easter and Christmas. 34. Without Futbol, its iconic yellow jerseys, its heartthrob, James Rodriguez, or without its unique goal dance, Colombian people couldn’t get a peaceful night’s sleep. Coffee is not native to Colombia. Young males in the small towns along the Caribbean coast of Colombia do occasionally have sex with donkeys to lose their “virginity” or something along those lines. Many a gringo comes here without a lick of Spanish speaking abilities. The game consists of trying to throw a metal disk at a sack filled with gunpowder while being dead drunk. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Age is an important factor in Colombia. But finally, in 1886, the Republic of Colombia came into being. It acts as a source of support and advice and therefore great loyalty is shown to families. If you can speak Spanish, you separate yourself from the packs of tourist. Family: Family unity and support is highly valued in Colombia. While I’m by no means an expert on Colombian culture, these are a few things I noticed while living in this great country. Spain discovered a mountain, Cerro Rico, filled with silver….precious silver. 56. 1. 26. Archaeologists believe ceramic art was produced on Colombia’s Caribbean coast earlier than anywhere else in the Americas outside the lower Amazon basin, with relics dating back to 3100 BC. 44. Now, let’s talk a little bit about fun facts about Colombia and its people (bear these facts in mind to avoid culture shock). 48. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 20. If you’re interested in safety in Colombia, read this. The government of Colombia found a $2 billion Spanish shipwreck under the sea near its coast. 54. Shakira is famously from this Latin American country, as is Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a famous figure in Colombian literature. 51. (Source: Colombia Reports , … Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. Luckily, you won’t have to deal with them at all – if you stay away from the underbelly of Colombia. Archeologists estimate that humans settled in Colombia some 20,000 years ago. The condor signifies liberty as well as sovereignty, the yellow symbolizes the natural riches of the country while the red symbolizes the bloodshed in the war for independence. One of the most ethnically, linguistically and geographically diverse countries in the world, Colombia has an incredibly rich cultural heritage. Well, that’s all our Colombia facts for now, and we hope you’ve found this post interesting and informative! Cali is known for salsa dancing. After years of Spanish colonial rule, enforcing slavery and heavy taxes, Colombia won independence in 1819 with the help of revolutionary leader Simón Bolívar. Music is a very important part of Colombian culture, with Cumbia and Vallenato enjoyed country-wide. Fact 7: In 1975, Colombian women were given the right to vote. Got damn! There are over 300 beaches that locals and tourists can take advantage of to see all of the natural beauty this country has to offer. “You guys are faithful, right?” I looked at him with a perplexed look – no idea what he was talking about. That’s on top of their regular vacation time. Colombian Culture. Many a Colombian drinks coffee all day, every day. Still, Colombia is one of my favorite countries in the world. Liposuction, and Spain struck a mountain a Spanish speaking country, feel free to sound off in world. To foreign investment and foreign trade born Juan Pablo Escobar, 24 February 1977, is 29th! De Medellin ” countries in the comments other parts of the nation reflectsSpanish colonial origins from the of... As some type of outcast only country in the Amazonian basin true, the cashier at Juan Valdez is 29th! 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