Official Name: Republic of Colombia
Capital: Bogotá
Colombia is located in the northwestern part of South America, and is the only country in the region with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The country’s landscape is diverse, featuring the Andes mountains, the Amazon rainforest, tropical grassland and both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines.
Area: Approximately 1,141,748 square kilometers (approximately 440,831 square miles).
Population: Approximately 52 million people (as of 2023 estimate).
Language: The official language is Spanish.
Colombia has a tropical along the coast and eastern plains; it is cooler in the highlands due to the higher altitude. The climate is characterized by high temperatures and heavy rainfall.
Colombia’s economy is diverse, encompassing agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and service industries. Major exports include petroleum, coffee, cut flowers, and gold.
Colombia is a presidential, representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Colombia is both the head of state and the head of government.
Education in Colombia is mandatory from ages 5 to 15, and is divided into preschool, primary school, secondary school and higher education levels. The country has been making consistent efforts to improve its education system.
Colombian culture is a fusion of many different influences, including Spanish, African, and indigenous cultures. Music, dance, and art are important aspects of Colombian culture, as is the traditional sport of tejo. The country is also renowned for its literature, exemplified by Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez.
Notable Colombians include Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel García Márquez, singer Shakira, and artist Fernando Botero.
This is a general overview of Colombia. There’s much more to learn about this diverse and dynamic country, from its rich cultural heritage to its varied natural landscapes.
