Colombia is a country in northwestern South America, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is renowned for its biodiversity, vibrant culture, and as the world's leading producer of high-quality emeralds. The country is also famous for its coffee, its diverse landscapes ranging from Andean mountains to Amazon rainforest, and its warm, welcoming people.
- Capital
- Bogotá
- Continent
- Americas
- Region
- South America
- Area
- 1,141,748 km²
- Coordinates
- 4° N, 72° W
Country facts
- Colombia is the only country in South America with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
- Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, home to nearly 10% of all plant and animal species.
- The Colombian national flower is the orchid, specifically the Cattleya trianae, also known as the Christmas orchid.
- Colombia was part of the viceroyalty of New Granada under Spanish colonial rule before gaining independence in 1810.
- Spanish is the official language of Colombia, and the country has 68 recognized indigenous languages.
Capital facts
- Bogotá was founded by Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada in 1538.
- The city sits on a high-altitude plateau in the Andes Mountains at about 2,600 metres above sea level.
- The Gold Museum in Bogotá houses one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian gold artifacts in the world.
- Bogotá is known for its extensive network of ciclovías, where major roads are closed on Sundays for cyclists and pedestrians.
- The historic neighborhood of La Candelaria is the cultural and colonial heart of the city, filled with colorful architecture and museums.