21 interesting facts about Colombia

21 interesting facts about Colombia

Our curated list of the most interesting facts about Colombia that we have experienced during our visit

We did not intend to stay in Colombia for a month. After we had spent longer than planned in the South Pacific, we were concerned that we had only six months for an area that was much larger than what we had seen so far.

Of course our trip through Cartagena, Santa Marta, Taanga, Medellin, Guatapé, Popayán and San Agustín was more than the two weeks we had planned.

Our friends and family were concerned that we would stay in this historically unpunished country, but we found a lively and fascinating country that was as fascinating as its more frequented neighbors.

On the way we have learned many interesting facts about Colombia - we share our favorites below.

interesting facts about Colombia

The notorious drug boss Pablo Escobar reported that Colombia's government debt of $ 10 billion was offered in order to improve his reputation and escape the crossroads of the judiciary. (Source: Killing Pablo by Mark Bowden, 2001)
1. Colombia's "Second City" Medellin was once the murder capital of the world at 17 murders per day in 1991. Since then she has experienced a renaissance and is now one of the most important cultural centers in the country. (Source: The Guardian, 2014)

alt = “interesting facts about Colombia”> Atlas & Boots Boteros Birds in Medellin

1. Colombia's national sport is Tejo. Metal pucks or slices (Tejo) are thrown, which contain shooting powder and explode when it is impact. The game was created around 500 years ago among indigenous groups and was legally declared a national sport in 2000. (Source: CNN)

2. Colombia suffered from a 52-year conflict between the government and the left rebels of the Farc between the government and the left rebels of the Farc. A historical peace agreement was signed in 2016. A few weeks later, however, voters reject the deal in a national referendum and a new agreement must be worked out. (Source: BBC)

3. Colombia is the country with the second largest biodiversity in the world, only to Brazil, which is ten times the size. It is one of only 17 "megadive" countries in the world. (Source: World Resources Institute, 2013)

Atlas & Boots The interlocking lakes of Guatapé

1. Aracataca, the birthplace of the author Gabriel García Márquez, once gave a referendum to rename the city after the fictional city of Macondo from his famous book "Hundred Years Loneliness" into "Aracataca-Macondo". Unfortunately, the referendum failed due to the low turnout. (Source: BBC, 2006)

2. Colombia was the inspiration for our e-book don’t offer papaya: 101 tips for your first time around the world. The sentence "no papaya offer" is one of the street rules and warns that someone will take them with them if they leave their valuables ("papaya") in an endangered position.

3. hardcore porn are sold at streets, so do not be surprised if you are confronted with sensual donkey porn when you are waiting at the traffic light.

4. Colombian women do not hesitate to change their bodies when they are dissatisfied. The country is currently the most fifth-like center for cosmetic surgery. (Source: Economist, 2013)

5. Topping up to what was said above have huge breasts in shops, which reflects the country's preference for curves.

Hungry vegans Shop window dolls reflect the work of the Colombian cosmetic surgeons

1. Colombia is part of the fire ring, a group of countries in the Pacific Ocean that are susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. (Source: National Geographic)

2. Colombia lies on the equator, so you can expect a lot of heat and sun!

3. Colombia is the home of the bizarre, but incredibly beautiful Caño Cristales - a colorful water that is known as the "The River of the Five Colors" or "The Liquid Rainbow". The multicolored waterway is a series of rivers, waterfalls and streams within the Parque Nacional Natural Sierra de la Macarena. (Source: Lonely Planet)

Varnak/Shutterstock Caño Cristales is known as the "River of five colors".

1. Local governments regularly impose a "dry law" during major events such as world championship games and elections that prohibit alcohol consumption in order to contain public violence. (Source: Colombia report, 2014)

2. Speaking of World Cup, the Colombians stolen our hearts at the 2014 tournament.

3. Bogota has South America's largest bicycle route network: over 300 km extends from slum areas and suburbs to the city center. (Source: Danish Architecture Center, 2014)

4. The country's name is pronounced Col-O-Mbia, not COL-U-MBIA. Many non-Spanish spokesman understand that wrong.

5. Colombia is the only country in South America that has coasts both on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Atlas & Boots Taanga on the Caribbean Sea

1. One of the most interesting facts about Colombia is that according to the 2013 and 2014 hope barometer it was the happiest country in the world. (Source: Colombia reports, 2014)

2. Colombia is named after the explorer Christopher Columbus. (Source: Cia World Fact Book, 2022)

3. Despite its reputation as a dangerous place for drug dealers, it is actually one of the most beautiful countries in the world with a diverse nation that is helpful, hopeful and deeply lovable.

main picture: Luis Inacio P Prado/Shutterstock

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