General Facts 

• Population: 49,464,683 people
• Capital: Bogota; 8,080,734 people
• Area: 440,800 square miles
• Language:  Spanish
• Religion: Roman Catholic
• Currency: Colombian Peso
• Life Expectancy: 74 years old
• GDP per Capita:U$D. $7,525 per year
• Literacy Percent: 91.4

Other Fun Facts:

• Colombia is named after the legendary Italian explorer, navigator, and colonizer – Christopher Columbus.
• It is mandatory for radio and public television in Colombia to play the national anthem every day at 6 am and 6 pm.
• Age is an important factor in Colombia. The older you grow, the more powerful your voice becomes. Elders are deeply respected and revered in this tropical nation.
• Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is a mecca for street artists. The government not only tolerates graffiti but also encourages and sponsors street art.
• Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, at 13,000 m, is the world’s highest coastal mountain range. 
• Colombia is the world’s leading producer of Emeralds. The finest quality emerald, a green gemstone, is found only in Colombia.
• Colombia is the third largest exporter of coffee in the world after Brazil and Vietnam.
• Bandeja Paisa, the de facto national meal of Colombia, is not only a meal but a mini representation of the country itself.

Our Suggestions

• See the largest salt flats in the world by jeep.
• Head to the jungle for a river cruise or jungle trek.
• Spend some time in the highest capital in the world in La Paz and take in the culture.
• Tiwanaku is one of the most interesting archaeological sites in the world.  
• Take a boat around the highest navigable lake in the world on Titicaca.