Colombia is a republic in northwestern South America bordered by Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. It spans1141748km2 of Andes mountains, Amazon jungle, Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Its name honors explorer Christopher Columbus. The population is approximately50882884, making it the third most populous country in Latin America. Spanish is the official language; indigenous languages and English are spoken in border regions and the archipelago of San Andrés. Alcohol is legal from age18 with regulations enforced by the state; recreational narcotics are illegal though the country battles illicit cultivation. Gambling is permitted in licensed casinos and through national lotteries. The highest authority is the President who serves as both head of state and government. Colombia maintains one of the largest standing armies in Latin America, organized into Army, Navy, Air Force and National Police under civilian oversight.

History
Colombia’s history begins with Paleoindian hunter-gatherers crossing from Central America over14000 years ago. By1200 BCE complex societies emerged, notably the Muisca, Quimbaya and Tairona, renowned for goldwork and trade networks reaching the Orinoco and Amazon basins. Spanish conquistadors arrived in1499, led by Alonso de Ojeda and Rodrigo de Bastidas, seeking El Dorado’s wealth. In1538 Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada founded Bogotá atop a Muisca settlement, establishing the New Kingdom of Granada as part of the Spanish Empire. For nearly three centuries colonial rule imposed Catholicism, encomienda agriculture and silver mining in Antioquia and Chocó. Indigenous uprisings flared but were suppressed until the late eighteenth century, when creole discontent with Spanish reforms and high taxes catalyzed independence movements. In1810 representatives in Bogotá declared autonomy on July20, initiating the freedom struggle. Simón Bolívar and Francisco de Paula Santander led campaigns liberating Venezuela and Ecuador before joining forces at the Battle of Boyacá on August7 1819, a decisive victory that secured independence for New Granada. Bolívar envisioned Gran Colombia, uniting these territories with Panama, but political rifts dissolved the union in1831 into present-day Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador.
The nineteenth century brought regional caudillos, civil wars between Liberals and Conservatives, and attempts at federalism. The Thousand Days’ War of1899–1902 devastated the economy and led to Panama’s secession in1903 under U.S. influence to facilitate canal construction. The Conservative-led “Regeneration” era in the early twentieth century invested in railroads, coffee plantations and urban modernization. La Violencia—an intense bipartisan conflict from1948 to1958—claimed up to200000 lives until a power-sharing pact created the National Front. The discovery of massive oil reserves in the1960s and the rise of leftist guerrillas like FARC and ELN triggered five decades of insurgency and narcotrafficking violence, peaking in the1980s and1990s under cartels led by Pablo Escobar. Democratic reforms, peace talks and military cooperation with the United States weakened guerrilla forces. In2016 the government signed a landmark accord with FARC, marking the end of the largest internal conflict in the Western Hemisphere. Today Colombia balances its legacy of colonial heritage, coffee culture and natural diversity with efforts toward reconciliation, economic development and regional integration.

Industry
Colombia’s economy relies on oil, coal, coffee, flowers, textiles and automotive assembly. It is the world’s third largest coffee exporter and a leading cut flower supplier to North America and Europe. Major brands include Juan Valdez for coffee, Avianca in aviation and Grupo Nutresa in food processing. The state oil company Ecopetrol ranks among the ten largest in Latin America. Automotive plants assemble models for Renault and Mazda. Colombia holds industrial records for annual coffee production exceeding14million 60kg bags and flower exports surpassing20billion stems.

Religion and Ethnicities
About90 percent of Colombians identify as Roman Catholic; 10 percent belong to Protestant denominations or other faiths including Islam, Judaism and indigenous religions. Ethnic composition: Mestizo and White78 percent, Afro-Colombian10.5 percent, Indigenous3.4 percent, and other groups8.1 percent. Catholic traditions such as Semana Santa processions in Popayán and the Día de los Santos Reyes on January6 remain central. Afro-Colombian communities in Chocó celebrate ancestral festivals with marimba music and palenque dances.

Wars and Conflicts
Colombia has experienced internal armed conflict since1964 with leftist guerrillas FARC and ELN, right-wing paramilitaries and drug cartels. The conflict led to over260000 deaths and displaced millions. The 2016 peace accord with FARC reduced violence, though dissident factions and ELN persist. Colombia supports UN peacekeeping abroad and cooperates on regional security initiatives. Mass graves and war memorials dot former conflict zones like San José de Apartadó. High-profile attacks include the Palace of Justice siege in1985 and periodic urban terror incidents claimed by guerrillas.

Standard of Living
GDP per capita is approximately6500USD. The Human Development Index ranks Colombia at90 of189. Poverty affects27 percent of the population, with stark rural-urban disparities. Transparency International places Colombia at92 of180 in the Corruption Perceptions Index. Recent governance reforms and anti-corruption campaigns aim to improve public trust.

Medicine
Colombia operates a mixed public-private health system with widespread clinics and modern hospitals in major cities. Tourists require travel insurance; emergency care in private facilities can be costly. Pharmacies are open daily in urban areas; Sunday service may be limited to on-call outlets. Recommended vaccinations include yellow fever for travel to Amazon regions and routine immunisations per WHO schedules. Tap water in major cities is generally safe; bottled water is advisable in rural zones.

Sport
Football is the most popular sport, with the national team competing in FIFA World Cups. Cycling has produced stars such as Nairo Quintana and Egan Bernal, the first Latin American to win the Tour de France in2019. Colombia hosts the Vuelta a Colombia annual cycling race. Other sports include baseball in the Caribbean coast, boxing and weightlifting. The country competes in Summer Olympics and won medals in BMX, weightlifting and shooting.

Holidays
New Year’s Day January1 sees fireworks and family gatherings. Epiphany January6 marks the arrival of Three Kings. Independence Day July20 commemorates the 1810 cry for freedom. Battle of Boyacá Day August7 honors Bolívar’s1789 triumph. Christmas December25 and Semana Santa in March or April feature religious processions nationwide. Carnaval de Barranquilla in February showcases Afro-Caribbean traditions.

Traditions
Hospitality is paramount—guests are offered coffee or aguapanela. Use formal titles like Señor and Señora when addressing elders. Remove shoes when entering private homes. Respect religious customs during Semana Santa by remaining silent near processions. Dress conservatively in rural and religious settings, covering shoulders and knees.

Interesting Facts
Colombia is the second most biodiverse country by square kilometer globally. The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) in Sierra Nevada dates to800CE. Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez was born in Aracataca. The Caño Cristales river is known as the “liquid rainbow.” Scenes of the film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales were shot in Cartagena. The 1985 Armero tragedy from Nevado del Ruiz’s eruption killed over23000 people.

Money
The Colombian peso (COP) is the official currency. ATMs are widespread in cities; smaller towns may lack machines. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and restaurants. Currency exchange bureaus in airports and downtown areas offer competitive rates. Cash is preferred in markets. Tipping of10 percent in restaurants and rounding up taxi fares is customary.

Household Details
Electricity is110V in Cartagena and Pacific coast,220V elsewhere at60Hz. Plugs types A and B prevail. Colombia’s main mobile providers are Claro, Movistar and Tigo offering 4G and expanding 5G networks. Public Wi-Fi is common in cafes and hotels. Tap water is potable in most cities.

Clothing
Dress according to climate—lightweight cotton in coastal lowlands; layers in Andean cities where nights can be cool. Shorts and short skirts are acceptable on beaches but avoid them in religious sites. Women should carry a light scarf to cover shoulders in churches. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for urban walking.

Tourism
Tourism in Colombia ranges from cultural exploration in Bogotá and Cartagena to eco-adventures in the Amazon and Andes. In Bogotá the Gold Museum and La Candelaria district offer colonial architecture and pre-Columbian artifacts. Medellín’s transformation includes the Metrocable and Comuna 13 street art tours. Coffee region farms near Manizales and Salento provide finca stays and coffee tastings. Tayrona National Park on the Caribbean coast features rainforest beaches and indigenous ruins. In San Andrés and Providencia islands travelers snorkel over coral reefs and enjoy reggae-infused nightlife. Amazon lodges at Leticia allow jungle treks to spot pink river dolphins and macaws. The Tatacoa Desert near Neiva is a stargazing hotspot. Cultural festivals like Feria de las Flores in Medellín each August blend parades, music and flower shows. Culinary tours in Cali reveal the birthplace of salsa and local fruit markets. Adventure seekers raft on the Cauca River, hike the Lost City trek and paraglide over Boyacá’s valleys.

Types of Tourism
Cultural tourism in colonial cities. Ecotourism in Amazon, Andean páramos and Pacific whale-watching. Adventure tourism with trekking, rafting and paragliding. Beach tourism on Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Agrotourism in coffee haciendas. Medical tourism for modern clinics in Bogotá and Medellín.

List of Tourist Attractions
Ciudad Perdida – ancient Tayrona site hidden in Sierra Nevada
Cartagena Walled City – colonial fortifications and colorful architecture, UNESCO site
Coffee Cultural Landscape – terraced plantations and villages, UNESCO site
San Agustín Archaeological Park – pre-Columbian statues and tombs, UNESCO site
Tayrona National Park – pristine beaches and rainforest ecosystems

List of Non-Tourist Attractions
Barrio Castilla in Medellín – working class district with local markets
Chocó Pacific Coast – remote Afro-Colombian villages and bioluminescent bays
La Guajira Peninsula – indigenous Wayuu communities and desert dunes
Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta – marshlands famed for mangroves and fishing
North Santander oil terminal at Cúcuta – industrial port operations

Local Cuisine
Bandeja paisa – platter with rice, beans, pork rind, plantain, arepa, avocado and egg
Ajiaco – chicken and potato soup flavored with guasca herb
Sancocho – hearty stew with meat, yucca and plantain
Arepas – corncakes served plain or stuffed
Changua – milk and egg breakfast soup
Alcoholic aguardiente and local beers accompany meals. Breakfast7–9AM, lunch12–3PM, dinner7–9PM. Street food hygiene varies; choose busy stalls. Tipping10 percent in sit-down restaurants is polite.

Why Visit
Colombia’s rich cultural heritage, exceptional biodiversity, vibrant cities and warm hospitality offer something for every traveler at relatively low cost.

Safety for Tourists
Security has improved significantly though caution is advised in border regions and certain urban neighborhoods. Violent crime hotspots exist in some districts of Bogotá and Cali. No dangerous wildlife in populated areas. CCTV and tourist police units patrol main attractions. Dengue and Zika viruses occur; use mosquito repellent. Colombians are welcoming of all nationalities.

Tourist Infrastructure
Major cities offer international hotels, boutique hostels and high-standard restaurants. English is spoken in tourist areas but learning Spanish phrases is helpful. Tourist information offices operate in Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena.

Entry Rules
Many nationalities receive90 days visa-free; others apply online for e-visa. Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond entry. Customs prohibit narcotics, unlicensed drones, fresh produce and more than10000USD in cash without declaration.

Transport
Domestic flights link Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Cartagena; tickets bookable online. Intercity buses range from basic to executive coaches. Urban transport includes TransMilenio BRT in Bogotá and metro in Medellín. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Beat serve most cities. Ferries connect some Caribbean coastal towns.

Automobile
International driving permits are recognized. Driving on the right. Car rental available in airports and city centers. Traffic is often congested and driving style assertive. Toll roads exist on major highways. Blood-alcohol limit is0.04 percent. Speed limits: city30–60km/h, highways80–120km/h. Traffic cameras enforce violations. SUVs and sedans suit varied terrain; avoid two-wheel drives in rural areas. Fines start at50USD.

Noise Regulations
Quiet hours vary by municipality, generally22:00 to06:00. Loud music and construction prohibited during these times.

Daily Budget
Budget travel costs1000000–1500000COP (250–375USD) per day. Comfortable budget2000000–3000000COP (500–750USD). Luxury stays exceed4000000COP (1000USD).

What Is Not Recommended or Strictly Forbidden
Do not photograph military or police operations. Avoid drug possession and trafficking. Respect religious sites; no revealing clothing in churches. Unauthorized drone use is banned in some areas.

Climate
Colombia’s climate ranges from tropical on coasts to alpine in Andean peaks. Temperatures in Bogotá average14°C year-round; coastal cities reach30°C. Rainy seasons vary by region: April–June and September–November on Caribbean coast. Best times to visit are December–March for coasts and June–August for highlands.

Travel Tips
Ensure routine vaccinations and consider yellow fever shot for jungle travel. Carry photocopies of documents. Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps. Keep valuables secure in cities. Learn basic Spanish phrases. Embrace local customs and savor the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures.