Colombia

File:United States Navy Band - ¡Oh, gloria inmarcesible!.ogg

Culturas precolombinas de Colombia

Retrato de Vasco Nuñez de Balboa (1475-1517) - Anónimo

Defensa de Cartagena de Indias por la escuadra de D. Blas de Lezo, año 1741

Viceroyalty of New Granada (orthographic projection)

Colombia, officially known as the Republic of Colombia, is a country predominantly situated in the northern part of South America, with territories in North America. Colombia is bordered to the northwest by Panama; to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; it shares maritime limits with Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Colombia is the fourth-largest country in South America and the third-most populous, with an estimated 50 million inhabitants. Its diverse culture reflects the indigenous, Spanish, and African influences that have shaped its history.

Geography

Colombia is characterized by its significant biodiversity, with various climates and topographies. The country's geography is marked by the Andes mountain range, extensive Amazon Rainforest, tropical grassland, and both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines. This diverse environment supports a wide range of flora and fauna, making Colombia one of the world's "megadiverse" countries.

History

The territory of what is now Colombia was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples including the Muisca, Quimbaya, and Tairona. In 1499, the Spanish arrived and initiated a period of conquest and colonization, creating the Viceroyalty of New Granada, with its capital in Bogotá. Independence from Spain was achieved in 1819, but by 1830 the "Gran Colombia" Federation was dissolved. What is now Colombia and Panama emerged as the Republic of New Granada. The new nation experienced political and territorial changes before adopting its current name in 1886.

Economy

Colombia's economy is the fourth largest in Latin America, with major sectors including petroleum, manufacturing, agriculture, and mining. The country is also known for its significant coffee and flower exports. In recent years, Colombia has seen a growth in technology and innovation, contributing to its economic development.

Culture

Colombian culture is a blend of its many and varied roots and there are many cultural expressions in Colombia. Music and dance are integral parts of the Colombian culture, with traditional forms such as Cumbia, Vallenato, and Salsa being popular. Colombian literature has also been recognized internationally, most notably the works of Gabriel García Márquez, a Nobel Prize-winning author.

Government and Politics

Colombia is a constitutional republic with a strong executive branch, a bicameral congress, and a judicial branch. It has been marked by a long-standing conflict involving government forces, paramilitary groups, crime syndicates, and guerrilla movements like the FARC. Recent efforts have focused on peace negotiations to resolve these conflicts.

Demographics

Colombia is ethnically diverse, comprising of Mestizos, Whites, Afro-Colombians, and indigenous peoples. Spanish is the official language, and over 99% of Colombians speak it. There are also 68 ethnic languages and dialects that are recognized, including Paez and Wayuu.

Environmental Issues

Colombia faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil degradation, and air pollution. The government has established numerous national parks and conservation areas to protect its biodiversity but continues to struggle with the effects of illegal mining and logging.