Columbia

Republic of Colombia
Flag Coat of arms
Capital	Bogotá
Official languages	Spanish
Government	Unitary presidential republic
Area
• Total	1,141,748 km2 (440,831 sq mi)
Population
• Estimate	50,372,424
Currency	Colombian peso
ISO 3166 code	[[ISO 3166-2:CO |CO ]]

Colombia, officially known as the Republic of Colombia, is a country largely situated in the north of South America, with territories in Central America. Colombia is bordered to the northwest by Panama; to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; and 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 one of the continent's most populous nations.

History

The history of Colombia is characterized by the interactions between the indigenous peoples, Spanish colonizers, African slaves, and later, various immigrant groups. Colombia was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes before the arrival of Christopher Columbus and the subsequent Spanish colonization during the 16th century. The struggle for independence from Spain was achieved under the leadership of Simón Bolívar and Francisco de Paula Santander in the early 19th century.

Geography

Colombia is notable for its diverse landscapes which include rainforests, mountains, grasslands, and deserts. It is also home to part of the Amazon Rainforest and the Andes Mountains. The country has several major cities, including its capital, Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Cartagena.

Economy

The economy of Colombia is majorly driven by substantial natural resources which include petroleum, natural gas, coal, and several precious metals. Additionally, Colombia is a significant global producer of coffee, flowers, emeralds, sugar, and tropical fruits. The country's economic development is also supported by its growing sectors in technology, science, and innovation.

Culture

Colombian culture reflects the influence of its diverse population that includes descendants of Spanish colonists, African slaves, and indigenous peoples. It is known for its rich folklore, music, dances, and art. The country is famous for its significant contributions to literature, particularly through the works of Gabriel García Márquez, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Demographics

Colombia's population is a mix of various ethnic groups, which include Mestizos, Whites, Afro-Colombians, and indigenous peoples. Spanish is the official language, and over 99% of Colombians speak it. There are also several indigenous languages that are recognized as official in their respective territories.

Government and Politics

Colombia is a republic with a strong executive branch, headed by a President who serves as both the head of state and head of government. The country has a multi-party system, with numerous parties playing a significant role in the national and local political landscapes.

See also

• List of cities in Colombia
• Colombian cuisine
• Music of Colombia
• Tourism in Colombia

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