Did You Know? Colombia is the only country in South America that has both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines!
Colombia is a country full of surprises, from its stunning landscapes to its unusual traditions. There are many interesting and weird facts about Colombia that most people don’t know. Here are 31 fun facts about this amazing country.
31 Interesting Facts About Colombia
#1. Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world. It has more species of birds and orchids than any other country!
#2. The Amazon Rainforest covers a large part of Colombia. This means the country is home to some of the rarest plants and animals on Earth.
#3. Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is one of the highest capital cities in the world. It is located at 8,660 feet (2,640 meters) above sea level.
#4. Colombia produces about 70% of the world’s emeralds. Its emeralds are considered the most beautiful and valuable.
#5. The country has a river that changes color. The Caño Cristales river is known as the "Rainbow River" because of its vibrant red, yellow, blue, and green shades.
#6. Colombia is home to over 4,000 species of orchids. It is often called the "Orchid Capital of the World."
#7. The national sport of Colombia is tejo. It involves throwing metal disks at targets filled with gunpowder!
#8. The country has a special coffee zone called the "Coffee Triangle." This region produces some of the best coffee in the world.
#9. There’s a holiday in Colombia called "Day of the Little Candles." It marks the beginning of Christmas celebrations, and people light candles everywhere.
#10. Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, has more than 400 bicycle paths. It is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.
#11. The Amazon Pink River Dolphin lives in Colombia. These dolphins are born gray but turn pink as they grow older.
#12. The country has more public holidays than most places. Colombia celebrates 18 national holidays each year!
#13. Some Colombians put cheese in their hot chocolate. It may sound strange, but it’s a beloved tradition.
#14. There is a desert in Colombia with mysterious ancient rock carvings. The Tatacoa Desert has carvings that are thousands of years old.
#15. Colombia has the world’s tallest palm trees. The wax palm tree can grow up to 200 feet (60 meters) tall.
#16. The town of Mompox looks like it’s frozen in time. It still has colonial-era buildings from the 16th century.
#17. Colombia has one of the largest gold museums in the world. The Gold Museum in Bogotá has over 55,000 pieces of gold artifacts.
#18. The country has a special festival where people throw flour and water at each other. It’s called the "Blancos y Negros" festival.
#19. The mysterious Lost City of Colombia is older than Machu Picchu. It was built by the Tayrona civilization over 1,000 years ago.
#20. Colombia has a coastline of over 1,800 miles. This includes stunning Caribbean and Pacific beaches.
#21. The country is known for its colorful Chiva buses. These traditional buses are painted in bright colors and play loud music.
#22. The Andean condor, one of the world’s largest birds, is Colombia’s national bird. It has a wingspan of up to 10 feet (3 meters)!
#23. The city of MedellÃn was once the most dangerous city in the world. Now, it is one of the most innovative and modern cities in South America.
#24. Colombia has a unique tradition called "Despecho Music." People listen to sad music when they are heartbroken.
#25. Some of the world’s best street art can be found in Bogotá. The city is covered with colorful murals and graffiti.
#26. The country has a festival where people make giant flower arrangements. The "Feria de las Flores" (Flower Festival) happens every year in MedellÃn.
#27. Colombia is the only country named after Christopher Columbus. However, Columbus never actually set foot in Colombia!
#28. The country has floating villages on the Magdalena River. People build houses on stilts and travel by boat instead of cars.
#29. Many Colombians believe in "La Llorona," a ghostly woman who cries for her lost children. It is a common legend in Latin America.
#30. The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is an underground church built inside a salt mine. It is one of Colombia’s most visited places.
#31. The country has a bridge that bats and parrots share. The Puente de Occidente bridge is home to many animals who live inside its structure.
Colombia is full of such things that makes it unique. From pink dolphins to rainbow rivers, there’s always something new to know.
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