Colombia is a country located in the northwestern part of South America, bordered by Venezuela and Brazil to the east, Peru and Ecuador to the south, and Panama to the northwest. To the north, Colombia has a coastline along the Caribbean Sea, and to the west, it is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. The country covers an area of approximately 1.14 million square kilometers, making it the fourth-largest country in South America. Bogotá is the capital and largest city, followed by Medellín, Cali, and Cartagena. Colombia is known for its diverse geography, including the Andes mountains, Amazon rainforest, plains, and coastal regions.
The Republic of Colombia was officially established in 1819 after gaining independence from Spain, led by Simón Bolívar and other independence leaders. The country has a history marked by political and social conflicts, including a prolonged period of civil unrest and internal armed conflicts that spanned several decades. In recent years, the government has pursued peace processes, notably with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which led to a peace agreement in 2016.
Colombia's economy is classified as an upper-middle-income economy, with major industries including oil, mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. The country is one of the world's leading producers of coffee, flowers, emeralds, and bananas. It is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with influences from indigenous, African, and Spanish traditions. Spanish is the official language, and Colombia has a population of approximately 50 million people.
The country has a diverse ecosystem and is recognized as one of the world's megadiverse nations, with significant biodiversity in both plant and animal species. Its national parks, such as Tayrona National Natural Park and the Amazon basin, attract ecotourism. Colombia also has a vibrant cultural scene, with festivals like the Barranquilla Carnival and Medellín's Feria de las Flores. Additionally, Colombian music, including cumbia, vallenato, and reggaeton, has gained international recognition.
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