Colombia

Geographical location: South America

Bordering countries: Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Panama

Landscape: Andes Mountains, Amazon rainforest, tropical beaches, rolling plains

Climate: tropical climate with warm weather all year round, except for cooler areas in the high mountains

Population: around 50 million people

Capital city: Bogotá

Other important cities: Medellín, Cali, Cartagena, Barranquilla

Language: Spanish

Currency: Colombian peso

Cuisine: Corn cakes; big plates with rice, beans, meat, fried egg, and avocado; thick chicken soup with potatoes, corn, and traditional herbs. Colombian coffee is famous worldwide. Other popular drinks include a fermented corn drink, and a sweet drink made from sugarcane juice.

Music: lively and varied, including styles like cumbia and vallenato

Famous tourist attractions: Cities like Cartagena and Medellín with their historic buildings and delicious food; Amazon rainforest; the Andes mountains; beaches in Santa Marta; colorful Andean village of Guatapé; the Coffee Triangle; Tayrona National Park

Interesting historical facts: Colombia was part of the Spanish Empire for nearly 250 years. In 1810 the people of Colombia declared independence, and independence was achieved in 1819.