Take a jaunt through
Colombia lies in northwestern South America, with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Its landscapes include the Andes, Amazon rainforest, grasslands and historic cities. Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities contribute to the country's rich cultural heritage.
Capital
Bogotá
Population
About 53 million
Languages
Spanish, Indigenous languages, Creole languages
Currency
Colombian Peso (COP)
Get your bearings
For thousands of years, Indigenous societies lived across the region now called Colombia, including the Muisca, Tairona and communities associated with San Agustín. Spanish colonisation began in the sixteenth century, bringing conquest, forced labour and the enslavement of Africans. Indigenous and African communities resisted colonial rule and sustained their traditions. Independence movements grew in the early nineteenth century, and the Battle of Boyacá in 1819 helped secure independence in New Granada. Colombia was part of the republic known as Gran Colombia before that union dissolved. Later centuries brought political conflict, social change and cultural achievement. Colombia's recent history includes decades of armed conflict and continuing efforts to build peace. Today its remarkable biodiversity and diverse music, literature, food and traditions are recognised internationally.
First stop · Capital
Bogotá is Colombia's capital and largest city. Located high in the Andes, it is a major centre for government, education, museums and cultural life.
Wander a little further
History
Ciudad Perdida is an ancient settlement in Colombia's Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, associated with the Tairona civilisation. Its stone terraces, stairways and paths reveal the achievements of Indigenous communities long before Spanish colonisation.
Food
Arepas are maize-based foods enjoyed in many Colombian regions. Their preparation and fillings vary widely, reflecting local ingredients and customs.
Wildlife
The golden poison frog lives in a small area of Colombia's Pacific rainforest. Its bright colouring warns predators of powerful toxins in its skin.
Culture · stop and look
Founded by people who escaped slavery, San Basilio de Palenque is celebrated for its Afro-Colombian heritage, Palenquero language, music and community traditions.
Through time
Four stops first. Open the rest if you want to travel further.
Before 1500
Diverse Indigenous communities develop societies across the Andes, Caribbean coast, forests and valleys, including the Muisca and Tairona.
1500s
Spanish expeditions and settlements expand across the region. Indigenous peoples experience conquest and forced labour, while enslaved Africans are brought to the colonies.
1600s
Communities established by people escaping enslavement resist colonial control and preserve distinctive cultural traditions.
1781
Protests against colonial taxation and government policies spread through parts of New Granada.
1810
Events in Bogotá help launch a long struggle to end Spanish colonial rule.
1819
Independence forces defeat a royalist army, helping secure independence in New Granada and paving the way for Gran Colombia.
1830–1831
The union associated with modern Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama dissolves.
1903
Panama separates from Colombia and becomes an independent republic.
1991
Colombia adopts a constitution recognising cultural and ethnic diversity and strengthening constitutional rights.
2016
The Colombian government and FARC-EP sign a peace agreement, although challenges to lasting peace continue.
Faces along the way
Study the photograph. Read the clue. Make your guess before revealing the person.
Mystery person
Who am I?
Your clue
My words became an important part of culture. Who am I?
Mystery person
Who am I?
Your clue
I became an influential figure in Colombia. Can you work out who I am?
Mystery person
Who am I?
Your clue
I became an important public figure in my country's story. Who am I?
Mystery person
Who am I?
Your clue
I became known through music. Can you work out who I am?
Look closer
Spotlight 01
Barranquilla Carnival brings together music, dance, costumes and performances reflecting Indigenous, African and European cultural influences.
Spotlight 02
Afro-Colombian communities along the southern Pacific coast maintain musical traditions featuring marimbas, drums, singing and dance.
Spotlight 03
Vallenato is a storytelling music tradition from Colombia's Caribbean region, commonly associated with accordion, caja drum and guacharaca.
Spotlight 04
Among the Wayuu people of the Guajira Peninsula, palabreros are respected mediators who help resolve disputes through dialogue and customary law.
One more wander
History & Architecture
Cartagena's historic fortified centre contains colourful colonial-era buildings, plazas and defensive walls overlooking the Caribbean coast. Its history is also connected to the Atlantic slave trade.
Nature & Indigenous Heritage
Chiribiquete protects a vast Amazonian landscape of rainforest and dramatic tabletop mountains. Ancient rock paintings reflect a long Indigenous cultural history.
Archaeology
This archaeological landscape is famous for large stone statues, burial monuments and ceremonial sites created by ancient communities.
Living Heritage
San Basilio de Palenque is known for its history of resistance to slavery and its living Afro-Colombian language, music and cultural traditions.
Your turn
Colombia is the only South American country with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Its capital, Bogotá, lies approximately 2,600 metres above sea level.
Colombia is one of the world's most biodiverse countries.
Student Contribution
Found a useful website, video, recipe or cultural resource about Colombia? Share it with Fable Culture for staff review.