Welcome to another blog in the series, KNOW OUR WORLD. In this blog, we will be talking about Colombia which is famous for its Arepas and Specialty coffee!
Colombia is culturally rich nation and has a very diverse landscape. Its geography ranges from deserts to snow-clad mountains. It is famous for its carnivals, Salsa dance, and export quality flowers like orchids, roses, and hydrangeas.
Table of Contents
Major Statistics
- Capital city: Bogotá.
- Official Name : Republica de Colombia or Republic of Colombia.
- Religion: Christians.
- National Anthem: Himno Nacional de la República de Colombia commonly known as “Oh gloria inmarcesible” (O Unfading Glory).
- Language : Spanish.
- Currency : Peso.
- National Flower : Orchid.
- National Animal : Andean condor.
- National Tree: Wax Palm Tree.
- National Flag :
It is a horizontal tricolor of yellow, blue and red. The yellow stripe takes up a half of the flag and the blue and red take up a quarter of the space each.
The yellow symbolizes sovereignty and justice; the blue stands for nobility, loyalty and vigilance; while the red represents valor, honor, generosity and victory through bloodshed.
- National Day: 20 July.
Geography
Colombia lies in South America. The Latin American country shares borders with five countries: Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Panama.The country has coastlines on two oceans: the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea which is part of the Atlantic Ocean.
- The longest river : Magdalena River.
- The Highest Mountain : Pico Cristobal Colon.
Polity
- President : Iván Duque Márquez.
- First President: General Simón Bolívar
Some Interesting Facts:
- Colombia houses the world’s largest protected tropical rainforest: Serrania del Chiribiquete.
- Colombia is the third largest exporter of coffee in the world after Brazil and Vietnam, though highest in terms of the arabica bean.
- Colombia is the only country in South America that has coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
- Age is valued in Colombia. The older a person is, the more powerful their voice becomes. Elders are deeply respected throughout the country.
- Colombia is the world’s leading source of emeralds.
- The official name of Colombia is the Republic of Colombia and is derived from the last name of explorer Christopher Columbus.
- Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, after only Brazil which is 10 times its size, and one of only 17 “megadiverse” countries. It has the highest amount of species by area in the world, including more species of bird than all of Europe and North America combined.
- Colombia is the #1 Most Biodiverse Country in Birdlife
- Colombia is Often Voted One of the World’s Happiest Countries
Stay tuned with us for more such interesting blogs that will help you in many competitive examinations like SSC CHSL, NET JRF, etc.
In the next blog we will be talking about Nepal and all its important aspects. Click here to – ‘Know your country – Nepal’.
