History of Colombia

Found in South America, Colombia formally is the Republic of Colombia. Its fascinating and rich history goes thousands of years. 

Early Civilization 

Before the entrance of Spanish explorers in the sixteenth century, several Indigenous civilizations called Colombia home. Masters in agriculture, these early societies developed sophisticated cities using creative architectural concepts. Among the most well-known societies were those of the Muisca people inhabiting the central highlands of Colombia. Renowned for their gold-working techniques, they traded with nearby tribes. 

Spanish Colonization 

The first European visitor to Colombian territory in 1499 was Spanish adventurer Rodrigo de Bastidas. By 1525 the Spanish had established a colony at Santa Marta and started to live all over Colombia. Under Spanish sovereignty, Colombia's abundance of gold, emeralds, and other precious resources made it a major source of money for Spain. Indigenous people who were compelled into work and converted to Christianity were therefore exploited and mistreated.

Colombian Etymology

The final name of Italian adventurer Christopher Columbus, who is credited with finding the Americas, forms the name "Colombia". But once known as "New Granada," the nation formally adopted "Colombia" in 1861.

Pre-Columbian period

The pre-Columbian era is that which before Christopher Columbus' arrival in 1492. Many indigenous groups living in Colombia over this century have unique rituals and ceremonies. 

The colonial era 

Colombia's colonial period ran over more than three hundred years, from the early 16th century until the late 19th century. Spain ruled most of South America during this period and instituted a rigorous hierarchical culture in Colombia. With elements from both indigenous and African customs, Colombian culture flourished even under Spanish control. Colombia now still clearly shows this mingling of civilizations.

Independence

Beginning the struggle for freedom from Spanish rule early in the 1800s, revolutionaries included Simón Bolívar and Francisco de Paula Santander Finally, Colombia declared on July 20, 1810, its break from Spain. But Colombia formally acquired its freedom and became known as the Republic of Gran Colombia only on August 7, 1819.

Twentieth century 

Among the major events of the 20th century in Colombian history were social and political upheaval brought forth by the Thousand Days War (1899–1902.). The political struggle between conservatives and liberals drove Colombia into a period of bloodshed commonly referred to as "La Violencia" (1948–1958).

In the twenty-first century

Colombia is a varied and energetic nation with a fast-expanding economy nowadays. Though internal strife and drug trafficking still present difficulties, the government is striving to bring stability and peace. With its stunning scenery, rich culture, and kind hospitality drawing guests from all across the globe, tourism has also grown to be a major component of Colombia's economy in recent years.

Geography and Cultural Development

Geologically speaking, Colombia boasts the Amazon jungle, Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, and the Andes Mountains. Its mixed African, European, and Indigenous society also represents this spectrum. Even if the nation claims more than 60 indigenous languages spoken there, Spanish is the official speech. Colombia is especially well-known for its active music industry and colorful celebrations—the Carnival of Barranquilla.

Climate 

Though the temperature of Colombia varies based on the region, generally it is tropical with certain parts having lower temperatures because of great altitudes. Close to the equator, Colombia goes through a wet and dry season rather than separate seasons. Travel is best timed for December through March's dry season.

Diversity and preservation of species 

Comprising a great range of plant and animal species, Colombia is among the most biodiverse nations on Earth. But poaching and deforestation have challenged this variety. Colombia has set aside approximately 10% of its territory as protected areas and launched several conservation initiatives to help address these problems. This comprises national parks like Los Nevados National Natural Park and Tayrona National Park.

Politics and government

Colombia is a presidential republic run on a multi-party basis. Iván Duque Márquez is Colombian's present president. Although political corruption and drug trafficking have plagued the nation, the administration has lately worked to solve these problems and advance peace by means of different projects and policies. Crime rates dropped dramatically under Álvaro Uribe's administration (2002–2010) while the economy grew.

Foreign relation

Colombia is a member of the United Nations and the Organization of American States as well as maintains diplomatic ties to nations all around. Strong ties to its surrounding nations—especially Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru—also define it Colombia is a major participant in fostering regional stability in South America and has been engaged in several foreign peacekeeping operations.

Military

Comprising the Army, Navy, Air Force, and National Police, the Colombian military is it has been engaged in wars with drug cartels and guerilla organizations and is crucial for preserving national security. The military's capabilities have been modernized and strengthened in recent years with initiatives including more training and resource collaboration with foreign allies.

Administrative division

There are thirty-two departments in Colombia, one capital district with local government under each governor. Along with nearly 1,000 municipalities, which are further split into smaller administrative divisions, the nation although increased regional autonomy is made possible by this dispersed style of administration, it can also cause differences in resources and development across various regions.

Economy

Manufacturing, tourism, mining, oil output, and agriculture define Colombia's diversified economy. Continually growing, it ranks fourth among all the economies in Latin America. The country mostly exports coal, cut flowers, coffee, and petroleum. Recent focus has been on attempts towards economic diversification and sustainable growth.

Natural resources 

Coffee is a key export from Colombia, and the sector helps many rural towns. Additional important agricultural goods are flowers, sugarcane, and bananas. Along with great natural resources such as coal, emeralds, and oil, the nation also boasts still, that there have been questions regarding the effects of resource extraction on the surroundings and initiatives to support sustainable living.

Transportation 

Major highways and a vast airport network help to define Colombia's well-developed transportation infrastructure. Additionally developing in the nation is a railway system for both goods and passenger travel. Regarding energy, Colombia is growing its renewable sources including wind and solar power while mostly depending on hydropower.

Education

For children between the ages of five and fifteen, education in Colombia is both free and required. Although the nation has made great strides in bettering access to education, issues still exist in ensuring that every student receives quality instruction. Higher education in disciplines including medicine, law, engineering, and humanities is provided by several institutions all around the nation.

Technology and science

Particularly in biotechnology, renewable energy, and information technology, Colombia is funding scientific research and technical developments. By means of programs and activities, the nation has also endeavored to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. The Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy of Colombia seeks to support an innovative culture and raise research and development investment.

Healthcare

Colombia boasts a universal healthcare system to cover its nationals. Access to healthcare services does, however, differ across urban and rural regions. Efforts to raise the caliber of medical treatments and increase coverage to underprivileged areas have lately attracted attention. The government has also carried out initiatives to fight illnesses including tuberculosis and malaria.

Demography 

More than 50 million people live in Colombia, from a diverse mix of ethnic backgrounds. Following white, Afro-Colombian, and indigenous populations, most people identify as Mestizo that is, mixed indigenous and European. Though income disparity still exists, the nation has made great progress in lowering poverty and raising living standards for its people.

Language 

Although there are over 70 indigenous languages spoken in Colombia, Spanish is the official language and most often used one. There are additional dialects and variants of Spanish unique to some areas.

Religious Belief 

Though there is a sizable Protestant and Evangelical Christian minority, most Colombians identify as Roman Catholic. Other religions followed in Colombia are Islam, Judaism, and other indigenous beliefs.

Ethnic groups

As was already noted, Colombia boasts a varied blend of cultures and ethnicities. The Wayuu, Arhuaco, and Kogui in the northern part and the NASA people in the south comprise the biggest indigenous communities. Mostly dwelling on the Pacific coast, the Afro-Colombian population consists of the San Andres Islanders and the Palenquero. 

Crime

Colombia has lately shown a significant drop in crime rates, even if it is still regarded as a high-risk travel destination. Particularly in rural places, drug trafficking, and organized crime are persistent problems. Still, the government has created several programs to address these problems including more security officers and funding for social projects. 

Urbanization

Colombia has a quite high degree of urbanization since about eighty percent of its people live in cities. Among the bigger cities are Bogotá, Cali, and Medellán. Projects meant to solve problems including traffic congestion and pollution in big cities have been launched as the nation keeps modernizing and growing. 

Literature 

Rich in history, Colombian literature features outstanding writers including the ageless masterwork "One Hundred Years of Solitude," written by Gabriel García Márquez. Among other really excellent writers are Álvaro Mutis and Laura Restrepo. 

Architecture 

Combining modern, Indigenous, and colonial motifs defines Colombian architecture. Among the well-known sites are the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá and the striking architecture and cobblestone alleyways of the medieval walled city of Cartagena. Sustainable architecture has become increasingly important in Colombia in recent years; Medellín has among other projects the highest timber building in Latin America. 

Music 

With many styles and inspirations from African, Indigenous, and European civilizations, music is a key element of Colombian society. Among the quite regularly employed genres are salsa, vallenato, and cumbia. Recent international recognition came for Colombian performers Shakira and J Balvin. Apart from this, the nation holds various annual musical events including the well-known Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata in Valledupar. 

Cuisine 

Geography shapes Colombian cuisine, which differs also from Spanish, Indigenous, and African traditions. Among the favorites are bandeja paisa, a dish including beans, rice, plantains, pig, and more—sancocho, a stew cooked with many meats and vegetables—and arepas, maize cakes. Thought among the best in the world, Colombian coffee output is also somewhat well-known.

Sports

With the national team among the best in South America, football is the most often watched game in Colombia. Among the other often played sports are baseball, boxing, and cycling. The nation also hosts the Latin American Poker Tour and the Tour Colombia cycling race among other major athletic events.