During my time in Colombia I was surprised by the many unique things that the country offered. I learned a ton about the history and culture of the nation. So here are some Colombia facts that I found interesting to learn:
HISTORY
1. Medellín was once the murder capital of the world
Medellín, the second largest city in Colombia, was once the most dangerous city in the world with around 17 murders happening per day in the early 1990s. This was during Pablo Escobar’s reign, where the city was the hub for drugs, crimes and poverty.
2. Now, Colombia is ranking among the happiest countries in the world
This is one of my favorite Colombia interesting facts!
Colombia is not anymore the Colombia of Pablo Escobar. The Gallup happiness survey ranked Colombia among the happiest countries in the world, when equating happiness with high levels of positive daily experiences and emotions (unlike the surveys that usually equate happiness with levels of income which put the Nordics on top of the list).
3. The Colombian National Anthem is played twice a day on the radio and Television
If you are watching TV or listening to the radio in Colombia, you will definitely hear the National Anthem. The law in the country requires TV and radio channels to play the anthem at 6am and 6pm everyday to cultivate patriotism.
LIFESTYLE
4. Colombia is one of the biggest hub for cosmetic surgery, even store mannequins have enormous breasts!
Colombians are not afraid to change their body shape if they are dissatisfied with it. In fact, Colombians believe that the “perfect” woman has curves with large breasts and booty. The country is known to be a medical tourism destination where plastic surgeries are done in abundance at a much lower price than in the US for example. Now, even mannequins have large breasts as a reflection of the country’s obsession with curves.
5. Colombians drink the lower quality coffee and export the better one
Colombia is known to be the 3rd largest coffee producing country in the world (after Vietnam and Brazil). However, Colombians drink the “tinto” which is known to be a low quality coffee because the best coffee in Colombia is saved for exportation. Tinto is served very cheaply in small cups, and through thermoses on the streets.
6. Colombia is the 2nd country with the most public holidays
If you love vacations, Colombia is the place to live. The country has 18 government authorized holidays, mostly falling on Monday. Hello long weekends!
CULTURE
7. Colombia has the world’s largest salsa festival and flower festival!
You can’t miss the dancing scene in Colombia, specially not salsa, with salsa clubs in every corner of the country. It is no surprise that the largest annual salsa event happens every year in Cali Colombia with over 44,000 people coming for this 4 day event.
The Flower festival in Medellín in August also showcases the biggest floral parades and cultural spectacles in the world.
8. Alcohol is prohibited in Colombia during major national events
During big events in the country, such as the Congressional elections, the government prohibits alcohol consumption to limit any disturbances!!
9. Colombians love to drink hot chocolate with cheese for breakfast
Cheese with chocolate? Well, ‘Chocolate con queso’ is the go to drink for every Colombian at breakfast. Locals melt savory cheese in a pot of hot chocolate and drink it.
GEOGRAPHY
10. The tallest palm trees are in Colombia
The world’s tallest palm trees are in Colombia. They can be seen in the Cocora Valley, and could be as tall as 60 meters. Definitely something to see!
11. There are pink dolphins in Colombia!
Never knew they existed until I visited Colombia. Pink dolphins are some of the unique animals that could be spotted in the Amazon River of the country.
Let me know in the comments below any other interesting facts about Colombia. And if you are intrigued by the country, check out my Colombia travel guide for the best places to visit and things to do in the country.
