Colombia Today
Colombia is South America’s oldest democracy
Colombia has a proud tradition of civilian, constitutional government. During the 20th century, all presidents were elected democratically. The only exception was a military regime during the 1953-1957 period. While many Latin American countries suffered dictatorships in the 1970s and 1980s, Colombia has remained a solid bastion of democracy.
(Carlos Vives & Shakira)
Bogotá has one of the lowest homicide rates of major cities in the Western Hemisphere. In 2000, the homicide rate fell by some 35 %, largely due to innovative reforms in urban security. (According to government statistics, nationwide the country has experienced a marked decrease in crime since 2004).
In addition, the city government has also undertaken a multi-billion capital improvement program, refurbishing 877 parks, paving 117 miles of roads, introducing sewage treatment to 415 neighborhoods and building 22 scholars and 21 libraries. The Transmilenio, Bogota’s new transportation system, has effectively reduced the average commute from one hour to 20 minutes.
Only after Brazil, Colombia enjoys one of the richest offerings in biodiversity on the planet. Colombia has more than 1,800 species of birds alone with 100 species indigenous to the country. The variety of butterfly and bug species remains unmatched by any country. This is partly due to Colombia’s unique blend of terrains and climates, combining more than a thousand miles of coastline with three majestic mountain ranges.
(The endangered Baudo oropendola (Psarocolius cassini). Fundación ProAves)
Also known as Cartagena de Indias (Cartagena of the West Indies), Cartagena boasts a large city seaport with two entrances. Founded in 1533, the city is an economic hub for Latin America, with cruise ships calling port and new businesses springing up every day.
Nobel prize-winning writer and Colombia native Gabriel Garcia Marquez (born in Aracataca, Magdalena) holds the world record for sales of any single novel. “One Hundred Years of Solitude” has sold 32 million copies and has been translated into more than two-dozen languages. The works of painter and sculptor Fernando Botero (born in Medellin, Antioquia) have been exhibited in the most prestigious galleries in the world; his paintings selling for well over US $1 million.
Singer Carlos Vives (born in Santa Marta, Magdalena) has become recognized for his interpretation of a local music style known as “vallenato”, breaking national record sales (more than 2.5 million sold). Singer Shakira (born in Barranquilla, Atlantico), who won a Grammy in 2001 for the Best Latin Pop Album, has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide. Juanes from Medellin, Colombia’s new super pop star is possibly the biggest and most popular artist in Latin America.
When it comes to Salsa, Colombia’s top Salsa bands are amongst the most popular in the world: Grupo Niche, Orquesta Guayacan, Fruko y sus Tesos, Joe Arroyo, Grupo Gale, Sonora Carruseles, Son de Cali, La 33; we also have to add to this list, the amazing Salsa dancers from the many Salsa schools in Cali.
The country’s capital city has one of the world’s largest dedicated networks for bikers, with a total extension of 300 km.
Located just outside of Cartagena, the Totumo Volcano is home to the art of “mud dipping,” which some believe has medicinal benefits. According to legend, a local priest who was worried about the livelihood of his local villagers doused the volcano with holy water creating a pile of thick mud. The Totumo volcano is approximately 50 feet high and can accommodate 10 to 15 people in its crater. Its mud is said to be nutrient-rich and excellent for the skin.
Colombia exports more than 50 types of flowers including roses, carnations, pompoms, chrysanthemums, gypsophila, and astromeria.
Seventy percent of the world’s orchids come from Colombia.
Known as the “Catedral de Sal,” this fantastic underground structure was dug out of solid salt into the body of a mountain and was opened to the public in 1954. Located in Zipaquira, Colombia, chapels and crosses emerge from the fantastic salt structure, making it a “must see” in Colombia.
Founded in 1525, this ancient city is Colombia’s second most popular Caribbean tourist destination, after Cartagena, and is one of Latin America’s earliest permanent settlements. The Spanish who founded this city named it after a Catholic day in Spain celebrated with festivities. The city’s annual Festival of the Sea features parades, a jet ski show and dancing all night long at beachside-clubs.
Colombia’s magnificent ocean dwellers can be easily spotted swimming alongside boats on the Pacific side of the country near the island of Gorgona (50 km off the Pacific Coast) and along coastal areas such as Nuquí, Utría and Bahía Solano from July to October. Humpback whales are particularly visible when they stop to breed on their way back from the southern hemisphere and at times can even be seen from shore. Whales and dolphins tend to feed and travel constantly, so tours run daily during season, allowing tourists to experience and even swim with these remarkable creatures.
From ski mountaineering the ancient slopes of the Northern Andes to hiking across a glacier, Colombia’s geographic location allows for snow-covered peaks all year long. While Colombia enjoys a wet, tropical climate throughout the majority of the country, the Andes provide the perfect altitude for winter conditions.
