Republic of Colombia

República de Colombia (Spanish)

Flag of Colombia

Coat of arms of Colombia

Flag Coat of arms

Motto: "Libertad y Orden" (Spanish)

"Freedom and Order"

Anthem: ¡Oh, Gloria Inmarcesible! (Spanish)

O unfading glory!

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Location of Colombia

Capital

and largest city Bogotá

4°35′N 74°4′W

Official languages Spanisha

Recognized regional languages 68 ethnic languages and dialects. English is also official in the
archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina.

Ethnic groups (2005[1][2])

86% Mestizo and White;

10.6% Black

(includes Mulatto);

3.4% Amerindian;

0.01% Roma

Demonym Colombian

Government Unitary presidential constitutional republic

• President
Juan Manuel Santos

• Vice President

Óscar Naranjo

• President of the Congress

Mauricio Lizcano

• President of the Supreme Court

Margarita Cabello Blanco

Legislature Congress

• Upper house

Senate

• Lower house

Chamber of Representatives

Independence from Spain

• Declared

20 July 1810

• Recognized

7 August 1819

• Last unitarisation

1886

• Current constitution

4 July 1991

Area

• Total

1,141,748 km2 (440,831 sq mi) (25th)

• Water (%)
8.8 (17th)

Population

• May 2017 estimate

49,210,124[3] (28th)

• 2005 census

42,888,592[3]

• Density

40.74/km2 (105.5/sq mi) (173rd)

GDP (PPP) 2017 estimate

• Total

$720.151 billion[4] (31st)

• Per capita

$14,609[4]

GDP (nominal) 2017 estimate

• Total

$306.439 billion[4] (32nd)

• Per capita

$6,216[4]

Gini (2016) 51.7[5]

high

HDI (2015) Increase 0.727[6]

high · 95th

Currency Peso (COP)

Co lomb a /kəˈlʌmbiə/ kə-LUM -biə r /kəˈlɒ biə/ kə-LOMb ; Spani sh: [koˈlombja] ( listen)), o
fficiall the Rep u c of Colombia (Spanis : R epúbli cade Colo
bia help·info)),[No e 1] is a sovereign

state largely si uated in the northwst of SouthAmerica, with territories in Central America. Colomb
ia shares a bo der to the northwest wit Panama, o t e east with Venezuela an
d Br zil and to he s outhith Ecuador and Peru.[11] It shareits m
arit i e limits wth Costa ica, Ni c raguaHondur s, Jamaica, Haiti andet Domin can Rep ub
lic.[12] It is a unitar , constitutional repu lic compris ing thirty-two departments. The territory of
what is now Colombiasworiginally inhab ited by indigenous peoples, with a s most adv nced
th Muisca,

The name "Colombia" is derived from the last name of Christopher Columbus (Italian: Cristoforo
Colombo, Spanish: Cristóbal Colón).

Geography
Main article: Geography of Colombia
See also: Geology of Colombia, List of national parks of Colombia, and List of rivers in Colombia

Relief map

The geography of Colombia is characterized by its six main natural regions that present their own
unique characteristics, from the Andes mountain range region shared with Ecuador and Venezuela;
the Pacific coastal region shared with Panama and Ecuador; the Caribbean coastal region shared
with Venezuela and Panama; the Llanos (plains) shared with Venezuela; the Amazon
Rainforest region shared with Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador; to the insular area, comprising
islands in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.[125]
Colombia is bordered to the northwest by Panama; to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south
by Ecuador and Peru;[11] it established its maritime boundaries with neighboring countries through
seven agreements on the Caribbean Sea and three on the Pacific Ocean. [12] It lies between
latitudes 12°N and 4°S, and longitudes 67° and 79°W
 The national flower of Colombia is the orchid Cattleya trianae, which
was named after the Colombian botanist and physician José Jerónimo Triana

Chlorochrysa nitidissima. Colombia is home to more bird species than any other country in the world

Casa de Nariño is the official home and principal workplace of the President of Colombia.

Government and politics

Main article: Government of Colombia
See also: Colombian Constitution of 1991
Casa de Nariño is the official home and principal workplace of the President of Colombia.

The government of Colombia takes place within the framework of a presidential participatory
democratic republic as established in the Constitution of 1991. [110] In accordance with the principle
of separation of powers, government is divided into three branches: the executive branch, the
legislative branch and the judicial branch

Ethnic groups
Human biological diversity and ethnicity[1][2]
Percentage
Mestizo and White   86%
Black (includes Mulatto)   10.6%
Amerindian   3.4%
Roma 0.01%
Cuisine
Main article: Colombian cuisine

Sancocho de gallina criolla is a traditional soup in Colombia.

Colombia's varied cuisine is influenced by its diverse fauna and flora as well as the cultural traditions
of the ethnic groups. Colombian dishes and ingredients vary widely by region. Some of the most
common ingredients are: cereals such as rice and maize; tubers such as potato and cassava;
assorted legumes; meats, including beef, chicken, pork and goat; fish; and seafood. [362][363] Colombia
cuisine also features a variety of tropical fruits such as cape gooseberry, feijoa, arazá, dragon
fruit, mangostino, granadilla, papaya, guava, mora (blackberry), lulo, soursop and passionfruit.
[364]
Colombia is one of the world's largest consumers of fruit juice

Sports
Main article: Sport in Colombia

Nairo Quintana: Colombian Champion of the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España

Colombia is a perennial powerhouse at the World Roller Speed Skating Championships.

Tejo is Colombia’s national sport and is a team sport that involves launching projectiles to hit a
target.[368] But of all sports in Colombia, football is the most popular. Colombia was the champion of
the 2001 Copa América, in which they set a new record of being undefeated, conceding no goals
and winning each match. Interestingly, Colombia has been awarded “mover of the year” twice.[369]
Colombia is a mecca for roller skaters. The national team is a perennial powerhouse at the World
Roller Speed Skating Championships.[370] Colombia has traditionally been very good in cycling and a
large number of Colombian cyclists have triumphed in major competitions of cycling. [

GREETINGS
Men greeting Men: - Men shake hands when greeting one another and maintain direct eye
contact. At a first meeting a handshake will suffice. Handshakes tend to be somewhat
firm. Among friends and family members, a light hug is common. Young boys sometimes do
kiss their elders (father, grandfather, uncle) on the cheek, but usually only until they are 8
-10 years old, and not in all families.

Women greeting Women: In a business environment and when it is the very first time
they meet, women greet with a soft handshake. However depending on how comfortable
they feel or how open a person they are, they might give one kiss on the cheek. Among
friends and family a kiss on the cheek is very common.

Greetings between Men and Women: When you meet someone of the opposite sex for
the very first time, a handshake is the norm, especially in a business/working environment.
However a large percentage of people (men and women) will greet with a single kiss on the
cheek. For greeting colleagues and people that you see every day, you do not always
shake hands or kiss, seeing them every day becomes so normal, that you just greet
collectively saying “Hi, how are you?” and do not go around to each desk to kiss of shake
hands.

COMMUNICATION STYLE
 Colombians tend to take a more indirect over direct path when
communicating. Many people care what others might think or how they might react,
so they are usually careful not to offend.

 In business situations people may be more direct, but in formal and

social environments, people will usually take the indirect path.

 People tend to speak relatively loudly. On the Caribbean coast of , people tend to
speak even louder.

 When a group of people is speaking, there is rather low consideration for

guaranteeing that every person has the same chance to speak. Normally the
conversation tends to be “dominated” by those who speak up, and normally there is
no invitation for the “shy ones” to join in.

 “Please” (por favor) and “Thanks” (gracias) are important words. Colombians use
them almost automatically, and not using them is considered rude.
 PERSONAL SPACE & TOUCHING
 Colombians tend to be comfortable standing relatively close to one another while
talking. Less than an arm’s length is normal. It can be considered rude to back up
or away from someone while they are speaking.

 Colombians tend to be very expressive while

talking; they use their hands and arms quite a bit. In formal and business
environment touching is not usually accepted, but it can be more common among
friends and family.
 Touching is usually used to show a feeling (a hug, a kiss, a caress) or to get the
other person’s attention or if you want to reinforce a special
point. You might briefly touch the other’s arm or shoulder and in few cases the
knee, if you are sitting close to each other.
VIEWS OF TIME
 In social situations even if punctuality is valued, extreme punctuality is not
expected. It’s not considered rude to be late, especially if “late” is not longer that 30
-45 minutes, however “good” excuses are appreciated.

 When doing business and in general in a working environment, people tend to be

more punctual, or let’s say it this way: “people feel worse or stress out more” when
arriving late. The normal time span you can affords someone is around 15 minutes
compared to the 45 minutes for social situations.

 It's a good idea to call before if you know you will be late, especially if the person
you will meet is very important to you (e.g. a client, someone that will interview you
for a job, etc.). On the other hand when the person you will meet is lower ranking ,
it’s normal not to feel bad making them wait for you

TABOOS
 Making an O.K. sign and then placing it over your nose signifies that someone is a
homosexual.

 Using your two fingers to indicate length of something is an obscene gesture.

Instead, extend your right arm and use your left hand to mark off distance.

 Avoid making jokes about drugs, or drug consumption as they will not be taken
 likely. For Colombians it’s not a taboo to talk about this issue, but be sure to
approach it as a serious conversation, not as a stereotyped joke.

 Homosexuality is not widely accepted or understood, especially by older

generations. If you are homosexual, it might be best to keep a low profile.

GESTURES
 Colombians are somewhat formal and appreciate correct posture and sophisticated
mannerisms.

 Beckoning or pointing with the index finger is considered bad form. Using your
whole hand with the palm facing down is the way to go. Pointing with your mouth
(ie.putting your lips together as if you are going to kiss) is acceptable as well.

 Try to avoid yawning and be sure to cover your mouth with a hand if you do yawn.
Same goes with coughing and sneezing.

 To say someone is crazy, you make small circles with index finger next to your head
(close to your ear).

 Thumbs up is used to say things are ok, or that you like something.

 For saying “I do not know” or even “I do not care” you bring your shoulders and
eyebrows up simultaneously.

 For expressing “I lost” or “I have problems” put your index and middle fingers
together and tap the side of your neck one or two times.

 When demonstrating the height of something, be aware that holding the palm face
down is reserved for animals. For people, hold the palm sideways with the thumb
on top.
GIFT GIVING
 Gifts are not usually expected at initial meetings but are appreciated. If bringing a
gift be sure it is a modest one.
 Gifts are normally wrapped (the nicer the better) and its fine to open them in public.
 If a Colombian gives a present, they might like to hear the other’s first impressions
on the gift “selected” for the foreigner, but if the recipient wants to keep it and open
for him/herself later, that’ s fine.
 In the case of receiving a wrapped present d from a larger group of people
(say the staff under you) and if the environment is informal - they might start saying
“Open it, Open it”. In this case it’s nice if you open it, as not doing so might be
rude.
 If invited to a Colombian’s house, it is appropriate to bring flowers (avoid lilies and
marigolds as they mean death), fine wine, fruit, and/or chocolates.
MEETINGS
 Arriving on time for meetings is important even though you may be kept waiting up
 to a half an hour or so.
 Small talk is always used as a starter of meetings, usually for the first 15 minutes.
Depending of the time available this “ice-breaking” time can be longer or shorter.
 If a foreigner meets a Colombian, it’s highly likely that one of the starting
conversations will be about and how the foreigner likes the country or not (especially
if it’s his/her first time), and his/her impressions and some comparisons with his/her
home country.
 Normally the host offers something to drink, traditionally coffee, tea, herbal
infusions (Colombians refer to these as “aromaticas”), water or soda. It’s ok to
accept it or not, and it’s also ok to ask for more. For longer meetings, something to
eat may be served. In both cases, it’s ok to reject it, if you do not want to eat it for
any reason.
 Normally you greet whoever is closer to you, first. For example if you enter a board
room with a group of people, you do not need to walk to the host to greet him/her
first and then walk back to greet the rest of people.
 The business discussion can be started by the host or by the visitor, one criteria to
define who should start is who has something to show, for example, who brought a
proposal, or who prepared a report, etc.
 Meetings are usually ended by the host, but it’s not considered rude if as the invitee
after the stipulated period of time you have to go and you express it, as long you
make a good closing.
 Meetings can go on for longer than scheduled. Be patient and go with the flow.
 Do not expect a decision to be reached during the first meeting. Expect several.
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Dining Etiquette

Dining etiquette is quite formal in Colombia as they tend to give importance to

decorum and presentation.
Below are some basic tips - if you are ever unsure the general rule is "observe and
follow":

 Wait to be seated by the host.

 Hands should be kept visible when eating.

 Do not rest elbows on the table.

 The host will say "buen provecho" (enjoy or have a good meal) as an invitation

to start eating.

 It is polite to try everything you are given.

 Unusually all food is eaten with utensils - even fruit is cut into pieces with a

knife and fork.

 It is considered polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you

have finished eating.

 Do not use a toothpick at the table.

he Role of the Family

 The family takes centre stage in the social structure.

 It acts as a source of support and advice and therefore great loyalty is shown

to families. Although extended families rarely live under one roof, apart from in rural

areas, many still live very close and frequent one another's houses often.

 It is still common for children remain at home until they marry.

 The elderly are generally revered for their age and experience.

December 31st holds more superstitions than any other day of the year. Many
Colombians eat twelve grapes at midnight (making a wish each time) clean
their home to welcome positive change, hold lentils to ensure they will not go
hungry, carry a suitcase to encourage travel and wear yellow underwear to
encourage wealth. (You may also enjoy: Colombia’s Myths and Legends)
Photo

Monserrate

Lovers beware, there is a strong Colombian tradition that dictates that

unmarried couples who summit Bogota’s favorite mountain together will never
be wed. That’s a pity for romantics, who want to enjoy the picturesque path to
the top of Monserrate, the cable car and the restaurants with the best views in
the city, but must wait until they are married.

Photo

Butterflies

Colombia is home to some of the world’s most beautiful butterflies but there
is one large, brown or black variety that strikes fear into the heart of
all superstitious Colombians. The presence of a dark butterfly, usually a moth,
in a home is said to indicate that someone close to the family will pass away.
Photo

Money

In what is probably the most practical superstition of all, there is a strong

Colombian belief that placing a handbag or a purse on the floor must be
avoided. It is said to mean all your money will “run away” which is
why Colombian women, in particular, always opt to hang their purses on hooks
or put them in their office drawers. (You can also read: Colombia’s top five
souvenirs)
Photo

A Helping Hand

Many superstitions center around Colombia’s elaborate city cemeteries.

In Bogota’s central cemetery, for example, it is said that Bavaria
brewery founder Leo Kopp will help with financial problems if you whisper in
his statue’s ear. Others believe that laying a blue candle before the tomb of
famed astronomer Julio Garavito will achieve the same. (You may also
enjoy: Colombia’s monetary heroes)
 if you dream with a number, you will be lucky in gambling.

If your dog howls at night, he will see a spirit.

f a black cat appears on your way, you will have a bad day.

if you sleep with your socks on, you will have short life.
if you touch wood, you will be lucky.