Category: Colombia

Colombia

Second largest population in South America, Colombia emerges as the third most populous Spanish-speaking country (second only to Mexico and Spain). With a strong indigenous, European, African and Caribbean influence, the country guarantees an interesting hodgepodge that can be seen through its gastronomy and traditions. It is the fourth largest economy in South America, although the division of wealth happens unevenly. In the 1980s, it became known worldwide for drug trafficking and high homicide rates, and the image was undone in recent years thanks to the incentive to tourism. The country’s main attraction is its beaches and history, with some of its most visited cities being Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena and San Andrés.

Capital: Bogota

Population: 49.3 million

Territory: 1,141,748 km²

Official language: Spanish

Currency: Colombian Peso