July 20, 2016 marks the 206th anniversary of the Colombian independence from Spain! On a day like that in 1810, Colombian patriots stirred the population of Bogotá into street protests against Spanish rule. The Viceroy, under pressure, was forced to agree to allow for a limited independence which later became permanent. In reality, the day marks the first official step taken towards the country’s freedom, when major cities Bogotá, Quito and Caracas, formed a local ruling council which would supposedly rule until Ferdinand VII was restored to power.
Colombia’s independence culminated in 1819 with the Battle of Boyacá and Simón Bolívar's triumphant entry into Bogotá and is now celebrated with parades, traditional food and drinks and parties all over the nation. Here are 25 facts that will make you love the folkloric country even more:
- The name "Colombia" is derived from the last name of the explorer Christopher Columbus.
- Colombia is the only country in South America that has a coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
- Colombia only has summer; because there is no winter near the equator, it has sunlight throughout the year.
- Colombia is classed as a "megadiverse" country, ranking as the 2nd most biodiverse country in the world after Brazil, which is 10 times larger. It has the highest amount of species by area in the world.
- Colombia has more endemic species (species that exist only in one country) than any other country in the world including species of butterflies, the most orchid species, the most amphibian species and more species of bird than all of Europe and North America combined.
- Due to the country’s high concentration of plant species, Colombia accounts for 70% of cut flowers imported to the United States.
- Colombia has 58 National Parks, which is the same number as the US. These parks cover over 11% of the country.
- Colombia is now the 3rd largest oil producer in South America.
- Colombia is the world's leading source of emeralds and its coffee is world-renown.
- Bogotá has been named one of the smartest cities with many modern advances like its TransMilenio public transportation and biking routes.
- Bogota has South America’s largest network of bicycle routes: over 300km stretching from slum areas and suburbs to the city centre.
- Celebrities such as Sofía Vergara, Shakira and Juanes are all Colombians.
- Nobel Prize winner Gabriel García Márquez and celebrated painter Fernando Botero are from there too.
- Caño Cristales, also referred to as "The Liquid Rainbow," is considered the most colorful river in the world due to ins rock formations and diversity of flora and fauna.
- Medical tourism is popular in Colombia, due to the high quality of treatment and relatively low cost compared to more developed countries. Cosmetic surgery and dental care are particularly popular. The country is currently the 5th most popular hub for cosmetic surgery.
- Colombia has the biggest salsa festival, biggest theater festival, biggest outdoor horse parade, biggest flower parade and second biggest carnival all over the world.
- Colombia is the happiest country in the world according to the 2013 and the 2014 Barometer of Happiness and Hope.
- Colombia scored 3rd on the Happy Planet Index, which ranks countries according to ecological impact.
- Delicious arepas are a super popular snack. A flatbread or thick tortilla made from cornflour and various fillings.
- Education expenditure as a percentage of GDP is one of the highest in Latin America.
- It's imperative that one tries a 'Bandeja Paisa' (traditional dish with white rice, red beans, ground beef, plantain, chorizo, morcilla, chicharron, arepa, avocado and a fried egg) at least once in a lifetime.
- Despite its reputation as a drug-peddling dangerous place, in reality, it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world with a diverse nation that is helpful, hopeful and deeply endearing.
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