FAQ · History 34

During the prehistoric period, the Bogotá savanna featured a large glacial lake known as Lake Humboldt. This area was home to Pleistocene megafauna such as giant sloths, glyptodonts, and various mastodons. The first humans arrived during the last cold phase of the Pleistocene as hunter-gatherers. These early people lived in rock shelters and hunted animals like white-tailed deer and guinea pigs. Over time, inhabitants moved into open areas and constructed primitive circular houses made of bones and skins. Archaeological findings at sites like El Abra and Tequendama provide evidence of these early cultures.

According to an ancient Muisca legend, the god Are created two immortal humans named Fura and Tena to populate the earth. They were required to remain faithful to each other to keep their eternal youth, but Fura was unfaithful. As a result, they lost their immortality and aged rapidly before dying. The god Are later turned them into two crags that serve as the guardians of Colombia's emerald zone. It is said that Fura's tears became emeralds within the depths of these peaks.

Colombia has been home to many Indigenous peoples and cultures since at least 12,000 BCE. The Spanish landed in La Guajira in 1499 and colonized much of the area by the mid-16th century. During this time, they established the New Kingdom of Granada. The country's rich cultural heritage reflects a fusion of Indigenous civilizations that predate colonization with elements brought by European and Middle Eastern immigration. This history also includes the influence of the African diaspora.

Spanish exploration began in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, with explorers reaching the Guajira Peninsula and the Caribbean coast. The first stable settlement, Santa María la Antigua del Darién, was founded in 1510. Later, cities such as Santa Marta, Cartagena, Cali, and Popayán were established by various conquistadors. Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada led an expedition to the interior in 1536, naming the districts the New Kingdom of Granada and founding Santa Fe de Bogotá. This period was heavily influenced by the legend of El Dorado, which lured Europeans to the region. During this time, indigenous populations declined significantly due to conquest and Eurasian diseases like smallpox.

Journalism in 19th-century Colombia was highly political in nature, which hindered the growth of a large-scale journalistic industry. Unlike the United States or Europe, where large companies produced widely circulated newspapers, Colombian publications were typically only four sheets long. These newspapers often existed to defend specific political ideas and frequently disappeared due to dictatorships or civil wars. This instability meant that no Colombian newspaper managed to last for thirteen continuous years during this period. Consequently, the media landscape remained much smaller and less stable than that of neighboring countries like Argentina or Chile.

Colombia played an important role during World War II due to its strategic location near the Panama Canal and access to both oceans. While the country maintained its sovereignty and did not send troops into battle, its navy was active in countering U-boat operations in the Caribbean. The war caused significant economic dislocation as Colombia became heavily dependent on the United States for both exports and imports. A major concern involved the price of coffee, which is the country's largest export and main source of foreign exchange. Ultimately, Colombia entered the war on the Allies' side in November 1943 following attacks on its ships by German U-boats.

Colombia played an important role during World War II due to its strategic location near the Panama Canal and access to both oceans. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the country ceased diplomatic relations with the Axis powers in December 1941. Colombia officially entered the war on the Allies' side on November 26, 1943, following German U-boat attacks on its ships. While the country did not send an army overseas, its navy was active in countering U-boat operations in the Caribbean. Throughout the conflict, Colombia maintained its sovereignty and experienced major societal and military changes due to increased influence from the United States.

Initially, the flight of Fulgencio Batista was celebrated in Colombia as it signaled the end of a dictatorship. However, relations changed when the new Cuban government showed pro-Soviet elements and hostility toward the United States. Following a 1961 meeting in Uruguay, Cuba was expelled from the OAS, leading Colombia to break diplomatic relations after Fidel Castro made a speech against the country. During this period, Cuba supported Colombian guerrilla groups like the NLA and M-19 through weapons and communication. Relations were eventually reestablished once Colombia joined the Non-Aligned Movement.

To guarantee the democratization of the company, the placement of stocks will include three rounds. The first two rounds will be directed to the Colombian solidary sector, including pension funds, cooperatives, workers, and pensioners. These rounds also include territorial entities and Colombians in general. The remaining stocks will be offered to the public and other companies. This process is part of the transition of Ecopetrol into a mixed stock-holding corporation.

The founding document of the Republic of Colombia was the Constitution of 1821, also known as the Constitution of Cúcuta. This constitution established the nation as a centralized representative republic. It divided governmental power into legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The document consisted of 10 titles and 191 articles. It was officially sanctioned by President Simón Bolívar in October 1821.

The Colombia-Peru War, also known as the Leticia War, was a short-lived armed conflict that lasted from September 1, 1932, to May 24, 1933. The war was fought over territory in the Amazon rainforest following the Boundary Treaty of March 24, 1922. This treaty transferred the Leticia district to Colombia, providing the country access to the Amazon river. However, the district was mostly inhabited by Peruvians, which caused grievances and dissatisfaction with the treaty. Ultimately, an agreement was reached to divide the disputed area between both countries.

The Colombian–Peruvian territorial dispute originated from different interpretations of Spanish Real Cedulas used to define possessions in the Americas. After independence, countries used the principle of uti possidetis juris to claim borders based on Spanish limits from 1810. These conflicting claims eventually led to several armed conflicts between the nations. The dispute was finally resolved following the Colombia–Peru War with the signing of the Rio Protocol. However, a new conflict has emerged since 2024 regarding Santa Rosa, an island near Tres Fronteras.

The territory of Colombia served as a corridor for early human migration from Mesoamerica and the Caribbean toward the Andes and the Amazon basin. From approximately 12,000 years BP, hunter-gatherer societies existed near present-day Bogotá and traded with cultures in the Magdalena River valley. The oldest archaeological finds date back to the Paleoindian period between 18,000 and 8000 BCE. Indigenous groups such as the Muisca Confederation, Quimbaya Civilization, and Tairona Chiefdoms eventually established agrarian societies. Later, the Spanish arrived in 1499 and initiated a period of colonization and annexation.

Afro-Colombians face extreme disadvantages regarding their health compared to the rest of the population. Many socioeconomic factors contribute to these disparities, such as higher poverty levels which make seeking healthcare difficult. For instance, just under 5% of Afro-Colombians have medical insurance, while almost 30% of non-Afro Colombians do. Afro-Colombians are also more likely to report being sick or dealing with chronic issues. Compared to indigenous populations, Afro-Colombians face even greater disadvantages in accessing healthcare services.

José Maria Vergara y Lozano de Peralta was a Colombian major general and a hero of the Independence of New Granada and Gran Colombia. He fought in numerous battles alongside founding fathers such as Simon Bolivar and Francisco de Paula Santander. His contributions to the independence movement were invaluable, making him a major figure in the struggle against the Spanish crown. Beyond his military service, he served as a diplomat in London and as an ambassador for Gran Colombia. He is remembered for his bravery, including leading a small advance to victory during the Cúcuta campaign.

During the early 19th century, Bogotá remained the political and demographic core of Nueva Granada. The city maintained a checkerboard urban layout with the Plaza serving as its central social core. Inhabitants from various socioeconomic backgrounds converged at the Plaza to buy fresh fruits. Life was often marked by excessive Catholic religiosity and a lack of public services or cultural activities. Most buildings were low-rise, consisting of one or two floors with simplistic facades. Wealthier families lived in two-story houses that featured distinctive balconies.

The struggle for women to acquire full citizenship began in the 1930s. Women's right to suffrage was eventually granted by the Colombian politician Gustavo Rojas Pinilla in 1954. Following this, women participated in their first vote in Colombia during a plebiscite in 1957. This marked a significant milestone in the country's political history.

Slavery was abolished in the country in 1851. This occurred during a period of significant political evolution for the nation. Before this, the territory was part of Gran Colombia, which eventually dissolved into several different countries. Modern Colombia emerged from the dissolution of that larger union. The country has a long history of political shifts and internal divisions.

The Industrial University of Santander was created by municipal ordinance in June 1944 during the industrial boom that took place in Colombia after the II world war. The university officially began its educational functions in March 1948 with an initial group of 20 students. At its inception, the institution focused exclusively on offering engineering degrees in Electronics, Mechanical, and Chemical fields. This foundation allowed the university to eventually expand its academic programs significantly over the following decades.

The conflict in Bogotá stemmed from intense tensions between the artisan class, known as the ruanas, and the merchant class, known as the casacas. This animosity grew after a bill to increase import taxes to protect the national economy failed in the Senate. President Obando eventually sided with the artisans, which destroyed his support among the elite and caused division within his own party. As a result, rumors of various coups and revolutions began to circulate throughout the city. Despite warnings that General José María Melo might lead a rebellion, President Obando's inaction eventually led to the events of April 17, 1854.

Colombia is one of the 51 founding members of the United Nations, having signed the conference in 1945. As a charter member, the country participates in all specialized agencies and belongs to the Latin American and Caribbean Group. The nation has served seven terms as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Colombia also contributes to peacekeeping efforts and participates in three missions as of September 2025. Additionally, the country has seen representatives serve as President of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council.

While there is no direct political history mentioned, books about the Gaviotas community have been published in Korea. This community has gained significant international attention and praise for its work. Their unique approach to technology and living has reached various parts of the world. Consequently, their story has been documented in several different countries, including Korea, China, and Japan.

In the early 20th century, many Chinese migrants settled in Barranquilla due to xenophobia in the United States. While emigration from the People's Republic of China was restricted during its first three decades, people continued to arrive in Colombia, reaching over 6,000 residents by 1970. This migration was partly driven by anti-immigrant atmospheres in other countries. Political shifts in China also created different groups of migrants distinguished by their locality of origin and language. Today, the community is represented by organizations like the Overseas Chinese Association and the Chinese Cultural Centre in Bogotá.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are recognized for their importance to cultural or natural heritage. Cultural heritage includes monuments, groups of buildings, and archaeological sites. Natural heritage consists of physical and biological formations, geological features, and sites important for science or natural beauty. Colombia has become eligible for these listings after accepting the convention in 1983. Currently, the country features nine sites, including cultural, natural, and mixed categories.

The Muisca used a complex lunisolar calendar that featured three different types of years. These included rural years, holy years, and common years. The common year consisted of twenty months because twenty was considered a perfect number representing all fingers and toes. Each month in this system contained thirty days. The rural year typically had twelve months but included a leap month known as a deaf month for rest. This advanced system was one of the most sophisticated in Pre-Columbian America.

The first reported zipa of the Muisca Confederation was Meicuchuca, who reigned from Muyquytá between approximately 1450 and 1470. Much of his life is considered mythological in nature. The main story associated with his life is the legend of the snake. His reign was followed by his nephew, Saguamanchica, who led the people through various battles. These early leaders shaped the history of the Bogotá savanna and its adjacent areas.

Colombia possesses many traditional folk tales and stories regarding legendary creatures. These stories are transmitted orally to be kept for future generations. Some of these tales are common with other Latin American countries. The folklore in the country has strong influences from Spanish culture. It also includes elements from Native American and African cultures.

The musical landscape of Colombia includes diverse elements such as Afro-Caribbean rhythms and traditional folklore. These traditions are represented by artists like Juana Francisca Alvarez, known as Esencia de Currulao, and groups like Categoría Vallenata. The marimba is also a significant instrument, as seen in the First Marimba Festival held in Cali. Various styles like salsa and jazz have also been integrated into academic music programs within the country. These elements combine to create a rich cultural heritage that blends folklore with different musical genres.

The Colombian Constitutional Court plays a role in reviewing international agreements to ensure they align with national laws. For example, the Court reviewed the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement and completed this process in July 2008. Their review concluded that the agreement conforms to Colombia's Constitution. This process ensures that bilateral free trade agreements remain consistent with the country's legal framework. Such reviews are essential when Congress approves agreements and protocols of amendment.

The Colombian judicial system is currently facing a deep crisis characterized by overflowing congestion, corruption, and impunity. There is an estimated impunity rate of 92% alongside a low quality of convictions. In 2017, it was estimated that 1.6 million cases were not progressing through judicial offices. These issues have resulted in an unfavorable image of the system for 80% of the population. This institutional weakness is linked to changes following the 1985 Palace of Justice siege and the 1991 Constitution.

The virus was confirmed to have reached Colombia on 6 March 2020. Up to January 2022, the country was affected by four distinct waves of the pandemic. Infections and deaths peaked in August 2020 and again in January 2021. New highs were also reached between April and June 2021, with a fourth wave confirmed in late December 2021 due to the Omicron variant. Confirmed COVID-19 was the primary cause of death in Colombia in 2020.

Yes, Colombia competed at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris from 26 July to 11 August 2024. This event marked the nation's twenty-first appearance at the Summer Olympics, excluding Helsinki 1952. The Colombian delegation included various athletes such as archers and track and field competitors. Additionally, the country sent five boxers to the Olympic tournament. These boxers qualified through the 2023 Pan American Games and the 2024 World Olympic Qualification Tournament.

Colombia will host several significant sporting competitions throughout 2025. Football fans can look forward to the Torneo Apertura 2025, Torneo Finalización 2025, and the Copa Colombia 2025. The country will also feature the WTA Bogotá tournament and the Vuelta a Colombia. Additionally, there are various basketball and futsal leagues scheduled for the year. These events offer diverse opportunities for sports enthusiasts to engage with local and international competitions.

Several significant events are scheduled to take place throughout the year. In October, Maria Alejandra López will be crowned Miss Universe Colombia 2026 in Barranquilla. The country will also inaugurate its embassy in Jerusalem during this month. Regarding sports, Colombia will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, various football tournaments including the Torneo Apertura and Torneo Finalización 2026 will be held. The year also features the Liga Femenina 2026 and the Copa Colombia 2026.