Colombia Facts for Kids

When learning about historical events it is incredibly important to learn as much as you can about the area where the event takes place. The area may not seem to be of much importance, but it is a fact, that every area has its own importance. Some are important because of something that happened there, while others are important because of what is happening there now. Other areas are important because of the people, animals, and/or plants that live there. Then there are some places that are important for all of those reasons. One place that is very interesting to learn about is Colombia. If you would like to learn some fun and interesting facts about Colombia, keep reading!

The official language of Colombia is Spanish.
Ninety-nine percent (99%) of the population speak Spanish.
There are several other languages spoken throughout Colombia, but the most common one you will hear if you visit, is Spanish.
The Capital of Colombia is Bogotá.

The capital city of Bogotá is the second largest in all of South America.
It is also one of the highest capital cities in the whole world with an altitude of eight thousand six hundred and sixty-one (8661) feet which is equivalent to two thousand six hundred and forty (2640) meters.
In Colombia, the currency is called Colombian peso. This should not be confused with the Mexican peso.
As of the year 2013, the population of Colombia was just a bit over forty-five (45) million.

The are many popular sports in Colombia, but the most popular is football which is known as soccer in America.
After football, the most popular sports of weightlifting, boxing, baseball, roller-skating, cycling, and motorsport.
In the year 2001, the Colombian national team won the South American Championship (Copa America) which is a big football (soccer) competition.
Colombia has a traditional, national sport called Tejo. This sport involves tossing a projectile at a target.
Colombia is most famously known for two exports. Their coffee is world renown and they are the world’s leading source of emeralds.
The name Colombia is a variation on explorer Christopher Columbus’s last name.
While Colombia is always referred to as simply “Colombia”, its official name is the Republic of Colombia.
Colombia holds the rank of 2nd most biodiverse country in the world. This means that it is filled with a large number of various species. Colombia boasts having the most species of orchids, amphibians, and butterflies anywhere. Also, they have more bird species than North America and Europe combined.
Before Colombia became the diverse area that it is today, it was inhabited by three indigenous tribes. These tribes were the Quimbaya, Tairona, and Muisca.
In the year 1499 the area that would become Colombia, was taken over by arriving Spaniards. It was then made into a Spanish colony by the name of New Granada.
Several musicians have come from Colombia. The most famous of those being Shakira and Juanes.
There is only one country in all of South America that has a coastline on the Caribbean Sea AND the Pacific Ocean. This one county is Colombia. Also, Colombia shares a land border with five other countries. Brasil, Perú, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Panama.
There is a group of countries in the Pacific Ocean which is called the Ring of Fire. This is because this area is very susceptible to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Colombia is part of the Ring of Fire.
Colombia is actually on the equator. This is why there is so much heat.
Colombia has the 2nd highest coastal mountain range in the world as well as the tallest palm trees in the world.

There are many wonderful things to learn about the country of Colombia. While this list is a great starting point, there is still much to learn. Colombia has a rich history and culture that provide a long list of fun and interesting facts. It is important to learn about the world around us and understand as much as we can about other countries and cultures. Hopefully, you have learned some new and fascinating facts about Colombia. If you want to learn more about this amazing place, all you have to do is perform a bit of research and you will be able to find as much information as you need.