Let’s learn ten fun facts about Colombia!
Colombia is a vibrant country full of culture, history, and amazing natural wonders. It can easily capture kids’ imaginations.
Here we will look at ten fun facts about this vibrant nation. They can help your students see new cultures. Interesting facts about Colombia can spark their curiosity about the different countries and cities in the world.
Fun Facts About Colombia
Colombia Is Named After Columbus
The name of the country Colombia comes from Christopher Columbus, the famous explorer. Although the renowned traveler never actually set foot on the land now called Colombia, his expeditions inspired the name.
The Only Country in South America With Two Coastlines
Colombia is the only country that touches the Atlantic Ocean (via the Caribbean Sea) and the Pacific Ocean. Aside from being a fun fact, this also gives Colombia its rich miles of beautiful beaches and marine life spots.
Colombia features over 1800 miles of coastline, popular amongst locals and visitors for snorkeling, surfing, whale watching, and more.
Colombia is Home To More Birds Than Any Other Country
Anyone who loves birds should visit Colombia at least once in their lifetime. This country has the highest number of bird species out of any country in the world, featuring over 1,910 kinds. This includes colorful toucans, parrots, eagles, and hummingbirds.
Because of the variety of birds that can be found there, Colombia makes a fascinating spot for bird watchers. The country’s national bird is the majestic Andean condor, named for the mountain range that runs through the country.
Colombian Coffee Is Loved The World Over
For adults, coffee is one of the first things they think of when they think of Colombia. This is because Colombia is one of the top coffee producers in the world.
Coffee beans are best grown at high altitudes and in tropical climates. Colombia offers both of those with its stretches of hills and mountains.
Teaching kids how coffee beans grow and get harvested can show how important Colombia is to international trade.
Home to Some of The Most Incredible Festivals In The World
Few places love to party and celebrate as Colombia does. As a result Colombian festivals are famous for their color and music. The Carnival of Barranquilla is one of the biggest events of the year, with costumes, parades, and dancing.
The Flower Festival in Medellin is also popular and one of the largest flower festivals in the world. People make gorgeous flower displays while giant floral sculptures travel the streets in parades. These festivals often mark special occasions and highlight local culture and traditions.
More Fun Facts About Colombia
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Colombia is also home to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world’s tallest coastal mountain system. Its thermal floor includes hot and dry areas and snowy regions that create lagoons and rivers—all 300 meters above sea level.
This mountain system is also home to Ciudad Perdida or the Lost City. It is believed that the city was founded in 800 AD.
One Of The Most Biodiverse Countries In The World
Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. Biodiversity means that it has a massive variety of plants and animals.
Aside from the birds mentioned above, there are jaguars, sloths, monkeys, and more. They can be found in all kinds of places, from the depths of the Amazon Rainforest to the peaks of the Andes mountains.
Additionally, they have a unique kind of dolphin, the pink river dolphin, that lives in the fresh waters of Colombia.
Rainbow River
Have you ever seen a river that features the colors of the rainbow? Colombia is home to a natural wonder, Caño Cristales, also known as the River of Five Colors and the Liquid Rainbow. This river changes colors from red to yellow to green and even blue thanks to the special aquatic plants that grow underneath it.
As a result this river is truly a magical thing to see and is a great example of how surprising and wonderful nature can be.
Colombia is Home to the World’s Tallest Palm Trees
Wax palm trees, found in the Cocoro Valley of Colombia, are the tallest palm trees on the planet. They can grow up to 200 feet tall, the size of a 16-story building. They are so famous that they are now the national tree of Colombia. The valley where they grow is a protected area.
Colombia Loves Soccer
Soccer, or futbol in Spanish, is the most popular sport in Colombia. Kids and adults love the game, and the national sports team is the country’s pride. Players such as James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao have become famous worldwide for their skills at the game.
More Colombia Fun Facts
Learning fun facts about Colombia can also lead us to learn more about Latin America and the world. Colombia is a fascinating country that impacts culture and food worldwide. Learning about Colombia can open children’s eyes to our global community. For more learning resources, check out our free lesson plans and videos!
