8 Shocking Facts About Colombia: What You Didn't Know About This Vibrant Country
Colombia is often associated with its beautiful beaches, vibrant festivals, and friendly people. However, there are many surprising facts about Colombia that even frequent travelers may not know. In this post, we’ll explore eight shocking and fascinating facts that showcase Colombia's diversity, culture, and uniqueness. These Colombian culture facts will open your eyes to the lesser-known aspects of life in this colorful country.
Table of Contents
- In Colombia, Kids Drink Coffee with Milk
- The National Anthem Plays Twice a Day
- Colombia Is a Leader in Plastic Surgery
- Wild Hippos Roam Colombia
- Colombia Has the Tallest Palm Trees in the World
- There's an Underground Salt Cathedral
- Colombia Speaks 70 Languages
- The World's Most Poisonous Frog Lives in Colombia
- Discover Colombia and Learn Spanish Along the Way
1. In Colombia, Kids Drink Coffee with Milk
One of the most surprising facts about Colombia is that coffee drinking starts early! While most countries see coffee as an adult beverage, in Colombia, it’s common for children to drink café con leche (coffee with milk) from a young age. Coffee culture is deeply rooted in Colombian society, and it’s normal to see kids enjoying a light coffee with their breakfast. It's typically served with traditional foods like arepas, eggs, and bread, making it a staple in many Colombian households.
This tradition highlights Colombia's deep connection to coffee as not only an export but a part of everyday life. In fact, one of the most notable Colombian culture facts is how integral coffee is to daily routines, celebrations, and gatherings. As one of the world’s largest coffee producers, it’s no surprise that coffee is introduced at an early age in Colombian homes.
2. The National Anthem Plays Twice a Day
A unique fact about Colombia is the daily broadcast of the national anthem. Every day, at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., the Colombian national anthem is played on radio and television stations across the country. This tradition, which surprises many visitors, is rooted in a law that requires media outlets broadcasting 24/7 to play the anthem twice a day.
While this might seem unusual to foreigners, for Colombians, it’s a reminder of their national identity and pride. This custom is one of the many Colombia fun facts that showcases the deep cultural roots in everyday life. For Colombians, this daily ritual is more than just a legal requirement; it represents unity and national pride.
3. Colombia Is a Leader in Plastic Surgery
When people think of beauty destinations, they might not immediately think of Colombia. But one of the most surprising facts about Colombia is that it ranks fourth in the world for plastic surgery, just behind the United States, Brazil, and Mexico. Over 400,000 cosmetic surgeries are performed in Colombia every year.
Medical tourism is booming in Colombia, with people traveling from all over the world to take advantage of the country’s world-class plastic surgeons and affordable prices. This particular fact highlights Colombia’s status as a global hub for medical procedures. Whether it’s cosmetic enhancement or more complex surgeries, Colombia’s reputation as a leader in plastic surgery is growing. This might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Colombian culture facts, but it’s certainly an interesting aspect of modern life in the country.
4. Wild Hippos Roam Colombia
One of the most unexpected facts about Colombia is the presence of wild hippos. Although hippos are native to Africa, Colombia has its own population of these massive animals, thanks to the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar. Escobar brought several exotic animals, including hippos, to his private zoo in the 1980s, and after his death, the hippos were left to roam free.
Today, these hippos live in the rivers of northern Colombia, far from their native habitat. This unique phenomenon has led to a growing population of hippos, making it one of the more peculiar Colombia fun facts that both scientists and tourists find fascinating. While the hippos are a major draw for visitors, they also pose environmental challenges, as they are not native to the region.
5. Colombia Has the Tallest Palm Trees in the World
Among the stunning facts about Colombia is its claim to having the tallest palm trees in the world. These majestic trees, called wax palms, can grow up to 80 meters (262 feet) high and are found in the breathtaking Cocora Valley. The valley is one of Colombia’s most beautiful natural attractions, drawing hikers and nature lovers from all over the globe.
The wax palm is Colombia’s national tree, and its towering presence is a powerful symbol of the country’s rich biodiversity. Colombia is the second-most biodiverse country in the world, second only to Brazil, and its towering palms are just one part of its ecological wonders. For travelers, seeing these palms in person is a must, offering a unique glimpse into the natural beauty of the country. This is just one of the many Colombian geography facts that emphasize the country's natural beauty.
6. There’s an Underground Salt Cathedral
One of the most astonishing facts about Colombia is its underground salt cathedral. Located in the town of Zipaquirá, just outside Bogotá, the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is a massive religious and architectural marvel built within the tunnels of a salt mine. Visitors descend deep underground to find a stunning cathedral made entirely of salt, complete with intricate sculptures, altars, and a towering cross.
The Salt Cathedral is one of Colombia's most popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world. It’s more than just a place of worship—there are also cafes, museums, and shops inside. This unique site is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of Colombian culture and is one of the country’s most awe-inspiring Colombian geography facts.
7. Colombia Speaks 70 Languages
A surprising linguistic fact about Colombia is its remarkable diversity of languages. While Spanish is the official language, Colombia is home to 70 different languages. Of these, 65 are indigenous languages spoken by native communities, and two are Creole languages. Additionally, the Romani language is spoken by the Roma people in Colombia, adding to the country's rich cultural tapestry.
This linguistic diversity highlights Colombia's commitment to preserving its indigenous heritage. Colombia’s efforts to protect these languages and keep them alive in modern times is a reflection of the nation’s respect for its indigenous communities and their cultural contributions.
8. The World’s Most Poisonous Frog Lives in Colombia
Among the most shocking facts about Colombia is the presence of the golden poison dart frog, the most poisonous amphibian in the world. This small, brightly colored frog can carry enough toxin to kill 10 adult humans. Found in the rainforests along Colombia's Pacific coast, this tiny creature is both beautiful and dangerous.
The indigenous people traditionally used the frog's venom to poison the tips of their blow darts for hunting, which is how the species got its name. This is just one example of Colombia’s rich and varied biodiversity, making the country a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Discover Colombia and Learn Spanish Along the Way
Colombia is a beautiful country filled with rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From its diverse wildlife to its stunning cities and traditions, Colombia is a place worth exploring. However, to truly immerse yourself in Colombian culture and get the most out of your experience, it really helps to learn Spanish.
At Dreaming Spanish, we make learning Spanish easy and fun. Our approach is based on comprehensible input, which means you’ll be learning Spanish through natural, engaging content that’s easy to understand, even as a beginner. By using videos that feature everyday conversations, cultural insights, and fascinating topics, you’ll start to pick up the language effortlessly, just like you would if you were living in a Spanish-speaking country.
To help you dive deeper into the culture of Colombia, here are some great videos by our Colombian teachers:
In this video, Natalia shares personal insights about Colombian culture, customs, and what makes the country unique. Perfect for anyone curious about daily life in Colombia.
Here Shel takes you on a tour of Medellín, breaking down the myths and realities about safety in one of Colombia's most famous cities.
In this video, join Natalia and Shel as they react to common stereotypes about Colombia! This fun video gives you an honest and personal perspective on what Colombians think of the world’s perceptions of their country.
As you can see, learning Spanish this way, through content, is a lot more fun than studying grammar and memorizing words! To learn more about how our method works and how you can start your Spanish journey through comprehensible input, visit our Method page now!
