Alicia Z. Klepeis - Colombia

Colombia is a country in South America. People have lived here for thousands of years. Different groups have ruled what is now Colombia throughout history. Today, Colombia is a free country. Its government is a .

Colombians have many different jobs. Some grow flowers and coffee. Others work in offices, hospitals, hotels, or restaurants. People here also work in factories and mines.

There are many beautiful places to visit in Colombia. There are rain forests, deserts, and ice-capped mountains. There are rivers, swamps, and even some islands. Visitors also come from around the world to enjoy the countrys historic cities and beaches.

Music, art, and literature are important parts of Colombian culture. Colombians like eating good food. They also love sports. There are many interesting traditions. Religion is important to many Colombians. Throughout the year, celebrations and festivals take place.

Colombia is an amazing country to explore.

The Cape San Juan beach in northern Colombias Tayrona National Park is known for its beauty.

Colombia is located in northwestern South America. The Caribbean Sea lies to the north. The Pacific Ocean is west of Colombia. Five countries border Colombia: Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.

This map shows Colombia and its neighbors.

Colombia covers 439,736 square miles (1,138,910 square kilometers).

The Andes Mountains run through the middle of Colombia. Snow-covered volcanoes can also be found here. Colombias coasts have beaches. There are also desert areas in the north. Huge grasslands, called llanos (YAH-nos), are found in the east.

Along the coasts and in the eastern plains, Colombia has a climate. The nations highland areas are cooler.

Colombias Animals and Plants

Colombia is home to lots of different animals and plants. Toucans, sloths, and unique animals like the golden poison frog live here. Plants like mosses, orchids, and cacti grow here too.

Golden poison frogs can usually live for up to ten years.

The first people in Colombia hunted, gathered seeds and fruits, and fished. Over time, people started farming. They grew crops like corn and potatoes. Groups called the Muisca (or Chibcha) and Sin lived here.

An illustration of a battle against the Spanish

In 1499, the first Europeans arrived. Spanish explorers wanted to find gold and gems. The Native people tried to protect their land but were defeated. Colombia was under Spanish control until the early 1800s.

In 2016, President Juan Manuel Santos won the Nobel Peace Prize for helping end the civil conflict in Colombia.

Enrique Olaya Herrera

Enrique Olaya Herrera was the president of Colombia from 1930 to 1934. During his presidency, businesses grew and workers gained more rights.

Former Colombian president Enrique Olaya Herrer a

Colombia is a democracy. It has thirty-two departments, like states, and one capital district. The capital of the country is Bogot.

The National Capitol Square in Bogot

Colombias government has three parts: legislative, judicial, and executive. The legislative part is called the Congress. Members of the Congress write new laws. Courts make up the judicial part. They follow the countrys constitution. The constitution was adopted in 1991. It describes all the basic laws of Colombia. Lastly, the executive part includes the president and the ministers. The president runs the government and is the head of state.