Fast Facts About Colombia

• Population: 45 million
• Capital City:Bogotá (population: 5 million)
• People:58% mestizo (of European-Indian descent) 20% European descent, 14% mulato,4% African descent, 3% African-Indian descent, 1% indigenous
• Language:Spanish
• Currency:Colombian Peso ($2,250pesos=$1USD)
• Religion:Catholic (95%),remainder a mix of traditional, Episcopal and Jewish faiths
• President:Álvaro Uribe
• Exports: $19.3 billion: petroleum, coffee, coal, apparel, bananas, cut flowers, emeralds.

The Colombian Flag

Some Famous Colombians

Musicians
• Shakira:Latin pop singer-songwriter. Grammy Award winner.
• Juanes:Rock singer-songwriter. Grammy Award winner.
• Carlos Vives: Vallenato/Rock singer-songwriter. Grammy Award winner.

Artists and Actors
• Fernando Botero: Painter and sculptor known for his inflated and rounded figures.
• Gabriel Garcia Marquez:Winner, 1982 Nobel Prize in Literature, for his novels and short stories. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" has sold more that 12 million copies world-wide.
• John Leguizamo: Actor, comedian, producer. 30+ movies and TV shows in the U.S.

Sports Figures
• Edgar Renteria: Atlanta Braves shortstop.
• Camilo Villegas: Professional golfer, plays on the PGA Tour. First Colombian to participate in the Master's.
• Juan Pablo Montoya: NASCAR driver, former F-1 driver.

Typical painting by Botero

Sculpture by Botero

Founded in 1533 by Don Pedro de Heredia, and named after the port of Cartagena in Spain's Murcia region, Cartagena, or "Cartagena de Indias," as it is officially known, is legendary both for its history and its beauty. It has been immortalized on countless canvases, glorified in hundreds of books and had its every detail photographed a zillion times - as one of Colombia’s most fascinating cities, it deserves every one of these tributes. We were excited to see that a March 2007 article in Condé Nast Traveller (click here to see PDF file of article) reiterated why Cartagena is such an amazing place to visit.

Cartagena is a strange mix of old and new. When you fly in you will be struck by the vibrant modern city filled with skyscrapers, cruise boats and commercial activity. The city with its close to one million inhabitants serves as one of the central ports of Colombia, it hosts many international cultural events and is home to some of the leading banks and businesses in Colombia. However, it is the walled old town of the city that is the heart of Cartagena. Here tourists wander through old streets filled with vendors peddling their wares among pastel colored buildings. It is packed with churches, monasteries, plazas, palaces and noble mansions with overhanging balconies and shady patios. It pays to just stroll through the old town enjoying some of the highlights such as the Palacio de la Inquisicion, the Cathedral, the Castle/Fort of San Felipe, and Las Bovedas just to name a few. As you walk through the old city passing by giant doors, you begin to feel anxious hoping to catch a glimpse of what lies within.

The culture of Cartagena differs markedly from the interior of Colombia. Los Costeños - the people of the coast - are known for their relaxed easy-going nature and this attitude permeates the city giving it a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.The population is largely made up of los morenos (blacks) and their style of speech is fast in contrast to their laid back way of life. The food of Cartagena is varied but it is dominated by seafood. Other foods that you will encounter are exotic fruit juices, fritters, and coconut rice. However, like all good Colombians, the people of Cartagena are fond of their beef!

To Read More About Cartagena, Follow these Links:

• The Guardian Travel
• Wikipedia:Cartagena
• Official Website for the City of Cartagena
• About:South America for Visitors
• About Colombia

To Watch Two Short Videos About Colombia, Follow these Links:

• This is Colombia
• Colombia is Passion
• Colombian National Anthem