Colombian

Colombian is the term used to refer to things related to Colombia, a country in the northwest corner of South America, and to its people. In English, residents are called Colombians; in Spanish the demonym is Colombiano or Colombiana. The population is around 50 to 53 million, and the country is ethnically diverse, with large communities of Mestizos, Whites, Afro-Colombians, and Indigenous groups such as Wayuu, Embera, and Nasa.

Language and culture: Spanish is the official language, with regional varieties known as Colombian Spanish. Indigenous languages persist, and there are creoles such as Palenquero spoken in San Basilio de Palenque. Colombian culture reflects Indigenous, African, and European influences, expressed in literature, music, and cuisine. Notable cultural figures include the writer Gabriel García Márquez. Musical traditions include vallenato and cumbia, while contemporary genres are also prominent. Traditional dishes feature ingredients like arepa, sancocho, and bandeja paisa.

Geography: Colombia is bordered by Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Panama, with coastlines on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Its landscapes span the Andean highlands, the Amazon rainforest, the Llanos plains, and both Pacific and Caribbean littorals.

History and politics: Colombia emerged as a modern republic in the 19th century after independence from Spain and the dissolution of Gran Colombia. The country has faced periods of political instability and internal conflict but has pursued post-conflict reforms and peace processes, including a 2016 agreement with the FARC. The 1991 constitution remains a landmark in its constitutional framework.

Economy and diaspora: The economy is diversified, with oil, coal, coffee, flowers, and emeralds as important sectors, complemented by services and manufacturing. A sizable Colombian diaspora exists in the United States, Spain, and other countries.