Colômbia

Colômbia, officially the Republic of Colombia (Spanish: República de Colombia), is a country largely situated in the northwest of South America, with territories in Central America. It shares a maritime border with Jamaica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Haiti. It is bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; and to the west by Panama and the Pacific Ocean.

Colombia is a unitary constitutional republic comprising 32 departments and the Capital District of Bogotá, which is also its largest city. It boasts a rich and diverse geography, encompassing the Amazon rainforest, Andean highlands, and Caribbean coast.

Historically, Colombia was inhabited by various indigenous peoples, including the Muisca, Quimbaya, and Tairona. The Spanish arrived in the early 16th century and established the New Kingdom of Granada. Colombia gained independence from Spain in 1819 as part of Gran Colombia, which dissolved in 1830. Modern Colombia emerged as a nation-state in 1886.

The country's economy is largely driven by agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and services. Key exports include coffee, oil, coal, gold, and flowers.

Colombia has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by indigenous, Spanish, African, and other European traditions. It is renowned for its music, dance, literature, and cuisine. Notable figures include Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez and artist Fernando Botero.

Colombia has faced internal armed conflict involving guerrilla groups, paramilitary organizations, and drug cartels for several decades. Efforts to achieve peace and reconciliation have been ongoing.