Colombia: flag, capital, currency and history
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, is a country in South America, the Americas. Its capital is Bogotá. The currency is the Colombian peso. Languages spoken include Spanish.
Quick facts about Colombia
- Official name
- Republic of Colombia
- Capital
- Bogotá
- Region
- Americas, South America
- Currency
- Colombian peso (COP, $)
- Languages
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +57
- Internet domain
- .co
- Area
- 1,141,748 km² (440,831 sq mi)
- Demonym
- Colombian
- National day
- Independence Day, July 20
Flag of Colombia
Download the flag of Colombia as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇨🇴.
History of Colombia
Before Spanish arrival, the region was home to peoples including the Muisca and the Tairona. Spanish explorers reached the coast around 1499, and colonial towns such as Santa Marta and Cartagena followed, with Bogota founded in 1538. The area became part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. After a declaration in 1810 and wars of independence, Simon Bolivar's victory at Boyaca in 1819 led to Gran Colombia, which dissolved in 1831. Panama separated in 1903. A long internal armed conflict affected the late 20th century, and a new constitution was adopted in 1991.
Key dates
- 1499Spanish explorers first reach the Caribbean coast of present-day Colombia.
- 1538Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada founds Bogota.
- 1717The Viceroyalty of New Granada is established.
- 1810Bogota's leaders declare autonomy from Spanish rule on 20 July.
- 1819Bolivar wins the Battle of Boyaca, and Gran Colombia is created.
- 1831Gran Colombia dissolves and New Granada emerges.
- 1991A new constitution is adopted.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Colombia
Colombia uses the Colombian peso (COP, $). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in Colombia
Celebrations observed in Colombia, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Colombia?
The capital of Colombia is Bogotá.
What currency does Colombia use?
Colombia uses the Colombian peso (COP, symbol $).
What languages are spoken in Colombia?
Languages used in Colombia include Spanish.
What is the calling code of Colombia?
The international calling code of Colombia is +57. Its internet domain is .co.
Which countries border Colombia?
Colombia shares land borders with Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.
On which continent is Colombia?
Colombia is in South America, part of the Americas, in the region of South America.
What is the national day of Colombia?
Colombia marks Independence Day on July 20.
Neighbours of Colombia
More countries in South America
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).