Colombia is one of the few places in the world where – within 439,736 square miles – you can explore and admire the most diverse range of landscapes: snow-capped mountain peaks, valleys, savannahs, deserts, jungles, and both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. These incredible places make our country an excellent destination for experiencing exciting adventures while enjoying some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

Due to its geographic position on the planet, Colombia is the second most biodiverse country on Earth. In fact, one of every ten species of flora and fauna can be found in our territory, some of which are native species.
Colombia is ranked worldwide for being first, second and third in bird, flora and reptile diversity, respectively, which makes it a real paradise for nature lovers.

Eighteen Colombian universities have been awarded institutional accreditation by the Ministry of Education for achieving high academic levels and complying with international academic and research standards. Each of these universities offers students and faculty from countries and cultures around the world state-of-the-art campuses located in Colombia’s most beautiful and exciting cities, providing enriching and gratifying academic and cultural experiences.

Colombia’s Excellence Research Centers seek solutions to common problems in scientific and technological areas of national importance. The interdisciplinary, interinstitutional and international nature of these Centers has encouraged collaborative joint research efforts between universities and private and public institutions.There have been renowned research findings in biodiversity and genetic resources, the agro-industrialization of tropical vegetable species, new materials, genomics, bioinformatics, coffee processing, agro-ecology techniques, tropical diseases, social development, human rights, and bioethics, among others

Colombian culture is filled with celebration, color, music and dance. In each of the country’s regions you will discover unique musical styles, folk dances, traditional costumes and typical food. With more than 40 folklore festivals and carnivals during the year, more than 20 different Colombian musical rhythms and over 15 different native musical instruments, Colombia´s cultural wealth will surprise you.

The essence of Colombian culture is the result of its colorful history and the mixing of Spanish, Indigenous and African customs. This can be experienced at the Carnival of Barranquilla, which was proclaimed as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2003.

Come to Colombia and feel the kindness, warmth and wonderful hospitality of its people, be enchanted by their energy and charisma, and discover why Colombians are among the happiest people in the world.

Colombians are well-known for their creativity and resourcefulness. These qualities are part of Colombia’s heritage and culture and can be appreciated in the talents of world-class celebrities, including painter and sculptor Fernando Botero, musicians Shakira and Juanes, writer Gabriel García Márquez, athletes Camilo Villegas and Juan Pablo Montoya, and scientists Rodolfo Llinás and Manuel Elkin Patarroyo.