21 Reasons Colombia Is The Happiest Country In World

(SLIDESHOW)
Megadiversity
Colombia is considered the 2nd many biodiverse country within the world (following Brazil) and
furthermore the nearly all biodiverse per square kilometer. while simply <a
href="http://www.biodiversity-day.info/2001/english/bday-colombia.html">covering 0.8% with the
globe's surface it manages to become home to around 10% of the planet's biodiversity.</a> For You
To put this inside perspective, Colombia's ecosystems are usually where you can more than 1,821
species of birds, 623 species of amphibians, 467 species involving mammals, 518 species associated
with reptiles, 3,200 species regarding fish (18% associated with which are endemic) and a <a
href="http://www.cbd.int/countries/profile/?country=co#status">mind-blowing 51, 220 species of
plants</a> (nearly 30% endemic). Colombia's biodiversity, however, is <a
href="http://www.cbd.int/countries/profile/?country=co#status">expected for you to surpass these
numbers</a> since many areas involving the country remain unexplored as well as new species
continually surface. Any Swallow Wings butterfly lands on the Finger of your man at the Botanic
Garden Jose Celestino Mutis throughout an exhibition within Bogota in September 14, 2011.
Colombia is actually one of the actual countries with the greatest diversity involving butterfly
species, with the few 5,000 diurnal and in addition over 20,000 nocturnal.AFP PHOTO/Luis Acosta
(Photo credit rating must study LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images)
"The Door with the Americas"
At your tip of the South American continent, Colombia's spot gives its inhabitants as well as tourists
unique usage of both your Atlantic (Caribbean Sea) and also the Pacific Ocean. Apart coming from
it's renowned tropical beaches, the nation will offer guests any opportunity to check out the Amazon
rainforest, climb the actual Andes or Sierra Nevada mountains (including your country's snowy peak,
highest point, as well as the worlds tallest seaside mountain <a
href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pico_Crist%C3%B3bal_Col%C3%B3n"> Pico Cristbal
Coln</a>), journey by means of tropical grasslands, trek via the particular <a
href="http://www.colombia.travel/en/international-tourist/sightseeing-what-
to-do/recommended-tourist-attractions-special-reports/la-tatacoa-desert">Tatacoa Desert</a>, and
also more.
Beautiful Women
It's no secret which among Colombia's greatest
recognized treasures are usually its females -- it's
<em>very</em> gorgeous women. Whilst
beauty obviously remains within the eye in the
beholder, whether its about the Miss Universe
stage or perhaps about the small screen,
Colombianas like Sofa Vergara, Shakira, and
Danna Garca will virtually often be sure to turn
heads. Photo: Valle Deparment's Lucia Aldana perfoms throughout the Miss Colombia 2012 contest
final inside Cartagena in November 12, 2012. Twenty-five females via just about all Colombian
departments are usually fighting for your Miss Colombia crown. AFP PHOTO/LUIS ACOSTA (Photo
credit must study LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images)
Emeralds
Colombia is recognized for exporting many things, but would you understand your South American
country can be accountable for greater than 60% of the World's emeralds? That's right, <a
href="http://www.southamerica.cl/Colombia/Emeralds.htm">it's most likely the green gem inside
your jewelry box originated from your Emerald deposits of Muzo </a>in Colombia. Identified
regarding it's deep green color along with brilliance, Colombia's emeralds tend to be a quantity of
the nearly all popular inside the world. Photo: The Actual largest emerald inside the globe - known
as 'Fura' (C) - of 11,000-karat uncooked as well as 2.27 kilos (almost 5 pounds). Fura is actually
offered for the public for the very 1st time throughout Colombia, 12 many years following it was
mined in Muzo, throughout Boyaca province, 75 km north associated with Bogota. AFP
PHOTO/Guillermo LEGARIA (Photo credit rating should study GUILLERMO LEGARIA/AFP/Getty
Images)
Pick Any Climate, Just About Any Climate
While many understand the nation like a tropical paradise because of in order to its location close
for you to the Equator, its rich ecosystems are generally possible credited in order to its varied
climate zones (rainforest, savanna, steppe, desert, mountain climate, etc.) Right now there aren't
any striking seasonal changes all 12 months round and also Horse Farms For Sale Columbia Eastern
Market DC Colombia's temperatures vary based on elevations and also rainfall. <a
href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Colombia">Climate inside the South American
country can differ greatly</a>, coming from it's sea degree tierra caliente (hot land) temperatures
involving 75.2- one hundred F as well as it's cooler temperatures 3,000-6,500 feet above sea level
of 50 and also 66.2 F in order to it's tierra helada over 14,764 ft exactly where temperatures fall
well below freezing. Nevertheless don't worry, regarding 86% of the country has the tropical climate
known and also loved by simply individuals wanting to visit a sunny paradise. ---- COLOMBIA - MAY
20: Communities over the Amazon Basin get flooded inside the rainy season. Puerto Narino, Amazon
River, Amazon River Basin, Colombia. (Photo by simply Kike Calvo/National Geographic/Getty
Images)
The Greatest Coffee Within The World
Ahh yes, if there's something Colombia provides often been synonymous with, it's delicious freshly
ground coffee. The Particular <a href="http://www.colombia.travel/es/turista-
internacional/destino/destinos-recomendados-esta-semana/802-triangulo-de-
-cafe-tres-regiones-y-un-solo-encanto">"Eje Cafetero" (Colombian Coffee-Growers Axis), sometimes
known as the "Tringulo del Caf",</a> located within the particular Caldas, Risaralda, as well
as Quindo departments can be home as to the many think about the particular best coffee in the
world. Entertaining Fact: Your figure involving Juan Valdez that represents the particular National
Federation of Coffee Growers involving Colombia isn't based off any real person. The Particular
fictional poncho-wearing character widely referenced abroad (<a
href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta8r6URzSJY">remember that scene from "Bruce
Almighty"?</a>) is simply utilized to represent Colombian coffee farmers. Photo: A New farmer
exhibits coffee beans in the plantation in the Hacienda Villa Martha within the municipality
regarding La Gloria, department of Risaralda, Colombia, upon August 12, 2011. Colombia can be
recognized worldwide regarding its higher top quality coffee. AFP PHOTO/LUIS ACOSTA --- MORE
PICTURES IN IMAGE FORUM (Photo credit ought to read LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images)
<em>CORRECTION: a prior version of this article incorrectly stated the Eje Cafetal in Colombia will
be positioned in El Valle del Cauca. while I tiny area does overlap with this particular department,
the particular axis is mostly situated within your Caldas, Risaralda, as well as Quindo departments.
</em>
The River In Which Ran Far From Paradise
The globe is full of amazing rivers as well as lakes. However one inch certain truly appears out.
Cao Cristales, typically referred to become able to as 'the river that ran away in order to
paradise' is a famous body of drinking water inside Colombia. Residing underwater is truly a array of
rocks covered in green moss. However to get a period associated with time of your current time
from September to November, your drinking water level dips permitting the sun's all-natural heat
for you to warm that will moss covering the rocks. Since a result, blooms grow under the water,
ranging in every shades regarding colors.
Se habla espaol...y muy bien
While your Spanish language may possess its roots in motherland Spain, Colombia's spanish can be
<a href="http://www.theworld.org/2010/06/the-clearest-spanish/">considered through many being
the "clearest" in the world.</a> This specific might vary, however, when you travel over the country.
in general, Colombians don't possess a strong accent -- specially those living close to the<a
href="http://www.theworld.org/2010/06/the-clearest-spanish/"> country's capital, Bogot. </a>
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos speaks through the inauguration of your Spain-Colombia
economic forum. (Photo credit score must read GUILLERMO LEGARIA/AFP/Getty Images)
The Style Money Regarding Latin America
"La ciudad de la eterna primavera" (the city of the actual eternal Spring) says plenty concerning the
beauty of Colombia's second biggest city, Medelln. once recognized since the home with the
ruthless drug lord Pablo Escobar, its thriving textile industry has helped shed its past reputation and
also replace it with a developing fashion industry. Identified through many as<a
href="http://www.escapefromamerica.com/2011/07/fashion-in-colombia/"> the "Fashion capital of
Latin America,"</a> Medelln hosts a couple of crucial annual style shows: Colombia Moda and
Colombiatex. Photo: (RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP/GettyImages)
The value of Rest
Only bested simply by Argentina, Colombia provides the second highest variety of national holidays
in the world. Using <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/ABC_Univision/News/guess-countr-
-holidays/story?id=17388505">18 public holidays and an typical regarding 15 paid vacation
days</a>, it's distinct that South American country values rest. Throughout comparison, the U.S.
features 10 public holidays and concerning 10 paid out vacation days. Nearly All Colombians
consider advantage of the lengthy weekends offs, additionally referred to end up being able to as
"puentes festivos," traveling within the nation using buddies and also family. Photo: Folks walk in
the streets of the fortified old town of Cartagena, Colombia's most significant touristic city, taken
upon November 15, 2009. AFP PHOTO/Rodrigo ARANGUA
A healthy physique can be a happy body?
Since 1974, in Sundays along with national holidays your country's richesse closes it's typically
congested major roads to provide Bogot's residents any chance to walk, run, bike, skate, skip, hop,
etc. Throughout other words, through <a href="http://www.idrd.gov.co/htms/seccion-
ciclova_27.html">7 AM to become able to 2 PM Colombian households and tourists can easily use
the more than 75 miles regarding asphalt as their playground. </a> Your money city, Bogot, has
got the <a href="http://www.mantarayatravel.com/blog/10-astonishing-facts-about-colombia">most
extensive network regarding cycle routes in Latin America</a> (and is a competitive force for that
best spot in the world) Photo: a man fixes bicycles throughout the Day With Out Cars in Bogota upon
February 2, 2012. A New municipal decree prohibites the employment of personal cars today, within
an try to decrease pollution ranges also to market the use associated with public and alternative
transport. AFP PHOTO/Luis Acosta (Photo credit ought to read LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images)
Full Belly, Happy Heart
Ajaco, Sancocho, Bandeja Paisa, Mojarra -- might be your real cause Colombians need the
particular Ciclovas in order to exercise about the weekends. with delicious typical stews hailing
coming from distinct corners in the country, Colombians hardly lack gastronomic splendor. Staples
of the united states are generally red beans, rice, arepas, empanadas, plantains, amongst others. Yet
when which plate will be cleared off don't forget dessert! Arequipe (caramel-like spread) with brevas
(figs) as well as obleas (this wafers) really are a favorite, otherwise Arroz con Leche (rice pudding)
or perhaps buuelos (cheese fritters) can easily leading off virtually any meal! Pictured is a
Bandeja Paisa
Salsa Calea
"Oiga, Mire, Vea....vengase a new Cali para
que vea!" Colombia's third nearly all populous
city, Cali, isn't just among your oldest cities
inside the Americas, but La capital de la Salsa
(World's Salsa Capital). with significant
variances off their styles regarding salsa, <a
href="http://www.salsa-danc-
-professional.com/sals-
-colombian-style.html">"Salsa Calea" is
renowned for its quick footwork with a mostly
nonetheless upperbody.</a> Dancers' steps
are usually backwards and forwards or even
diagonal, rather than the particular side-t-
-side actions noticed in additional styles.
However Colombians do more than dance
Salsa, the nation will be many well known for
both it's Cumbia and also Vallenato genres.
Photo: Dancers of the Ritmo Sonero salsa
academy perform within a dancing exhibition
in Cali, Colombia, Friday, Dec. 28, 2012.
Teams involving kids from salsa schools carry
out in different neighborhoods throughout the
Cali Fair, among one in the most essential
city's cultural event, famous for the salsa
marathon, riding parades as well as dance parties. (AP Photo/William Fernando Martinez)
Nobel Reward Winning Literature
Perhaps Colombians tend to be merely happy about the rich culture of their country. Nobel Laureate
and novelist Gabriel Garca Mrquez is perhaps the most well recognized figure inside Colombian
literature. Author of "One Hundred A Prolonged Time regarding Solitude" (1967) and "Love in the
time regarding Cholera" (1985), his works possess not just been critically acclaimed nevertheless
make "Gabo" an icon within the Magic Realism genre. Photo: Colombian Nobel Award pertaining to
Literature 1982 Gabriel Garcia Marquez, sitting alongside his wife Mercedes Barcha, is actually
requested simply by admirers to become able to dedicate these books, just before boarding the
particular train to his hometown Aracataca 30 May, 2007 in Santa Marta, Colombia. Garcia Marquez
didn't visit Aracataca inside twenty years. AFP PHOTO/Alejandra VEGA (Photo credit score must
study ALEJANDRA VEGA/AFP/Getty Images)
The Legend Associated With El Dorado
If you've have a person at any kind of time heard in the Legend involving El Dorado, then you know
involving Colombia's Pre-Columbine history. The Actual <a
href="ttp://www.colombia.travel/en/international-
tourist/sightseeing-what-to-do/history-and-tradition/archaeological-tourism/the-muisca-raft">original
narrative advised the storyline with the Muisca those who used Gold not necessarily like a symbol of
material wealth</a> but as being a sacred metal regarding religious offerings. The Particular story
describes the actual famed El Dorado ceremony which usually welcomed the new cacique (chief).
Covered in gold powder, the particular chief would journey atop the raft with emeralds as well as
gold with his feet. Later On however dive to the lake with his offerings as bystanders cheered. Your
riches with the Muisca individuals rapidly fell in the hands of the Spanish conquistadores upon the
particular "discovery" of the New world as well as would spur your legend of your metropolis built
completely regarding gold and also gems amongst Spaniards hoping to find much more riches.
Bogot's international Airport "El Dorado" had been named following your ceremony, along with
gold artifacts, just similar to the Muisca Raft, is found within the richesse city's Museo del Oro (Gold
Museum).
Ftbol Along With Heart, In It's way to The Top
United through their particular adore associated with ftbol -- Colombians rarely miss a
opportunity to socialize more than a great soccer match. whether it's celebrating for La Seleccin
Colombia or facing defeat, Colombian use his or her yellow, blue, as well as red along with pride.
More Than days gone by months, Colombian soccer star Radamel Falcao, from the Club Atltico
de Madrid, r<a href="http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2012/12/29/top-10-latino-soccer-s-
ars-2012/#ixzz2IARzCuGh">ose to become able to prominence as he led both his club and also
national teams to become able to stunning victories.</a> recently El Tigre (The Tiger) became the
initial player in a decade in order to score 5 goals inside a La Liga (Spanish club league) match. the
footballer's impressive performance in inclusion has assisted the Colombian national team turn
straight into a competitive force within the particular South American qualifies for that 2014 FIFA
Globe Cup in Brazil. Photo: Colombian forward Radamel Falcao (front) celebrates along with
teammate Colombian defender Pablo Armero following scoring against Paraguay during their own
FIFA world Cup Brazil 2014 qualifying football match with Roberto Melendez stadium in
Barranquilla, Colombia in October 12, 2012. AFP PHOTO / EITAN ABRAMOVICH/Getty Images
Stars In Which Shine Bright
Despite almost all with the country's characteristics perhaps what shines the brightest
internationally tend to be its stars. Through the particular charitable Juanes and also Shakira as well
as the hilariously sexy Sofa Vergara to the musically gifted Fonseca and also Carlos Vives -- coffee
could no longer end up being Colombia's most well recognized export. Photo: Colombian singers
Shakira (L) and also Carlos Vives carry out throughout a concert Horse Properties For Sale
Columbia Eastern Market DC inside assistance of hostage liberation held as a portion of Colombia's
independence day celebrations in the southern city of Leticia, Amazonas department, about July 20,
2008. AFP PHOTO/Mauricio Due?as (Photo credit must study MAURICIO DUENAS/AFP/Getty
Images)
In Adore with The Chubby
And for dozens of chubby-loving art fiends, Colombian artist Fernando Botero's <a
href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17542660">work can be nothing brief
associated with innovative. </a>His figurative style "Boterismo" is seen as an portraying subjects
within exaggerated volumes. His works are known to depict chubby women, men, children, animals,
and also still-life inside day-to-day existence having a a feeling of humor. Botero has also taken
classics, such as Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, as well as given all of them their own unique touch.
Photo: Sculptures through Colombian artist Fernando Botero are displayed in the square associated
with Pietrasanta inside Tuscany, prior towards the opening associated with an exhibition in July 6,
2012. the exhibition entitled 'Fernand Botero: designer along with sculptor' unfolding between the
squares as well as streets involving Pietrasanta can have 80 sculptures and drawing coming from
July 7 to September 2. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit ought to study GABRIEL
BOUYS/AFP/GettyImages)
The Oldest Democracy
Despite having been ravaged simply by nearly any half a new century regarding violence at the
hands associated with drug cartels and rebel groups, Colombia is actually actually<a
href="http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/countries/americas/colombia/impunity"> Latin
America's oldest democracy. </a> Inside August 2012, President Juan Manuel Santos <a
href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/16/colombia-peace-tal-
s-start_n_1969059.html">announced a fourth attempt </a>at ending decades of violence plus a
culture regarding impunity by simply going into peace talks with the FARC rebel group. Photo:
Spains' King Juan Carlos, right, meets along with Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos
throughout the 22nd Iberoamerican summit inside Cadiz, Spain, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012. (AP
Photo/Ballesteros, Pool)
Festivals, Festivals, Festivals
It's not necessarily adequate to get astonishing biodiversity and also ethnic diversity -- anyone need
to celebrate it. Colombia has got the worlds biggest theater festival (<a
href="http://latineos.com/en/articles/visual-arts/item/104-festiv-
l-iberoamericano-de-teatro-bogota.html">Festival Iberoamericano</a>), salsa festival, flower
parade. Furthermore, it gets the <a href="http://www.mantarayatravel.com/blog/10-astonishin-
-facts-about-colombia">second greatest carnival inside the world! </a> Photo: Individuals stand
amongst flower arrangements during the annual festival regarding flowers inside Medellin,
Colombia, Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012. Your flower festival can be one of probably your most crucial
events regarding Medellin and continues for you to be celebrated each as well as every year since
1957. (AP Photo/Luis Benavides)
An Emerging Global Player
Colombia's real GDP <a href="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worl-
-factbook/geos/co.html">grew 5.7 % in 2011 with inflation from 3.7%. </a>TIME journal said hello
greatest once they featured the actual Colombian President on the include involving their
international edition within April 2012, "The Colombian Comeback" will be <a
href="http://www.time.com/time/covers/europe/0,16641,20120423,00.html">"From almost failed
state in order to emerging global player -- within less than the actual usual decade." </a>