Reflecting the vibrancy of its flag, Colombia is a country full of life and color. Despite its reputation as a dangerous country, it remains an extraordinary land and one of the happiest countries in the world. Regardless of the personal or economic struggles they face, Colombians take great pride in their homeland and rarely speak of it negatively.
This sentiment extends to the Colombian diaspora; regardless of how long they have lived abroad, Colombians remain among the most passionate and vocal defenders of their country, serving as its greatest ambassadors. Their pride is well-founded—Colombia boasts a rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and countless reasons to be celebrated, earning it recognition as one of the happiest countries in the world, if not the happiest.
Colombians living happily despite the country’s violent history
Upon examining Colombia’s history, it’s clear that the country has navigated a challenging path. Over 50 years of civil conflict has resulted in numerous deaths, displacing millions, while the drug cartel wars of the late 20th century added to its trials. Despite these hardships, Colombia has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Its citizens continue to be admired for their friendly, warm, and welcoming nature.
As the renowned Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez once said, “Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of Colombians is their amazing capacity to adapt to everything, both good and bad, with a resilience that borders on the supernatural.”
Colombia and its people indeed serve as a powerful example of overcoming adversity. Today, it is a country deserving recognition as a fantastic place to visit and explore. In fact, one of the greatest risks when traveling to Colombia is that you won’t want to leave—a sentiment that many international travelers have experienced.
The natural wonders of Colombia
One of Colombia’s greatest sources of pride is its exceptional land. The country boasts mind-blowing biodiversity, among the most varied in the world. Indeed, Colombians from all regions take pride in the wonders of their land, and as regionalism is a strong characteristic of the Colombian people; rest assured that each Colombian will proudly proclaim their region as the best.
Along the Caribbean coast, visitors can find paradisiacal white-sand beaches like those at Baru, mountains shrouded in jungle like the Sierra Nevada, and even an incredible desert in La Guajira. In the inland regions, Colombia transitions from the endless savannas and plains of the Llanos to the Andean region, with its forests and rivers. Further south lies the Amazon, with its tropical jungle and natural wonders like Caño Cristales, a river of unique multicolored beauty. Finally, along the Pacific coast, mountains and untouched beaches surrounded by jungle unfold, showcasing natural marvels such as whale sanctuaries and turtle reserves.
Celebration, the Colombian reflection of happiness
If there’s one thing Colombia and its people are famous for, it’s their love for partying, dancing, and music, an art at which they truly excel. Perhaps due to its tumultuous history, Colombia has elevated the art of celebration to a whole new level. Wherever you are, from a remote village on the Caribbean coast, or the bustling streets of Medellin, music is an integral part of the landscape, no matter the time of day or night.
Colombia has undoubtedly enriched the global music scene with some of the most prominent artists, including pop-rock stars Shakira and Juanes, Colombian folk music legend Carlos Vives, reggaeton superstars J Balvin, Maluma, and Karol G, as well as salsa singer Joe Arroyo. As such, celebration can be rightfully seen as a core element of Colombian culture and almost woven into the very DNA of the country.
Visitors are consistently captivated by Colombia’s infectious enthusiasm and vibrant party spirit, which play a significant role in its recognition as one of the happiest countries in the world. This aspect of Colombian culture is so powerful that it has even inspired international musicians to launch careers within the country. One notable example is South Korean influencer Zion Hwang, who embraced Colombia’s rich musical heritage and transformed into a “ranchera” singer, adopting this beloved Colombian genre. This global admiration for Colombian culture is a testament to the country’s unique ability to blend tradition, celebration, and universal appeal.