Colombia

The National Flag of Colombia

The national flag of Colombia is a powerful symbol of the nation’s history and values. Often referred to as the “Tricolor,” the flag consists of three horizontal stripes: yellow, blue, and red. The yellow stripe is double the height of the blue and red stripes combined. Each color on the flag holds significant meaning, reflecting the heritage and aspirations of the Colombian people.

Colombia Flag Clip Art Images, Backgrounds, and Wallpapers

Free Download of the Colombia Flag Image

To download an image of the Colombia flag, right-click on the image and select “Save image as…” on a desktop or laptop. On a mobile device, press and hold on the image, then select “Download image” or “Save image” from the options that appear.
For Apple (iPhone/iPad):

• Press and hold the image.
• A menu will appear; tap “Add to Photos” or “Save Image.”

For Android:

• Press and hold the image.
• From the menu that appears, choose “Download image” or “Save image.”

This will save the image to your device’s photo gallery or downloads folder.

Design and Colors of the Colombia Flag

The Colombia flag features a design rich in symbolism and meaning:

• Yellow: (#FFCD00) Represents the wealth of the country, the sun, sovereignty, and harmony.
• Blue: (#003893) Symbolizes the seas and rivers of Colombia, as well as the sky.
• Red: (#C8102E) Signifies the blood shed for independence, courage, and the determination of the Colombian people.

The Origins and Design of the Colombia Flag

The flag of Colombia has a rich history that reflects the nation’s journey toward independence and unity. The design of the flag has its roots in the early 19th century and was influenced by the Venezuelan revolutionary Francisco de Miranda.

The Birth of a National Symbol

The tricolor flag was first used by Francisco de Miranda during his attempt to liberate Venezuela from Spanish rule. The colors yellow, blue, and red were later adopted by the Republic of Gran Colombia, which included modern-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama. After the dissolution of Gran Colombia in 1831, Colombia retained the tricolor flag, and it was officially adopted on November 26, 1861.

Evolution of the Flag’s Symbolism

The symbolism of the Colombia flag has evolved alongside the nation. Each color carries deep meaning:

• Yellow: Represents the richness of the land, the gold, and the wealth of the country.
• Blue: Symbolizes the country’s two oceans (the Atlantic and Pacific), its rivers, and the sky.
• Red: Signifies the blood shed by those who fought for Colombia’s independence and the people’s resilience.

The Central Design Elements

The central design elements of the Colombia flag include:

• Horizontal Stripes: The flag consists of three horizontal stripes. The top stripe is yellow and occupies half of the flag’s height, while the blue and red stripes each occupy a quarter.

Adoption and Official Recognition

The current design of the Colombia flag was officially adopted on November 26, 1861. The flag has remained unchanged since then, symbolizing the enduring values and unity of the Colombian nation.

The Flag in Modern Colombian Identity

Today, the Colombia flag is a powerful symbol of national pride and unity. It is prominently displayed during national holidays, such as Independence Day (July 20) and the Battle of Boyacá Day (August 7). The flag is also honored in schools, government institutions, and by Colombians living abroad, serving as a reminder of the nation’s history, cultural heritage, and commitment to sovereignty.

The Significance of the Colombia Flag

The flag of Colombia holds a deep and significant place in the hearts of its people, symbolizing the rich history, culture, and unity of the nation. Displaying the Colombia flag is an act of patriotism and respect, and it is done according to specific rules and on designated days that hold special meaning for the country.

When the Flag of Colombia Can Be Displayed

The flag of Colombia may be displayed on any day, but there are specific guidelines for when and how it should be presented. The flag should always be treated with the utmost respect, never touching the ground, and should be handled with care. It can be flown on public buildings, in schools, at military institutions, and during official ceremonies. Citizens are also encouraged to display the flag at their homes during national holidays and important commemorations.

Flag Days and National Holidays

In Colombia, there are several official flag days and national holidays when the flag is prominently displayed:

• July 20 – Independence Day: This day marks Colombia’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810. The flag is central to the celebrations, with parades, cultural events, and patriotic displays nationwide.
• August 7 – Battle of Boyacá Day: This day commemorates the decisive battle in 1819 that led to Colombia’s independence. The flag is prominently featured in ceremonies and events honoring the country’s liberation.
• November 11 – Cartagena Independence Day: Celebrates the independence of Cartagena, an important step in Colombia’s overall fight for independence.

Love for the Flag and Patriotism

The Colombia flag is not just a national symbol; it is a representation of the pride and love that Colombians have for their country. The flag’s design—the vibrant yellow, blue, and red stripes—embodies the nation’s history, unity, and enduring spirit. Colombians demonstrate their love for the flag and their patriotism in various ways. During national holidays, particularly on Independence Day, the flag is displayed everywhere—from homes and public spaces to clothing and decorations. Schools instill a sense of respect for the flag from a young age, often including flag ceremonies as part of the daily routine. Singing the national anthem while raising or lowering the flag further strengthens the emotional connection to this powerful symbol.

Colombia Flag Emoji Codes

1. Unicode Code Points

• Unicode: U+1F1E8 U+1F1F4
• UTF-16: D83C DDE8 D83C DDF4

2. HTML Entities

• HTML Entity (Decimal): 🇨🇴
• HTML Entity (Hexadecimal): 🇨🇴

3. CSS

content: "\1F1E8\1F1F4";

4. JavaScript (JSON) & Java

 // JavaScript Example const colombiaFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE8\uD83C\uDDF4";
// Java Example String colombiaFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE8\uD83C\uDDF4"; 

5. PHP & Ruby

 // PHP Example $colombiaFlag = "\u{1F1E8}\u{1F1F4}";
// Ruby Example colombia_flag = "\u{1F1E8}\u{1F1F4}" 

6. Perl

my $colombiaFlag = "\x{1F1E8}\x{1F1F4}";

7. Python

colombia_flag = "\U0001F1E8\U0001F1F4"

8. C#

string colombiaFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE8\uD83C\uDDF4";

9. Swift

let colombiaFlag = "\u{1F1E8}\u{1F1F4}"

10. Objective-C

NSString *colombiaFlag = @"\U0001F1E8\U0001F1F4";

11. JSON

{ "colombiaFlag": "\uD83C\uDDE8\uD83C\uDDF4" } 

12. SQL

INSERT INTO table_name (column_name) VALUES ('\uD83C\uDDE8\uD83C\uDDF4');

13. Shell Scripting (Bash)

colombia_flag=$'\U1F1E8\U1F1F4'

14. Go (Golang)

colombiaFlag := "\U0001F1E8\U0001F1F4"

15. Kotlin

val colombiaFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE8\uD83C\uDDF4"

About Colombia

Geography and Topography

Location and Geography

Colombia is located in the northwest corner of South America, bordered by Panama to the northwest, Venezuela and Brazil to the east, and Ecuador and Peru to the south. It has coastlines along both the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The diverse geography of Colombia includes:

• The Andes mountain range, which runs through the country from north to south
• The Amazon rainforest in the southeast
• Coastlines along the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean
• The Llanos (vast plains) in the east
• The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the highest coastal mountain range in the world
• Major rivers such as the Magdalena, Cauca, and Orinoco

Colombia Map

Area and Population

Colombia covers an area of approximately 1.14 million square kilometers, making it the 25th largest country in the world by area. As of 2023, the population is estimated to be around 52 million people.

Demographics and Ethnic Composition

The population of Colombia is diverse, with a rich blend of ethnic groups. The ethnic composition includes:

• Mestizo (mixed European and Amerindian ancestry): approximately 49% of the population
• White Colombians: around 37%
• Afro-Colombians: about 10%
• Indigenous Amerindians: roughly 3%
• Other groups, including Romani and Middle Eastern Colombians

Name and History

Origin of the Name “Colombia”

The name “Colombia” is derived from the last name of the explorer Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colón in Spanish), acknowledging his role in the European exploration of the Americas.

History

The history of Colombia is rich and multifaceted, beginning with the indigenous peoples who lived on the land for thousands of years before European colonization. The country declared independence from Spain on July 20, 1810, leading to the formation of the Republic of Colombia. Key historical events include:

• The struggle for independence led by figures like Simón Bolívar and Francisco de Paula Santander
• The formation and dissolution of Gran Colombia (1819-1831), which included present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama
• The Thousand Days’ War (1899-1902), a civil conflict that resulted in significant political changes
• The separation of Panama from Colombia in 1903
• The internal armed conflict involving guerrilla groups, paramilitaries, and government forces, which has seen significant peace efforts in recent years

Government and Politics

Capital

Bogotá is the capital of Colombia. As the political, economic, and cultural center of the country, it is home to important institutions like the Presidential Palace (Casa de Nariño), the National Capitol, and the Supreme Court.

Government and Politics

Colombia operates as a unitary constitutional republic with a presidential system. The government is divided into three branches: the executive, led by the President; the legislative, consisting of the Congress (Senate and House of Representatives); and the judicial, headed by the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court. The political landscape includes multiple parties, with significant ones being the Liberal Party, Conservative Party, and various others that have emerged in recent years.

Values and Culture

Core Colombian values include family, respect, and cultural diversity. The country is known for its hospitality, vibrant culture, and strong sense of community and national pride.

Religion

Colombia is predominantly Christian, with Roman Catholicism being the largest denomination, practiced by about 70% of the population. Protestant and other Christian denominations are also present, along with small communities of other religions and a growing number of people who identify as non-religious.

Holidays

Major public holidays in Colombia include:

• Independence Day on July 20
• Battle of Boyacá Day on August 7
• Christmas on December 25
• Easter Week (Semana Santa), with public holidays on Holy Thursday and Good Friday

Demographics and Society

Language

The official language of Colombia is Spanish, spoken by the vast majority of the population. Additionally, there are 65 recognized indigenous languages spoken by ethnic minority groups throughout the country.

Society and Sports

Colombia is a socially diverse nation with a strong emphasis on music, dance, and sports. Soccer (football) is the most popular sport, with a passionate national following. The country has produced world-class athletes in soccer and cycling, such as Radamel Falcao and Nairo Quintana. Other popular sports include roller skating, boxing, and athletics.

Safety

Safety in Colombia has significantly improved in recent years, but some areas may still experience higher levels of crime and security concerns. The Colombian government continues to work on improving public safety and promoting peace initiatives, with efforts to reduce crime and support rural development.

Economy and Currency

Economy

Colombia has the fourth-largest economy in Latin America, driven by a combination of services, industry, and agriculture. It is a significant exporter of commodities and manufactured goods. Key sectors include:

• Oil and Mining: Including coal, petroleum, gold, and emeralds
• Agriculture: Coffee, cut flowers, bananas, sugarcane, and cocoa
• Manufacturing: Textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles
• Services: Financial services, tourism, and telecommunications

The Colombian economy is influenced by both domestic consumption and international trade, with efforts to diversify and promote sustainable development.

Currency

The official currency of Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP), symbolized by “$” or “COL$” to distinguish it from other currencies.

Culture and Arts

Culture and Arts

Colombian culture is a blend of indigenous, Spanish, African, and other influences, with significant contributions to global arts, music, and literature. The country is known for:

• Music: Genres such as cumbia, vallenato, salsa, and reggaeton
• Literature: Notable authors like Gabriel García Márquez, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature
• Art: Artists like Fernando Botero, known for his unique style depicting people and figures in large, exaggerated volume
• Dance: Traditional dances like salsa, merengue, and bambuco

Cuisine

Colombian cuisine is diverse, reflecting the country’s multicultural heritage and regional variations. Key elements include:

• Arepas: Cornmeal cakes, often filled with cheese or meats
• Bandeja Paisa: A hearty dish from the Antioquia region, including beans, rice, pork, plantain, chorizo, avocado, and fried egg
• Sancocho: A traditional stew made with meat, plantains, potatoes, yuca, and corn
• Empanadas: Fried pastries filled with meat, potatoes, or cheese
• Coffee: Colombia is famous for its high-quality coffee, a significant part of its culture and economy

National Anthem

The national anthem of Colombia, “Himno Nacional de la República de Colombia,” was adopted in 1920. The lyrics were written by former President Rafael Núñez, and the music was composed by Oreste Síndici.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Transportation

Colombia has a developing transportation infrastructure that includes:

• Highways: An expanding network connecting major cities and regions
• Airports: Several international airports, with El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá being the largest and busiest
• Public Transportation: Systems like the TransMilenio in Bogotá and the Medellín Metro
• Ports: Key ports on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, such as Cartagena and Buenaventura
• Railways: Limited railway network primarily used for freight transportation

Time Zones

Colombia is located in the Colombia Standard Time Zone (UTC-5), and does not observe daylight saving time.

Web and Phone Code

Colombia’s internet country code is “.co,” and its international dialing code is +57.

Colombia: Things to See and Do

Colombia is a country of diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history, offering something for every type of traveler. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Colombia:

Explore National Parks

Colombia is home to numerous national parks showcasing its biodiversity.

• Tayrona National Natural Park: Located on the Caribbean coast, offering beautiful beaches and rainforest trails.
• Los Nevados National Natural Park: Features snow-capped volcanoes, glaciers, and high-altitude ecosystems.
• Amacayacu National Natural Park: Situated in the Amazon basin, rich in flora and fauna.

Enjoy Beautiful Beaches

Colombia’s coastlines provide stunning beaches.

• Cartagena: Historic walled city with nearby beaches like Playa Blanca and the Rosario Islands.
• San Andrés and Providencia Islands: Caribbean islands known for clear waters and coral reefs, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
• Santa Marta: Gateway to Tayrona Park and beautiful beaches along the Caribbean coast.

Savor the Cuisine

Experience Colombia’s diverse culinary landscape. Must-try foods include:

• Arepas: Cornmeal cakes, a staple in Colombian cuisine, often eaten at breakfast.
• Ajiaco: A hearty soup made with chicken, potatoes, corn, and guascas (an herb), popular in Bogotá.
• Empanadas: Fried or baked pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.

Explore Vibrant Cities

Colombia’s cities offer rich cultural experiences.

• Bogotá: The capital city, known for its museums like the Gold Museum, historic La Candelaria district, and vibrant street art scene.
• Medellín: Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” famous for its innovative public transportation, cultural events, and the annual Flower Festival (Feria de las Flores).
• Cali: The salsa capital of the world, renowned for its dance clubs, festivals, and warm climate.

Visit Natural Wonders

Colombia offers unique natural attractions.

• Caño Cristales: Known as the “River of Five Colors,” famous for its vibrant aquatic plants that create a rainbow effect.
• Chicamocha Canyon: One of the largest canyons in the world, offering adventure sports like paragliding and rafting.
• Amazon Rainforest: Explore the Colombian Amazon for wildlife spotting and indigenous cultural experiences.

Participate in Cultural Festivals

Colombia hosts numerous cultural festivals throughout the year.

• Carnaval de Barranquilla: One of the largest carnivals in the world, featuring music, dance, and colorful parades celebrating Colombian folklore.
• Festival of the Flowers (Feria de las Flores): Held in Medellín, celebrating the region’s flower industry with parades, concerts, and events.
• Black and White Carnival (Carnaval de Negros y Blancos): In Pasto, celebrating cultural diversity with music, dance, and colorful costumes.

Relax in Quaint Towns

Visit Colombia’s charming small towns.

• Villa de Leyva: Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and the vast Plaza Mayor.
• Salento: A gateway to the Cocora Valley, famous for its towering wax palm trees and coffee plantations.
• Guatapé: A colorful town near Medellín, known for El Peñón de Guatapé (a giant granite rock) and its scenic lake views.

Discover Underwater Wonders

Colombia’s waters offer excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities.

• Malpelo Island: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for shark diving and rich marine biodiversity.
• Tayrona National Park: Offers snorkeling opportunities to explore coral reefs and marine life along the Caribbean coast.