Colombia is one of five “megadiverse” countries in the world because of its enormous natural wealth and many and varied ecosystems incorporating snowy peaks, humid tropical jungles, paramos (Andean moors), expansive valleys, two oceans, deserts, countless rivers, lakes and lagoons, and thousands of plant and animal species of astounding beauty.

Colombia hosts 10% of the planet’s flora and fauna.  The Amazon region (covering close to 35% of the national territory) is especially rich with hot and steamy tropical jungle plains and heavy rainfall, and is considered one of the planet’s major reserves for biodiversity.

The Andes split into three ranges in Colombia and in less than two hours one can travel through cold weather on snowy peaks towering more than 5000 meters (16000 feet) above sea level, to hot temperatures at sea level.

Colombia is one of the world’s richest countries in water with five major hydrographic basins flowing into the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Oceans as well as the Amazon, Orinoco or Catatumbo Rivers.  Each of these basins includes thousands of springs, creeks, streams and rivers along with extensive swamps forming a country of water between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Caribbean and Pacific coastlines total over 3 000 kilometers (1 350 miles).

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the only coastal peak in the world rising more than 5 000 meters above sea level.

There are more than ten cities in Colombia with over 500 000 inhabitants.

Colombia is the richest nation in the world in bird, reptile and arachnid species and boasts the greatest diversity of orchids.

Colombia is famous around the world for its coffee, gorgeous emeralds and talented artists.