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The Glossary

China - "what Columbians call Chinese women."

From Colombia Glossary

For decades, Colombia's prosperity has been derailed by civil unrest and national turmoil. Back then, it was only known for its notorious drug dealers and leftist guerilla groups. Today, though, the country has made a complete about-face - and has reinvented itself as one of South America's hottest tourist destinations. The safest it has been for years, travelers are now coming in droves, with some 2.3 million of them arriving in 2008 alone.

It is not a single trait that captivates one about the country, but rather Colombia as a whole. Its diversity is perhaps linked directly to its location, tucked between Caribbean coastlines and the Amazon Basin. Not only that, its economic boom (being the third richest in Latin America) has also helped it usher into the modern age - filled with skyscrapers, a buzzing nightlife, and posh restaurants.

Paradise at the Equator

Colombia's strongest point is undoubtedly its natural beauty. Straddling the equator, the country basks under the sun which illuminates its dreamy landscape. Its beaches take center stage, as well as its jungles and the snowcapped mountains - especially the Pico Cristobal Colon, which at around 19,000 feet is the highest in the land. It also has island havens, particularly the volcanic isle of Providencia, whose tranquil waters are ideal for diving and swimming.

The town of San Gil is unofficially called the “adventure capital” of Colombia, known for its excellent rafting, paragliding, and rock climbing. The Tayrona National Park is also popular, home to diverse wildlife and perhaps the best-preserved coral reefs in the region. More importantly, the country's location makes it ideal for coffee-growing - in fact, roughly 12 percent of the world's coffee supply is grown there.

Magic Realism

While nature is the first reason to visit Colombia, its unique culture comes as a close second. Populated by more than 45 million people, the country is a melting pot of races - Native American, Spanish, Caribean, Middle Eastern, and African, as well as ethnic groups like the Tairona and Muisca. As such, it is home to a variety of unique festivals, the most popular of which are the Carnaval and Colombian Tomatina.

Colombia is also identified with the well-known dance called the salsa. In fact, at Cali (Colombia's salsa capital), learning the dance is a popular pastime. Not to mention that the nation has contributed much to the world in terms of art, producing literary giant Gabriel Garcia Marquez and music icon Shakira.

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