Colombia, Natural Beauty, Friendly People and Great Real Estate Opportunities

Colombia has risen from the ashes of corruption and conflict and is now a country with growing tourism and modern infrastructure. Colombia these days boasts great weather, a flourishing economy and a growing real estate market that is attracting retirees, relocatees and investors from other more popular and more expensive South and Central American countries.

Climate

Colombia may be considered one of the most diverse in geographical regions in South America. Soaring snow capped alpine mountains, Caribbean tropical beaches; dense tropical rain forests, semi arid scrub lands and tropical grasslands and desert are all present in Colombia. Although home to so many different regions, it’s proximity to the equator provides Colombia with only two seasons…wet and dry.

The dry season in Colombia is evident from April through November with most of the rain falling in May and June. You can also expect heavier rain during October and November. Rainfall can also be determined by region and altitude. Guajira Peninsula receives only around 30 inches per year while the rainy southeast region can top 300 inches per year. The dry season extends from December through March and sees little rain during this time. This time of year features mild and sunny days with cool evenings.

Culture

The culture of Colombia is a diverse and ever changing mixture of European and African heritage mixed with indigenous people. However over the years other nationalities have contributed to the melting pot of Colombia and today you’ll find five distinct regions featuring five distinct cultures. These cultures display hints of Caribbean culture, Mexican culture, Argentine culture and even an Americanized hint is evident.

Despite other influences the Spanish are considered responsible for the large population of Catholics in Colombia and for these people their religion is evident in every aspect of their life including food, celebrations and holidays. Although many celebrations and holidays revolve around the Catholic religion other hybridized celebrations have emerged and are part of the Colombia of today. These festivals and celebrations often display the unique song and dance that has evolved over the years. Influences of many nationalities are evident in Colombia’s songs and dance.

Colombia is the largest Spanish speaking country in South America but just as different cultural differences are evident, different languages can be prevalent in different regions. Along the Caribbean coast you can find large immigrant groups that practice their own religions and holidays and in these communities their national language can be dominant. Many nationalities are represented here including Americans, Italians, Germans and Chinese.

The indigenous people of Colombia have managed to maintain their culture, celebrations and their language. Many different Amerindian languages still exist in Colombia though a decline in recent years is evident with Colombia’s ever growing modernization.