Why is Colombia Among the Happiest Countries in the World?

Reflecting its flag, Colombia is a country full of life and color. Despite its reputation as a dangerous country, it is a wonderful land and one of the happiest countries in the world. Indeed, no matter the personal or economic struggles they face, you won’t find any Colombians speaking negatively about their homeland. This statement extends to the Colombian diaspora; regardless of how long they have been living abroad, Colombians are the proudest and most vocal lovers and defenders of their country, serving as its best ambassadors. There are good reasons for this pride: Colombia has a lot to offer and many reasons to be celebrated, earning it the distinction of being one of the happiest countries in the world, if not the happiest.

Colombians living happily despite the country’s violent history

In examining Colombia’s history, it’s clear the country has navigated a challenging path. Over 50 years of civil conflict resulted in numerous deaths and displaced millions, while the drug cartel wars of the late 20th century added to its trials. Yet Colombia has shown remarkable resilience. Through these hardships, its citizens continue to be recognized for their friendly, warm, and welcoming nature.

As Colombian renowned author Gabriel Garcia Marquez once noted, “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 Colombians indeed serve as an example of collective overcoming, with the country deserving recognition today as a fantastic place to visit and explore. Indeed, as the author of this article can attest, one of the biggest risks when traveling in Colombia is that you won’t want to return home—a very particular feeling that many international travelers have experienced.

The natural wonders of Colombia

One of Colombia’s greatest sources of pride is its extraordinary land. The country boasts a mind-blowing natural diversity, 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 Colombians are renowned for, it’s their love for partying, dancing, and music, an art at which they excel. Perhaps due to its violent history, Colombia has elevated the art of celebration to its peak. Wherever you are, from a remote village on the Caribbean coast to the most touristic district of Medellin, music is an integral part of the landscape, no matter the time of day or night.

Colombia has indeed blessed the global music scene with 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 part of the country’s DNA.

Visitors are always captivated by Colombia’s enthusiasm and exuberant party spirit, which contribute to its acclaim as the happiest country in the world. Indeed, this aspect of Colombian culture is so powerful that it has even inspired musicians from around the globe to start a career in the country, such as South Korean influencer Zion Hwang who is now a ‘ranchera’ singer, having adopted the Colombian musical genre.