Colombia Colombia History

Colombia has a little known Pre-Colombian history that left its mark on several areas, particularly in the south. The Incas even claimed part of the land near the Ecuador border for some time. After conquest, however, the country was part of the viceroyalty of Peru where it stayed until 1739, when it became part of New Grenada. Simon Bolivar and his armies liberated the country with Venezuala and Ecuador into what would become Gran Colombia, although that unification dwindled quickly. Since Independence of 1849, the country has seen so many civil wars and insurgencies that it is difficult to keep track. The last few decades saw the rise of left wing guerilla groups like the FARC, the ELN, and the M19. Due to the cocaine trade, narco-traffickers became some of the most powerful people in the country. Kidnappings, bombing and corruption were not unheard of. The groups never fully replaced or removed the government, however, Colombia’s ability to properly rule itself was lost for some time. Recently, greater government intervention, international aid, and a more stable economy have helped these groups to withdraw to smaller and smaller areas of the country making Colombia as welcome a country as it has ever been. Today increased tourism, a growing coffee industry, growing cities and institutions, and a vibrant youth are leading to a great re-shaping of the country that all factions can be proud of.