History, Language & Culture Colombia

Colombia was originally inhabited by various tribes, hunter-gatherers, and farmers. The two main civilizations that formed were the Tairona and the Muisca peoples. They were both part of the Chibcha language peoples. These civilizations were organized in tribes, each ruled by a chief or cacique. They were fairly developed societies, just behind the nearby Incan civilization of Peru. Colombia is the second most populous country in South America. Colombia is a Spanish speaking country, but various Amerindian, Creole and Romani languages are spoken as well. In fact, more than 75 indigenous languages are used in Colombia. Most Colombians live in the northern and western regions of the country, in the Andean highlands near the capital city Bogotá or near the Caribbean coast. The southern and eastern parts of the country are the least populated areas in Colombia.