Forget everything you thought you knew about Colombia. The nation is now one of the safest in South America, with short-term rules in place to minimize violence and a drug-fueled history that has been eliminated to produce an extremely gorgeous area to live, visit, and teach. These strange facts can help you overcome culture shock while moving to one of the world’s happiest nations.

For the majority of the country, Starbucks does not exist.

We’re not kidding. There is a startling absence of Starbucks in the nation that provides a big share of the world’s coffee. All three Colombian Starbucks stores are within a few streets of one other, which is a nice change for most.

It is common for youngsters to consume coffee.

To continue with the coffee theme, it is quite natural for youngsters to consume coffee after meals. Coffee with leche (coffee with milk) is a popular after-dinner beverage for children, but strong black coffee is the standard for adults.

Colombia is one of the world’s only 17 “mega diversified” nations.

Brazil is another option, although it is ten times the size of Colombia!

The Amazon rain forest covers one-third of Colombia.

The thick Amazon rain forest is home to the bulk of Colombia’s animal variety, contributing to the country’s ‘mega diverse’ designation.

Colombia has the greatest number of indigenous species in the world

Endemic species are those that can only be found in one nation. Colombia boasts the most diverse fauna of any country on the planet.

Every day at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., the Colombian national anthem is legally broadcast on radio and television.

Colombians are very nationalistic, and their laws reflect this. The statute 198 requires that ‘Oh gloria inmarcesible!’ be broadcast on the radio and public television every day between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Local governments enact dry laws to prevent violence and strife.

Local Colombian governments will enforce a short-term alcohol embargo during major national events like as the World Cup and elections to minimise street violence between competing fans.

Colombia has 18 public holidays throughout the year.

Many Colombians have no clue what they are commemorating or why, but they like throwing extravagant parties and drinking and dancing with friends and strangers alike.

Pink dolphins may be seen in Colombia.

Yes, many children’s dreams are coming true all across the world! The pink river dolphin, often known as the Amazon River dolphin, is a resident of Colombia.

Colombians like dipping a unique sort of cheese into hot chocolate.

This is arguably the strangest fact of all. Nothing beats dipping a delicious, melting cheese into a scorching hot cup of hot chocolate in Colombia. Why? We don’t know…

Freshwater plants transform a Colombian river into a “liquid rainbow.”

Every year, the Cao Cristales river in Colombia transforms into a liquid rainbow, full of stunning vivid colors clashing against grey rocks and emphasized by crystal blue waters.

On most Colombian streets, you may purchase minutes.

For less than a $1, you may hire a pre-1999 mobile phone to make calls, a practice known locally as ‘purchasing minutes’.

Bogota features one of the world’s most extensive networks of bicycle paths.

Bogota is blanketed with bikers and cycle lanes from the outskirts all the way into the city center. It is home to the longest cycling path in South America, and certainly one of the longest in the world, stretching for almost 300 kilometers.