There’s a strange phenomenon in Colombia that outsiders often struggle to understand: why Colombians are happy people.
This is surprising when you consider that the country has lived through over 50 years of conflict and seen more than 5 million of her citizens displaced. Yet, in the midst of it all, there’s a genuine joy—like a collective appreciation for life in the moment.
Colombians laugh easily, tell jokes readily, and take pride in making others smile. Sure, not everyone is sunshine and rainbows, but international surveys (including one cited by the Huffington Post) consistently rank Colombia among the happiest countries in the world.
So what’s their secret Why Colombians are Happy? Let’s break it down.
1. Sunshine Every Day
Seasonal depression? Not here.
Colombia sits near the equator, which means equal days and nights year-round—about 12 hours of daylight every single day. That steady dose of sunlight helps regulate mood, boost vitamin D, and keep spirits up.
Even in misty mountain towns, Colombians are rarely deprived of light for long, which makes a big difference compared to countries with long, gray winters.
2. Resilience Born From Struggle
Life in Colombia hasn’t always been easy. Not long ago, violence was a daily reality, and many communities still carry scars from conflict. But instead of letting hardship steal their joy, Colombians have learned to embrace life with both hands.
There’s a collective spirit of “if tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, let’s live today to the fullest.” That means throwing big parties, leaning on humor, and supporting one another. Their happiness can feel like magical realism—straight out of a Gabriel García Márquez novel—because it exists in the face of difficulties.
3. Football (Soccer) Fever
Few things unite Colombians like fútbol.
For many, the local team is more than just a pastime—it’s an identity. Whether celebrating victory with fireworks and honking horns or mourning a loss with equal passion, fútbol gives Colombians an outlet to express emotion, bond with strangers, and celebrate community pride.
It’s not just about the sport. It’s about belonging.
✨ Curious about how this passion spills over into dating, romance, and relationships in Colombia? My eBook Passport to Passion: How to Navigate Love, Dating & Culture in Colombia digs into exactly that—the joys and the cultural quirks of Why Colombians are Happy and how to date or make friends with them.
When your day begins with one of the world’s best coffees, happiness comes naturally.
Colombia’s “coffee axis” produces some of the finest beans on the planet. Locally-owned cafés are redefining how Colombians experience their national drink with slow-drip, Chemex, and other gourmet brewing methods.
Coffee here isn’t just a caffeine boost—it’s a ritual of pride, craft, and connection.
5. Ancestral Foods and Traditions
Why Colombian’s are Happy isn’t only about modern culture—it’s also deeply rooted in ancestral wisdom.
From indigenous remedies and plant-based traditions to ecological farming and organic markets, Colombians are rediscovering health and balance through old practices. Markets are filled with humble farmers and artisans who share remedies, superfoods, and consejos (family wisdom) that link health with joy.
Movies like Embrace of the Serpent reveal just how alive and relevant these traditions remain in some areas. For many, this return to the roots is not just healing, but deeply fulfilling.
Final Thoughts
Colombians don’t ignore hardship. Instead, they choose to focus on the things that bring joy: sunshine, resilience, fútbol, coffee, and cultural traditions.
It’s this perspective that makes Colombia one of the happiest countries on earth. And that’s Why Colombians are Happy!
So let me ask you: What kind of happiness are you chasing—and what’s holding you back?
