Colombia is not drugs, not violence, nor conflict; it is a nation of resilience, strength and joy.

Subject to infamous stereotypes, the country lives in the shadows of its own past. But what many foreigners do not see is the amazing folklore, culture and attitude that lives inside its borders.

I have lived all my life in Bogotá, the capital, and have seen firsthand the charisma in its citizens, who have never lost hope for our nation.

To understand Colombia beyond the prejudices that surrounds it, it’s imperative to revisit our history. The polarization between the two main political parties “liberales” and “conservadores” dates back 200 years to the 1810 fight for independence. Two of the main leaders had different visions for the country, which evolved into a political rift that persists today.

People from both sides sought justice through violent methods, including massacres, which established a chain of conflict and resentment.

But this chain is finally coming to an end—in part, due to its victims’ strength. Those who witnessed the murders are slowly overcoming their trauma through forgiveness; this pacifist approach stems from the knowledge that vengeance will only lead to more violence.

The cloud of this complicated past, however, unfortunately overshadows some of our most fascinating attributes. For starters, our biodiversity—Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, holding around 10% of the planet’s flora and fauna. In fact, the country is home to 56,000 species, 14% of which can only be found our country.

Moreover, Colombia boasts rainforests like the Amazon, deserts like La Guajira, volcanoes like el Nevado del Ruis, and many more amazing natural environments.

And while there are aspects of Colombia that are fun, like the dances of El Mapale or music of El Vallento, it’s the people who really make the country so wonderful. The hope they carry with them helps foster a culture of happiness, belonging, and celebration of life. Our love for the nation is what unites us, and this manifests itself in so many forms.

Soccer, for example, plays an extremely significant role in our culture. In Colombia, no matter your age, political beliefs, or location, communities come together as soon as our teams enter the field, placing our differences on the backburner. Everywhere you look, people wear jerseys with pride, watching matches, cheering for their fellow Colombians, and celebrating their shared accomplishments. When our team scores, you can hear the neighbors joyfully shouting, see the streets bustling with life, and feel the overwhelming sentiment of home.

So, what is Colombia? Colombia is a nation of strength, hope and joy. It’s full of people who have persevered when facing uncertainty and find joy in simple things, like a plate of chicharones or a song by Diomedes Diaz.