Prior to Spanish arrival, the territory now known as Colombia was home to diverse indigenous societies including the Muisca confederation in the highlands, known for sophisticated goldworking traditions that later inspired the legend of El Dorado.
Spanish colonization began in the early 16th century, establishing the territory as part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. Independence movements led by Simon Bolivar achieved independence in 1819, and Colombia later separated from the larger Gran Colombia federation in 1830 following Venezuela and Ecuador's secession.
The 20th century brought decades of internal armed conflict involving government forces, paramilitary groups, and guerrilla organizations including the FARC, whose 2016 peace accord marked a major turning point, alongside ongoing efforts toward stability and rural development.
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