Every year many people come from Colombia to start a new life in Canada. They come with a variety of interests, skills and ideas. You may be interested in finding out more about Colombians because you are involved with the HOST Program where you will have the opportunity to meet people from Colombia. You may be planning to hire an Colombian at work or you may be studying Colombia in school. Colombians come to Canada for many different reasons. Some are looking for a better education and others are looking for job opportunities. Many Colombians come to join their families. They all come with dreams, hopes and visions for their future, but they leave behind families, friends, and communities. They also leave behind a familiar way of living. Many Colombians have come to Canada in the past 20 years. Economic hardship and political turmoil that increased during the 1980s led to a wave of immigration that continues today. As newcomers, Colombians will need time to become familiar with many aspects of life in Canada such as new neighbourhoods, schools, houses and food. Your friendship and enthusiasm will help them adapt to the many new things in the Canadian environment. You will have the opportunity to learn many things about Colombia from your new friends. Although this cultural profile provides insight into some customs, it does not cover all areas of life. The customs described may not apply in equal measure to all newcomers from Colombia.

Did you know? Colombia has changed its name several times. It has been called Virreynato de la Nueva Granada, Gran Colombia, República de Nueva Granada, Confederación Granadina, Estados Unidos de Nueva Granada and Estados Unidos de Colombia.