Colombia, known for its diverse culture and rich history, has been the birthplace of many remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. Here is a list of famous people from Colombia, showcasing their extraordinary achievements and impact in different areas of life.
Famous People from Colombia
Gabriel García Márquez (1927 – 2014) Nationality: Colombian Known For: Nobel Prize-winning Literature Gabriel García Márquez, a Nobel Prize-winning novelist known for his magical realism and masterpieces such as “One Hundred Years of Solitude.” |
Shakira (1977 – present) Nationality: Colombian Known For: Singing, Songwriting Shakira, a global pop sensation from Barranquilla, is known for her unique voice and electrifying performances, including hits like “Hips Don’t Lie.” |
Juanes (1972 – present) Nationality: Colombian Known For: Music Juanes, a Grammy-winning musician, is known for his mix of rock and Colombian folk music, making a significant impact on Latin music. |
Iván Duque Márquez (1976 – present) Nationality: Colombian Known For: Presidency, Economic Reforms Iván Duque Márquez, serving as the President of Colombia from 2018 to 2022, focused on economic reforms and peace negotiations. |
Santiago Botero (1972 – present) Nationality: Colombian Known For: Cycling, Time-Trialing Santiago Botero, a former professional cyclist known for his time-trialing ability, won several stages in the Tour de France and the World Time Trial Championship. |
René Higuita (1966 – present) Nationality: Colombian Known For: Football, “Scorpion Kick” René Higuita, nicknamed “El Loco” for his daring playing style, is a former football goalkeeper known for inventing the “scorpion kick.” |
César Gaviria (1947 – present) Nationality: Colombian Known For: Presidency, Diplomacy César Gaviria, from Pereira, served as the President of Colombia and later as the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, playing a crucial role in regional diplomacy. |
Rodolfo Llinás (1934 – present) Nationality: Colombian Known For: Neuroscience Rodolfo Llinás, a neuroscientist from Bogotá, has made significant contributions to understanding the brain’s physiology, particularly in the areas of neurology and the philosophy of mind. |
Jorge Isaacs (1837 – 1895) Nationality: Colombian Known For: Literature, “María” Jorge Isaacs was a Colombian writer and poet from Cali, best known for his novel “María,” a cornerstone of Romanticism in Latin American literature. |
Juan Manuel Santos (1951 – present) Nationality: Colombian Known For: Presidency, Nobel Peace Prize Juan Manuel Santos, the 32nd President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2016 for his efforts to bring the country’s more than 50-year-long civil war to an end. |
Diana Trujillo (1980 – present) Nationality: Colombian Known For: Aerospace Engineering, NASA Missions Diana Trujillo, a NASA aerospace engineer from Cali, has been instrumental in missions that explore Mars, serving as a role model for women in STEM. |
Luis Alberto Moreno (1953 – present) Nationality: Colombian Known For: Economic Development, Inter-American Development Bank Luis Alberto Moreno, as the former President of the Inter-American Development Bank, has played a crucial role in Latin American economic development, advocating for social inclusion and sustainable growth. |
Julio Garavito Armero (1865 – 1920) Nationality: Colombian Known For: Astronomy An esteemed astronomer, Garavito’s work and legacy in the field of astronomy have been recognized internationally, with a crater on the moon named in his honor. |
Gustavo Petro (1960 – present) Nationality: Colombian Known For: Politics, Social Equity Gustavo Petro, a politician and economist, has been a prominent figure in Colombian politics, advocating for social equity and environmental sustainability. |
Policarpa Salavarrieta (1795 – 1817) Nationality: Colombian Known For: Independence Heroine Policarpa Salavarrieta, a heroine of the Colombian independence movement, is celebrated for her espionage efforts against Spanish rule. Her bravery and sacrifice are commemorated as symbols of resistance and patriotism. |