Colombia and Venezuela Used to Be One Country!

Have you ever heard of Gran Colombia? Gran Colombia, a short-lived but ambitious nation, emerged as a beacon of hope in early 19th-century South America. Formed in 1819 by Simón Bolívar, this vast republic encompassed present-day Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and parts of Peru and Panama. Gran Colombia was a manifestation of Bolívar’s dream to unite the region into a single, independent state free from Spanish colonial rule.

This experiment in nation-building was marked by fervent ideals of liberty and equality, influenced by the Enlightenment and French Revolution. However, the seeds of its dissolution were sown in the diversity of its territories, with distinct cultures, interests, and political ideologies. Tensions brewed between centralized power and federalism, leading to its eventual fragmentation in 1831. Venezuela and Ecuador broke away, leaving Colombia with reduced territory.

Though Gran Colombia’s existence was relatively brief, its legacy endures in the modern nations of Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in creating unity among diverse regions and the enduring struggle for self-determination and nationhood in South America. Regardless of the break-up there is still a strong connection with current Colombia and Venezuela. 

Colombia Helping Venezuelan Refugees 

Venezuela is going through a horrible economic and political crisis with innocent civilians bearing all the consequences. The horrible state of the country has led millions of Venezuelans to migrate to different countries. Although many have closed their borders to these Venezuelan refugees Colombia has opened its borders and has offered government funded aid to these migrants. It’s no coincidence that Colombia is showing support to Venezuela because they were once Gran Colombia. 

A significant portion of Venezuelans have dispersed throughout the Americas, with the most substantial group, nearly 2.5 million individuals, finding a home in Colombia. Back in 2018, Colombia’s government has established initiatives to aid Venezuelan migrants, including the introduction of a border mobility card that facilitates movement between the two nations. Additionally, they’ve implemented a specific work authorization called the Permiso Especial de Permanencia (PEP), enabling hundreds of thousands to lawfully reside and engage in employment within Colombia for a duration of two years.

How Venezuela Helped Colombian Refugees 

In many ways Colombia aiding Venezuelan refugees is a way for the country to reciprocate the compassion that Venezuela showed them when Colombia was struggling. Starting in the 1960s, when fierce confrontations between guerrilla organizations and government forces ignited. Colombia was simply not safe.  Continuing into the harrowing 1980s, a period marked by the ascension of formidable cartels such as that of Pablo Escobar, and menacing paramilitary groups, Colombia descended into relentless violence.

 This over five-decade-long armed conflict wreaked havoc, resulting in the displacement of countless Colombians, many of whom were driven to flee to neighboring Venezuela. Many Colombians made Venezuela their permanent home and some stayed until Colombia became the more stable country it is today. 

Overall, Venezuela and Colombia have a unique relationship. The origin story these two nations share has created a siblings like relationship. Much like real-life siblings relationships these two nations have been there to support each other when they have been at their lowest. This shows the importance of compassion and that is embedded en la cultura Latina.