Manuel, Mary Grace T.

BSTM 2
Ms. Rachelle Anne Montoya

How did Colombia get its name?

The actual name is derived from Christopher Columbus, it was referred to by the name
Colombeia which means papers and things relating to Colombia. The area that is now known
as Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, (and small parts of Costa Rica, Brazil, Guyana, Peru,
and Nicaragua) won its independence form Spain and there was a new Republic formed named
the Republic of Colombia.This republic which lasted roughly 10 years is known today as Gran
Colombia (Great Colombia) to not get it confused with the current country of Colombia.
One fun fact is that Panama actually use to be part of Colombia. The United States funded and
provided the tools for Panama to gain its independence from Colombia because they wanted to
build and control a canal through Panama. The Colombians didnt want to just hand the territory
over which prompted the United States to act. After the French failed at the construction of the
Canal, the duty was turned over to the Americas who then finished. The Americans handed
control of the Panama Canal back to Panama in 1999.
How did Ecuador get its name?
Ecuador is promptly named after the Equator. Ecuador was once part of Gran Colombia, and
they became independent after the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830. Ecuador didnt adopt its
current name until recently, it used to be called the Kingdom of Quito starting around the year
1,000 and the Republic of Quito as well.
How did Venezuela get its name?
When the explorers first came to Venezuela, the eastern coast that they landed on reminded the
of Venice. The region was named Veneziela which later became Venezuela. The official currency
of Venezuela is named after the great general Simon Bolivar, Bolivares. After Chavez entered
into power he introduced the Strong Bolivar (Bolivar Fuerte) to try to curb inflation. Venezuelans
often call their currency Bolos.
One fun fact about Venezuela is that they have the highest waterfalls in the world, the Angel
Falls. They also lay claim to the longest cable car in the world in the city of Merida, my
birthplace.
How did Ecuador get its name?
Ecuador is promptly named after the Equator. Ecuador was once part of Gran Colombia, and
they became independent after the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830. Ecuador didnt adopt its
current name until recently, it used to be called the Kingdom of Quito starting around the year
1,000 and the Republic of Quito as well.
- See more at: http://wanderingtrader.com/travel-blog/guyanas-travel-blog/interesting-facts-andhistory-about-south-america/#sthash.aOJQOGHv.dpuf