Colombia “The Gate to South America”

Capital – Bogotá

Facts About Colombia

• Population: 45,239,079

• Total Area: 440,800 sq miles

• Currency:  Colombian peso– 1 USD = 1,827.49

COP

Language and People in Colombia• The official language of Colombia is Spanish and spoken by

around 43 million people.• In addition there are approximately 500,000 speakers of

American Indian languages. • Ethnic groups: mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black

4%, mixed black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1% • Family is very important and often gets together. • Families rarely live multi-generational in one house, but often

live very close to each other.• Majority of families are two-parent working households

Living Conditions in Colombia• Two economic classes: high and low, middle class growing• Living conditions vary greatly according to social class.

– The wealthy suburbs have modern houses and apartment blocks. – In poorer neighborhoods there are often large areas with poorly

constructed or rundown shacks. These are called shantytowns.• Mountain villages

– Some houses have adobe walls and thatched roofs. – Others have plaster walls and tiled roofs.

• Hotter climates (along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts)– Housing is built from local cane, reeds, and palm branches. – In such areas it is not unusual for people to use hammocks rather

than beds.

Religion in Colombia• 75-90% Catholic, from which about 25% are practicing Catholics.• 3-5 % are Protestants

– Baptists, Lutherans, Mennonites, Nazarenes, Pentecostals, and Seventh-day Adventists.

• 0.02 % Muslim – There are a number of Islamic organizations in Colombia, including Islamic

centers in San Andrés, Bogotá, Guajira, Nariño, and Santa Marta. – There are also primary and secondary Islamic schools in Bogotá and Maicao.

Maicao has the continent's second largest mosque

Government in Colombia• Republic: executive branch dominates• 32 departments and one capital district.• Executive

– Popular vote– Four year term– May be re-elected

• Legislative– Bicameral

• Senate – 102 seats, 4 year terms• Chamber of Representatives -166 seats, 4 year terms

• Judicial– Supreme Court highest – 8 year terms

Climate of Colombia• Can be divided into 5 main regions:

– Caribbean, Pacific, Andes, Eastern Plains and the Amazon.

– Each region has its own unique climate and geographical features

• Enjoys sunlight all year round. • The climate varies from the tropical heat on the

coasts, to the perpetual snows of the mountains. • No seasons, but rather a dry period and a rainy

period • Temperatures stable throughout most of the year

Food In Colombia• Very diverse depending on region• Lunch is main meal• Dinner is like a snack• Renowned for coffee

Fast Facts About Colombia• Colombia does not have seasons; because it is near the equator, it

has sunlight throughout the year.• Colombia produces 60% of the world's most expensive Emeralds.• Colombia is the only country in South America that has access to

both the Pacific and Caribbean ocean.• The Colombian territory consists of highlands as well as rainforests

and tropical grasslands.• Colombia is situated along the infamous “ring of fire” and has been

subject to many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.• Unfortunately, much has been made of the crime problems in

Colombia. The area is well known for the production of narcotics (cocaine in particular) and guerrilla fighting.