Colombia
Official Country Name
Colombia
Colombia Overview
Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Ecuador and Venezuela). A 40-year conflict between government forces and anti-government insurgent groups and illegal paramilitary groups - both heavily funded by the drug trade - escalated during the 1990s. The insurgents lack the military or popular support necessary to overthrow the government, and violence has been decreasing since about 2002, but insurgents continue attacks against civilians and large swaths of the countryside are under guerrilla influence. Paramilitary groups challenge the insurgents for control of territory and the drug trade. Most paramilitary members have demobilized since 2002 in an ongoing peace process, although their commitment to ceasing illicit activity is unclear. The Colombian Government has stepped up efforts to reassert government control throughout the country, and now has a presence in every one of its municipalities. However, neighboring countries worry about the violence spilling over their borders.
Colombia Economy
Colombia's economy has experienced positive growth over the past three years despite a serious armed conflict. The economy continues to improve in part because of austere government budgets, focused efforts to reduce public debt levels, an export-oriented growth strategy, an improved security situation in the country, and high commodity prices. Ongoing economic problems facing President URIBE range from reforming the pension system to reducing high unemployment, and to achieving congressional passage of a fiscal transfers reform. New exploration is needed to offset declining oil production. International and domestic financial analysts note with concern the growing central government deficit, which hovers at 5% of GDP. However, the government's economic policy and democratic security strategy have engendered a growing sense of confidence in the economy, particularly within the business sector.
Colombia Location
Colombia is located in Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama
Region
Colombia is located in South America
Colombia Population
Colombia has population of 43,593,035 (July 2006 est.)
Colombia Climate
Colombia has tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands
Colombia Terrain
flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes Mountains, eastern lowland plains
Colombia Natural Resources
petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds, hydropower
Ethnic Groups in Colombia
Colombia has the following ethnic groups - mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1%
Colombia Religions
Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%
Colombia Languages
Spanish
Colombia Capital
Colombia capital is Bogota
Colombia Currency
Colombia currency is Colombian peso
Map of Colombia
