Country Guide • Columbia
Colombia is situated in northern part of South America. It is bordered by the Caribbean Sea (north), Venezuela and Brazil (east), Peru and Ecuador (south), the Pacific Ocean (west) and Panama (northwest). The fertile plateau and valley of the eastern range are the most densely populated parts of the country.
Official Name | Republic of Colombia |
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Area | 1,138,910km² (439,733mile²) |
Population | 41,662,000 |
Continent | South America |
Population per mile² | 95 |
Capital City | Bogotá |
Religions | 95% Roman Catholic, 1% Protestant |
Language | Spanish and Colombian Spanish |
Government | Democracy |
Currency | Colombian Peso |
GDP | $268 billion |
GDP per Head | $6,500 |
Natural Resources | Coal, copper, emeralds, iron ore, gold, nickel, petroleum and natural gas |
Land Use | Arable Land 2% |
Agriculture | Narcotics, coffee, cut flowers, bananas, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseed, vegetables, forest products and shrimps |
Industry | Textiles, coffee, oil, narcotics, sugar cane and food processing |
Tourism | The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office warns that 'violence and kidnapping are serious problems, and all foreign nationals are potential targets.' More than 3000 people are abducted every year - and those are just the official figures. And far worse things have happen to backpackers who have braved the interior than this |
Natural Hazards | Volcano eruptions, occasional earthquakes and droughts |
Health Risks | Altitude sickness, cholera, hepatitis A, B and D, malaria, rabies, tetanus and typhoid |
Climate | The climate in Colombia is very warm and tropical on the coast and in the north, with a rainy season from May to November, average annual temperature reach a high of 28ºC. This varies according to altitude. It is cooler in the upland areas and cold in the mountains. The capital city of Bogotá enjoys an average temperature of 14ºC with a low of 8ºC and a high of 20ºC |
Time | GMT/UTC-5 hours |
National Days | July 20 |
Visas | Visitors from most European countries, Australia, New Zealand and the USA do not need visa if staying less than 90 days as a tourist. Other passport holders should check visa status before departure |
British Embassy | Embassy Details |
Information Only
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