Country Guide • Columbia

Flag of 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 NameRepublic of Colombia
Area1,138,910km² (439,733mile²)
Population41,662,000
ContinentSouth America
Population per mile²95
Capital CityBogotá
Religions95% Roman Catholic, 1% Protestant
LanguageSpanish and Colombian Spanish
GovernmentDemocracy
CurrencyColombian Peso
GDP$268 billion
GDP per Head$6,500
Natural ResourcesCoal, copper, emeralds, iron ore, gold, nickel, petroleum and natural gas
Land UseArable Land 2%
AgricultureNarcotics, coffee, cut flowers, bananas, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseed, vegetables, forest products and shrimps
IndustryTextiles, coffee, oil, narcotics, sugar cane and food processing
TourismThe 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 HazardsVolcano eruptions, occasional earthquakes and droughts
Health RisksAltitude sickness, cholera, hepatitis A, B and D, malaria, rabies, tetanus and typhoid
ClimateThe 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
TimeGMT/UTC-5 hours
National DaysJuly 20
VisasVisitors 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 EmbassyEmbassy Details

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