3% (male 6,601,581; female 6,447,679) ,15-64 years: 63.7% (male 12,931,093; female 13,626,333) 65 years and over: 4.9% (male 913,798; female 1,141,589) (2003).
Average life expectancy is 71 years. Literacy stands at 91%, though it is much lower (about 60% on average) among blacks and Indian groups. Colombia has significant racial integration. About 75% of the population is of mixed blood, composed of 50% to 55% mestizos (of European-Indian blood) and 15% to 20% mulatos (of European-African blood). There are also about 3% zambos (of African-Indian blood). The rest of the population, about a quarter of the nation, are whites, blacks or Indians. Whites, who are mainly descendants of the Spaniards, constitute about 20% of the population. Blacks represent about 4% of the total population and are most numerous on the Caribbean coast, Indians represent a bit more than 1% of the population. Dydynski (25) .
Dydynski reports that "The great majority of Colombians are Roman Catholics" . .
Other creeds exist but their numbers are small. However, over the past decade there has been a proliferation of various Protestant congregations, which have succeeded in converting three million Catholics. Many Indian groups have adopted the Catholic faith, sometimes incorporating their traditional beliefs. Only a few indigenous communities still practice their ancient native religions. The blacks also converted to Christianity, almost entirely losing their ancestral religions. Roman Catholicism was brought from Spain by the missionaries and introduced rapidly across the colony. Catholic clergy played an important role in power during colonial times. The inquisition was introduced in 1610, and the first court was established in Cartagena. Dydynski ( 33).
Alma Guillermoprieto in her book Looking for history: Dispatches from Latin America explains that Colombia is a parliamentary republic. The president is elected by direct vote for a four year term and cannot be re-elected.
By 1500, Spanish explorers had sailed along Colombia's Carribean Coast. ... Gran Colombia only lasted a short time. ... Colombia lost Panama in 1903. ... Colombians called this period La Violencia (The Violence). About 200,000 Colombians were killed during La Violencia. ...
The Colombian and American governments should increase their response to The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). ... Indian rights activists on Venezuelan territory after it kidnapped them in Colombia. ... The question is, will the United States now deepen its involvement in Colombia? ... Daniel Garca-Pena, a peace commissioner under a previous Colombian government, says the FARC may believe that provoking more American involvement in Colombia could give its cause more national legitimacy. But although some Colombian lawmakers have denounced the prospect of more American interv...
Colombia's Geography Colombia is currently in the northwest corner of South America. ... Colombia's Modern Government Colombia's Government is a republic. ... Colombia's Main Cities Bogota is one of Colombia's major cities and it is also Colombia's capital. ... Colombia's third main city is Cali. ... It is located in western Colombia. ...
For example: Business cards given to Colombians should be printed with English on one side and Spanish on the other. When handing a business card to a Colombian, it should be presented with the Spanish side facing toward the person. Avoiding discussing terrorism, politics and illegal drugs with Colombians would be wise. ... Colombia is a world wide renown producer of emeralds and coffee so discussing that would be a good choice of conversation. ... Colombians are very formal and traditional people. ...
In the streets of Colombia the story is different. ... Many Colombians feel guilty because of the constant criticism they receive f! ... And many Colombians have paid for the narcotraficantes' evils. ... Colombia is presently the biggest cocaine dealer in the world! ... Some even have said Colombians are a more violent, more uncivilized culture. ...
Petersburg Times article dated November 5, 2000 "Rising Violence Precede Plan Colombia'- it was reported that heavy fighting has erupted throughout Colombia between paramilitary units of the Colombian army and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, better known as the FARC. ... The U.S. should help Colombia end its civil turmoil peacefully and terminate the illicit drug trade. ... If the peace talks fail, Pastrana's only option is to surrender Colombia to the rebels or order the Colombian army to fight the rebel movement. ... Because of the lack of modernized weapons and...
The Republic of Colombia is located in South America and was founded in the year 1819 as the republic of Gran Colombia. Gran Colombia consisted of present day Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, and Venezuela. ... In 1863 after a civil war had broken out Gran Colombia became known as the Republic of Colombia, and has remained that since. ... Many Colombians have made great contributions to culture. ... The national sport of Colombia is soccer. ...
