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. These countries were part of New Granada after the liberation. Colombia's name was derived from the great explorer Christopher Columbus. Simon Bolivar was elected the first president of New Granada. In 1831 Gran Colombia gained its independence as a free state. In 1863 after a civil war had broken out Gran Colombia became known as the Republic of Colombia, and has remained that since. In 1903 Panama separated from Colombia and became a free and independent state, Ecuador and Venezuela also have since become free and independent states.
Colombia's economy is strongly based on its major export which is coffee. Colombian coffee is known throughout the world for its exceptional quality. It is the world's largest mild coffee exporter, and it is second in overall coffee exporting to Brazil. Other major exports include bananas, flowers, cotton, gold, petroleum, emeralds, and textiles. Their gross domestic income is approximately $95.7 million compared to $8.4 trillion of the United States. The major imports are machinery and transportation equipment, chemicals, minerals, metals, and food. Their major trading partners are the US, the European Union, Japan, Peru, Venezuela, and Brazil. The currency is the Colombian peso and is worth approximately 1141 to $1 US. .
Colombia is approximately 440,000 sq. mi. which is comparable to twice the size of Texas. Its highest point is Pice Cristobal Colon at 18,950 ft. above sea level. The climate is varied throughout the country with the average temperature in Bogota being 57 F and the average temp in Barranquilla being 80 F. The average rainfall is between 30-40 in annually. .
Many Colombians have made great contributions to culture. Gabriel Garcí Márquez is a famous Colombian author.
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...
But according to Gustavo Wilches on his book "La vida en Colombia" (Life in Colombia) life for people in Colombia is as normal and orderly as in any other country despite all the problems it is going through. (54). ... Colombia has significant racial integration. ... Dydynski reports that "The great majority of Colombians are Roman Catholics" . ... Colombia is bordered by Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. Colombia has a number of islands. ...
