Country guide - Columbia  

 
 

Introduction: 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
Area: 1,138,910 sq km (439,733 sq miles)
Population: 41,662,000
Continent: South America
Density per square mile: 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 & natural gas.
Land Use: Arable Land 2%
Agriculture: Narcotics, coffee, cut flowers, bananas, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseed, vegetables, forest products & shrimps.
Industry: Textiles, coffee, oil, narcotics, sugar cane & food processing.

Tourism: The UK Foreign & 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 Details

 

The contents above, from www.best-backpackers-insurance.co.uk is for information purposes only and we have tried to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible. We cannot accept any responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury as a result of the information above. You should always check and verify any critical information like visas, health and safety and customs with the relevant authorities before you travel since information can change at any time.