At a Glance

Official Name: Republic of Colombia

Continent: South America

Area: 401,042 square miles (1,038,700 sq km)

Population: 40,349,388

Capital City: Bogota

Largest City: Bogota (5,237,635)

Unit of Money: Colombian peso

Major Language: Spanish

Natural Resources: Crude oil, natural gas, coal, iron ore

The Place

Colombia is on the northwestern tip of South America. It is the fourth-largest country on the continent. Colombia is also the only South American country with coastlines touching both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

There are three main regions in Colombia. The Coastal Lowlands surround the areas bordering the Caribbean Sea in the north and the Pacific Ocean in the west. The Caribbean Lowlands have cities, ports, and plantations. The Pacific Lowlands consist of wet swamps and thick forests.

The Andes Mountains comprise three main ranges, the Cordillera Central, Cordillera Oriental, and Cordillera Occidental. They cover approximately one-third of the country, beginning in southwestern Colombia and extending to the Venezuelan border in the northeast. This area includes Cristobal Colon, the country's highest peak at 18,947 feet (5,775 m) above sea level.

The Eastern Plains make up almost 60% of Colombia. The south is mostly covered by tropical forests, while the north has grassy prairies. The climate throughout the country varies by elevation. Colombia generally has one or two wet seasons and one or two dry seasons each year.

The People

Colombia has the second-largest population in South America. Almost all Colombians live in the western part of the country. In fact, almost 75% of the population make their homes in the valleys and basins of the Andes Mountains. The mines, farms, and factories there provide work for most families. Only 2% of Colombians live in the hot Eastern Plains region.

Approximately 70% of the people live in urban areas. The middle and upper classes mainly inhabit the cities. City dwellers are usually better off than rural settlers because the urban areas offer better educational, cultural, and medical opportunities. Many urban residents live in nice houses or apartment buildings and work in professional occupations.

Colombia's smaller rural population are called campesinos. They are usually poor, and build homes from local materials. Families are usually large, and several generations may live in the same house. Many rural Colombians move to cities looking for work, but end up living in slums on the outskirts of town. These slums, called tugurios, rarely have running water. Life expectancy is 71 years.

Education

The education system in Colombia is a blend of the French and U.S. education systems. Colombia requires children to attend school for at least five years, and almost all primary-school-aged students go to class. About half of all children go to secondary school. It is harder to get an education in rural areas than in cities. Many rural schools only offer two or three grades, and some schools have closed. For students who complete secondary school, Colombia has about 40 universities.

Popular Culture/Daily Life

Colombians take part in many sporting events. Soccer is extremely popular, as well as basketball, bull fights, and car races. The Andes also offer an excellent place to ski. Tejo—a popular native game—is similar to horseshoes.

Folk songs and dances are also an important part of the Colombian culture. They originate from the earlier Indian, Spanish, and African traditions. Each part of the country has its own special ties to particular songs and dances. Many are performed at regional fairs.