|
 Colombia was one
of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia
in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and Venezuela). A 40-year insurgent
campaign to overthrow the Colombian Government escalated during
the 1990s, undergirded in part by funds from the drug trade. Although
the violence is deadly and large swaths of the countryside are
under guerrilla influence, the movement lacks the military strength
or popular support necessary to overthrow the government. An anti-insurgent
army of paramilitaries has grown to be several thousand strong
in recent years, challenging the insurgents for control of territory
and illicit industries such as the drug trade and the government's
ability to exert its dominion over rural areas. While Bogota continues
to try to negotiate a settlement, neighboring countries worry about
the violence spilling over their borders. |
| Location: |
Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea,
between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean,
between Ecuador and Panama |
| Climate: |
Tropical
along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands |
| Borders: |
Brazil 1,643 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km, Peru
1,496 km (est.), Venezuela 2,050 km |
| More... |
Colombia
is situated in South America, bounded by Panama, Brazil, Ecuador,
Peru, Venezuela, the Caribbean and Pacific oceans. The Andes
Mountains extend into the country in three ranges running south
to north.
Flat grassy prairies in the east, along with the jungles and
towering rainforests of the Amazon, make up over half the country’s
area. Bogotá, the capital and largest city, is situated
almost in the country’s centre. The city blends Colombian
tradition with Spanish colonial influences. Historical landmarks
include the Capitol Municipal Palace and the Plaza Bolivar cathedral.
Santa Marta’s modern hotels and white beaches are popular
among tourists. Local dishes are varied and tasty, with Spanish
influences. |
|
Click Here 
