The Republic Colombia is located in the north of South America, between the Pacific and the Caribbean. in the west of Colombia are the Andes, some of which are still active volcanoes, such as the Nevado del Huila. The highest coastal mountains in the world rise on the northern Caribbean coast. Apart from this area, the Colombian Caribbean coast is very flat and only sparsely populated. The hinterland is characterized by swamps, the region is home to a diverse flora and fauna. The begins in the east of Colombia tropical Amazonian rainforest, it is almost exclusively inhabited by indigenous tribes and impresses visitors with its biodiversity.
The capital of Colombia, Bogota, is located in the center of the country. With more than seven million residents, Bogota is also the largest city in the country and its economic and cultural center. The cityscape of Bogota is characterized by numerous churches and monasteries from the colonial era. In addition, the city is one of the important cultural centers of the South American continent, with numerous theaters, museums and concert halls.
According to politicsezine, the area of today’s Colombia was colonized by the Spaniards. In the colonial times, Spain mainly used the region for agriculture due to its remoteness. Even today you can still see clear traces of the Spanish colonial era. However, the Spaniards did not have power in all parts of the country; some regions continued to be ruled by native peoples. Due to the different influences, parts of the country have also developed differently.
Many of the residents of Colombia come from families whose ancestors immigrated from Europe or Arabia. In addition, numerous slaves were brought from Africa to the region of today’s Colombia. Most of the people in Colombia are of the Catholic faith. Catholicism connects all cultures in Colombia.
Best travel time for Colombia
The most comfortable time to visit Colombia is the dry season, between December and March or July and August, especially if you plan on hiking. In addition, visitors have a better chance of seeing local cultural events as many festivals and celebrations take place during this time.
Apart from the weather, you should also consider the Colombian holidays when planning your trip. A large number of visitors must be expected at three times: from the end of December to mid-January, during Semana Santa (Holy Week; March or April), and from mid-June to mid-July. In addition, when planning three-day weekends, when city dwellers storm rural recreational areas such as Villa de Leyva and regional festivals such as the Carnival in Barranquilla. During this time there is more traffic, hotels are often overcrowded and prices can go up sharply.
Colombia – key data
Area: 1,138,910 km² (land: 1,038,700 km², water: 100,210 km²)
Population: 44.7 million people (July 2011, CIA). Mestics 58%, whites 20%, mulattos 14%, blacks 4%, black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1%.
Population density: 39 people per km²
Population growth: 1.156% per year (2011, CIA)
Capital: Bogotá (7.3 million residents, 2006)
Highest point: Pico Cristobal Colon, 5,775 m
Lowest point: Pacific and Caribbean oceans, 0 m
Form of government: Colombia has been a presidential republic since 1886. The current constitution dates from 1991. The bicameral parliament (congreso) consists of a house of representatives with 166 members and a senate with 102 members.Colombia declared independence on July 20, 1810, which was recognized by Spain on August 7, 1819.
Administrative division: 32 departamentos (Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Atlantico, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas, Caqueta, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia, Guaviare, Huila, LaGuajira, Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres y Providencia, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes and Vichada) as well as a distrito capital (Bogota)
Head of State and Government: President Juan Manuel Santos, since August 7, 2010
Language: The official language in Colombia is Spanish. In addition, Quechua, Chibcha and other Indian languages are spoken, in some cases English.
Religion: Catholics make up the overwhelming majority in Colombia with 90%, there are also Protestant and Jewish minorities in the country.
Local time: CET – 6 h.
In Colombia there is no change between summer and winter time.
The time difference to Central Europe is -6 h in winter and -7 h in summer.
International phone code: +57
Internet identifier:.co
Mains voltage: 110/120 V (in a few parts of Bogota), 60 Hz. Two-pole flat plugs are used.