2. Table of Contents Basic Facts Geography Economy Government History Tourism Customs and Culture Native American Tribes

3. Capital- Bogota Population- 44,379,598 Language Spoken- The official language is Spanish, which was imposed during the colonial period. All Colombians speak it except some of the indigenous populations in the Amazonian basin. In major cities, English is used, particularly by the upper class, but it is not commonly understood or spoken. Capital- Bogota Population- 44,379,598 Language Spoken- The official language is Spanish, which was imposed during the colonial period. All Colombians speak it except some of the indigenous populations in the Amazonian basin. In major cities, English is used, particularly by the upper class, but it is not commonly understood or spoken. Hola! Como estas?

4. Geography Bordered Countries-Bordered Countries- Colombia is bordered on the northwest by Panama, on the east by Venezuela and Brazil, and on the southwest by Peru and Ecuador. Bordered Bodies of Water- Colombia is boundedBordered Bodies of Water- Colombia is bounded by rivers that flow into the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean Weather and Climate-Weather and Climate- Colombia has a tropical climate on the coast. Landforms-Landforms-The central highlands which consist of the Cordillera Occidental, the Cordillera Central and the Cordillera Oriental Ranges as well as a massive plateau called the Sabana de Bogota. The Atlantic lowlands which consist of the plains north of the highlands, although they are connected to them through the Cauca and Magdalena River Valleys, and the isolated mountain systems called the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta as well as the semiarid Gujaira Peninsula The Pacific lowlands which consist of a lowland area called the Serrania de Baudo as well as jungles and swamps.

5. Type of Currency- The official currency is the Peso (P) divided into 100 Centavos. Major Industries- Agriculture, Beverages, Cement, Chemicals, Food Processing, Iron and Steel, Mining, Oil Refining, Paper, Plastic Resins and Manufactures, Textiles and Clothing, Tourism. Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds, hydropower Type of Currency- The official currency is the Peso (P) divided into 100 Centavos. Major Industries- Agriculture, Beverages, Cement, Chemicals, Food Processing, Iron and Steel, Mining, Oil Refining, Paper, Plastic Resins and Manufactures, Textiles and Clothing, Tourism. Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds, hydropower

6. Government Colombia has a long history of democracy. Like the United States, the country is run by a president, who is elected every four years. Laws are made by a House of Representatives and a Senate.

7. History On July 20, 1810, the citizens of Bogotá formed the first representative council to withstand Spanish authority, and achieved full independence in 1810. The struggle for independence in Colombia received an impetus led by great freedom fighters Simón Bolívar and Francisco de Paula Santander in New Granada which resulted in the Battle of Boyaca, on August 7, 1819. Bolívar was subsequently elected as the first president of Greater Colombia and Francisco de Paula Santander, as its vice president.

8. Tourism Thanks to its privileged location on the continent and its geography, Colombia offers visitors incredible biodiversity in its 53 natural parks and protected areas, and various cultural and regional identities that make visitors want to return to discover all that the country has to offer. The top attractions include: –Bogotá- Colombia’s capital city is also the country’s top tourist destination. Known for its modern conveniences, vibrant culture, great nightlife and shopping – the city has also a historic center with popular attractions including the Gold Museum and the historic Candelaria district –Cartagena- On the Caribbean coast, offers visitors the chance to explore some of the region’s most historical structures. The “Walled City” – a UNESCO World Heritage site – includes countless examples of Spanish colonial architecture from the colorful, pastel-painted homes to incredible cathedrals and luxurious hotels.

9. Customs & Culture Types of Traditional Foods-Types of Traditional Foods- There are regional differences in foods. In the interior rural regions, a hearty breakfast consists of a strip of pork, rice and beans, sweet plantains, and a large steak with fried eggs. Dinner is similar, except for the eggs. In the coastal region, the emphasis is on seafood. In Cartagena, the typical lunch consists of rice with coconut, fried plantains, and shrimp. Colombians enjoy a variety of national and international cuisine. Holidays or Celebrations-Holidays or Celebrations- Numerous national holidays celebrate the country and its culture, and many religious holidays are celebrated as national holidays. Other important national holidays are Independence Day (20 July), which celebrates the declaration of independence in 1810, and 7 August, which commemorates the Battle of Bocayá, where Bolívar defeated the Spanish. Other holidays center on regional and local cultures, such as the Carnival of Barranquilla, the Cartagena International Caribbean Music Festival, the Medellín flower fair, and the Festival of the Devil in Rio Suci. Traditional Clothing-Traditional Clothing- Men usually wear loose-fitting pants, while women wear loose-fitting skirts. Cloaks are worn by both genders in the cold, rural highlands Types of Traditional Foods-Types of Traditional Foods- There are regional differences in foods. In the interior rural regions, a hearty breakfast consists of a strip of pork, rice and beans, sweet plantains, and a large steak with fried eggs. Dinner is similar, except for the eggs. In the coastal region, the emphasis is on seafood. In Cartagena, the typical lunch consists of rice with coconut, fried plantains, and shrimp. Colombians enjoy a variety of national and international cuisine. Holidays or Celebrations-Holidays or Celebrations- Numerous national holidays celebrate the country and its culture, and many religious holidays are celebrated as national holidays. Other important national holidays are Independence Day (20 July), which celebrates the declaration of independence in 1810, and 7 August, which commemorates the Battle of Bocayá, where Bolívar defeated the Spanish. Other holidays center on regional and local cultures, such as the Carnival of Barranquilla, the Cartagena International Caribbean Music Festival, the Medellín flower fair, and the Festival of the Devil in Rio Suci. Traditional Clothing-Traditional Clothing- Men usually wear loose-fitting pants, while women wear loose-fitting skirts. Cloaks are worn by both genders in the cold, rural highlands

10. Native American Tribes Colombia's indigenous culture evolved from two main Native American tribes: 1. Quimbayas- were famous by their pieces of gold that were found in all the territory near at the pacific ocean. The most recognized masterpiece of the Quimbaya is the Poporo. Actually, it represents this great culture. 1. Chibchas- They were the most highly developed of the Colombians, practicing agriculture, melting and casting gold and copper ornaments, mining emeralds, weaving textiles, and making pottery. Colombia's indigenous culture evolved from two main Native American tribes: 1. Quimbayas- were famous by their pieces of gold that were found in all the territory near at the pacific ocean. The most recognized masterpiece of the Quimbaya is the Poporo. Actually, it represents this great culture. 1. Chibchas- They were the most highly developed of the Colombians, practicing agriculture, melting and casting gold and copper ornaments, mining emeralds, weaving textiles, and making pottery.