World Atlas Colombia South America locator map and information page

Country Details

Complete Colombia Information here!

Quick Facts and Figures

Official Name Republic of Colombia

Capital City Bogotá

Capital City Coordinates 4n36, 74w05

Largest Cities Barranquilla, Bogatá, Cali, Medellín

Land Area 1,038.700 sq km (401.042 sq miles)

Land Divisions (32 departments, 1 Capital district *) Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Atlantico, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas, Caqueta, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia, Guaviare, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres y Providencia, Distrito Capital de Santa Fe de Bogota*, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes, Vichada

Highest Point Pico Christóbal Colón (5,800 meters)

Lowest Point Pacific Ocean, sea level

Topography The Pacific and Caribbean lowlands rise abruptly to central highlands, and then to the Andes Mountains and many peaks exceeding 15,000 ft. In the east, lowlands are the dominant landscape.

Environmental Concerns Air pollution from vehicles, deforestation, along with soil and crop damage from excessive pesticide usage.

Time and Date in Bogota

People of Colombia

Population 40,036,000

Population Density 38.5 people per sq. mile

Ethnic Groups Mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1%

Languages Spanish

Religions Roman Catholic, others

Economy of Colombia

Exports Petroleum, coffee, coal, gold, bananas and cut flowers

Imports Industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer goods, chemicals, paper products, fuels

Major Industries Food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, textiles, beverages, chemicals, cement; gold, coal, emeralds

Major Crops Coffee, rice, bananas, coca, tobacco, sugar corn, cotton,

Major Natural Resources Petroleum, coal, natural gas, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds

Major Trading Partners United States, Europe, Andean Community, Japan

GDP $255 billion

Per Capita GDP $6600

Education

System Free and compulsory for ages 6 -12

Colombia Flag

Flag Description/Meaning Three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue, and red; said to be modeled after the major colors of a rainbow.

Money

Currency Colombian Peso

Exchange rate as of 4/11/2000,
100 COP = .05 USD - 100 USD = 199,880.07 COP
The latest exchange rates for any currency are here!

Government of Colombia

Type Democracy

Independence from Spain, July 20, 1810

National Holidays Independence Day, July 20

President Andres Pastrana Arango

Embassy (US)
Office: 2118 Leroy Place, NW
Washington, DC 20008
telephone: (202) 387-8338
fax: unavailable

Colombia Maps

South America Continent Outline Map (black and white) printable image, useful for parents, teachers and students here

South America Continent Map (all countries) here

South America Continent here

Colombia Map, CIA version here

Colombia Map here

Colombia Tourism

Current Status Political and internal unrest, has for the most part, limited tourism to the Caribbean coastal resorts and towns, with special emphasis on Cartagena. International business travel is commonplace (to and from) the country's major cities.

Colombia Travel Information

Climate Colombia is hot and very wet along the Caribbean and Pacific coastal areas. Conditions change rapidly (hot to cold) as one travels from the lowlands to the highlands of the Andes.

Weather, current conditions in Bogota

Travel Warnings & Consular Information Sheets The latest information and suggestions from the US State Department are here Take note!

Passport/Visa For U.S. citizens, a valid passport is required to enter and depart Colombia. Tourists must also provide evidence of return or onward travel. U.S. citizens and visitors from certain countries do not need a visa for a stay of 60 days or less.s Travelers whose passports are lost or stolen in Colombia must obtain a new passport and present it, together with a police report of the loss or theft, to the main immigration office in Bogota to obtain permission to depart. An exit tax must be paid at the airport when departing Colombia. For further information regarding entry and customs requirements, travelers should contact the nearest Colombian Embassy.

Passports US Passports in 24 hours from PassPort Express

Health Concerns Cholera, hepatitis A, B and D, malaria, rabies, tetanus and typhoid are viable concerns. Medical care is adequate in major cities, but it varies in quality elsewhere. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation can be very expensive. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, although many hospitals in major cities accept major credit cards. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation.

Time Zone GMT -5, EST (Eastern Standard Time)

Cities in Time Zone Lima, Atlanta, New York, Toronto

Electricity 110V, 60Hz

Recommended Links

Colombia Embassy web site

Colombia, friends of

Colombian Government offical web site