Colombia
Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Ecuador and Venezuela). A 40-year conflict between government forces and anti-government insurgent groups and illegal paramilitary groups - both heavily funded by the drug trade - escalated during the 1990s. The insurgents lack the military or popular support necessary to overthrow the government, and violence has been decreasing since about 2002, but insurgents continue attacks against civilians and large swaths of the countryside are under guerrilla influence. More than 32,000 former paramilitaries had demobilized by the end of 2006 and the United Self Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) as a formal organization had largely ceased to function. Still, some renegades continued to engage in criminal activities. The Colombian Government has stepped up efforts to reassert government control throughout the country, and now has a presence in every one of its municipalities. However, neighboring countries worry about the violence spilling over their borders.
Languages & Population
Approximate Population: 44,379,598 (July 2007 est.)
Nationality (Noun): Colombian(s)
Nationality (Adjective): Colombian
Official Language(s): Spanish
Major Languages Spoken: Spanish
Country Facts
Country Name (long form): Republic of Colombia
Country Name (short form): Colombia
Country Name (local long form): Republica de Colombia
Country Name (local short form): Colombia
Name of Capital: Bogota
UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Countries Near by, and Bordering Colombia: Panama, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador
Land Area: 1038700 sq km
Water Area: 100210 sq km
Comparative Area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Total Land Boundry: 6,309 km
Coastline: 3,208 km
National Holiday: Independence Day, 20 July (1810)
International Phone Code: 57
Currency Code: Colombian peso (COP)
Internet Country Code: .co
US Embassy Location: Calle 22D-BIS, numbers 47-51, Apartado Aereo 3831
US Embassy Mailing Address: Carrera 45 #22D-45, Bogota, D.C., APO AA 34038
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