COLOMBIA

COLOMBIA

• In February 2012 they had an estimated 42.3 million pop.
• Colombia has great biodiversity with 1,550 species of birds and over 13,000 species of plants
• Columbia is a nation of mixed race. An estimated 75 percent is of mixed heritage.
• Colombia's native language is Spanish, but English is spoken in some of the major cities.
• Rather than having a common culture, Colombia is a country with many distinct regional cultures.

COLOMBIA LAND

• The treeless regions adjacent to the cold zone usually are referred to as paramos (high plains), above which begin the nevados (snowcapped peaks).
• The cold zone receives heavy rainfall during the wet seasons from April to June and September to December.
• The northern end of this range is characterized by volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
• Farther to the south Colombia has some of the richest farmland. This area contains some of the richest mineral deposits in the world.

COLOMBIA'S FLAG

• The upper half of the flag is yellow, symbolizing the natural riches of the country.
• The lower half is divided into two equal parts of blue and red.
• The red symbolizing the blood shed in the war for independence.
• Blue to symbolize the ocean separating the independent country from the motherland.

COLOMBIAN FOOD

• Most middle-class families eat elaborate meals that reflect Spanish and indigenous traditions.
• Lower-income people eat a more carbohydrate-rich diet.
• There are regional differences in foods.
• In the coastal region, the emphasis is on seafood.
• Colombians enjoy a variety of national and international cuisines.

ECONOMY

• The economy is dependent on manufacturing and agricultural exports.
• Domestic production relies on expensive imports such as tractors, power generators, and industrial machinery.
• Commercial agriculture stresses bananas, cut flowers, sugar, and coffee.
• Colombia uses the peso, the peso has less value than the U.S. dollar.