President: Juan Manuel Santos (2010)

Land area: 401,042 sq mi (1,038,699 sq km); total area: 439,736 sq mi (1,138,910 sq km)

Population (2010 est.): 44,205,293 (growth rate: 1.1%); birth rate: 17.7/1000; infant mortality rate: 16.8/1000; life expectancy: 74.3; density per sq km: 43

Capital and largest city (2003 est.): Santafé de Bogotá, 7,594,000 (metro. area), 7,185,889 (city proper)

Other large cities: Cali, 2,283,200; Medellín, 1,957,800; Barranquilla, 1,330,400; Cartagena, 901,500

Monetary unit: Colombian Peso

Colombia is bordered on the northwest by Panama, on the east by Venezuela and Brazil, and on the southwest by Peru and Ecuador. Through the western half of the country, three Andean ranges run north and south. The eastern half is a low, jungle-covered plain, drained by spurs of the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers, inhabited mostly by isolated tropical-forest Indian tribes. The fertile plateau and valley of the eastern range are the most densely populated parts of the country.

AMERICAN PEOPLE  VISITED COLOMBIA

Andrew Jackson, USA, wrote on 31.01.11

Colombia is a beautiful country.  they have  homes called fincas which are like mini resorts with pools. It was safe

Mike Norris, USA, wrote on 28.01.11

Bogota, and the "touristy" areas of most other major cities are relatively safe and people are generally friendly. Colombia is nothing like it's depicted in the media. Don't get me wrong, if you're from the US, visiting Colombia isn't like going to Canada, but it's not like going to Africa either. Just remember these 2 rules that apply to visiting any non-first world country: If you are planning to travel between cities, take flights...they are readily available and cheap. DO NOT TAKE THE BUS THROUGH THE JUNGLE...THAT IS WHERE THE HORROR STORIES HAPPEN

Brendan Rayment, Great Britain, wrote on 16.06.11

The difference between the perception of Colombia is staggering. The country is beautiful and very diverse, the people are warm, generous and fun loving and I have always felt very safe here. On my first visit to Colombia my friends and family in London were very concerned for my safety and so was I. I spent 3 months falling in love with the country and its culture and never felt in any danger.
Of course Colombia has its problems, but it is much safer than people imagine and as long as you heed local advice and stay out of the bad areas you will be fine. I am now living in Colombia and my life is very tranquil, except for the parties and Colombia's passion for life!
I am now working with two other British guys in our own tour operator looking after other foreigners who want to explore this paradise on earth.

Justin Schuman, USA, wrote on 16.03.10

Well, I am a white American and since I live in Florida there's a lot of Colombians over here. When I graduated college, many of my friends were Colombians and we decided to go on a vacation to various cities in this country. I speak little spanish but people are very helpful. It is A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY, and the warnings and media do no justice to such a wonderful place. People are warm, charismatic, and fun to be with. There's always a party or a celebration going on. It is very different from the war-torn country that we all think it is. Police are always present making sure the cities are safe. Obviously you should stay out of places that you would know with a little common sense not to go. FOOD is DELICIOUS. I'd have "Bandeja Paisa" everyday if I could. People should really get rid of the bad image they have of Colombia. As one of my friends say "the only risk is wanting to stay"

Elizabeth Nelson, USA, wrote on 31.01.10

I was totally shocked at how much of a contradiction it was to go to Colombia. I had only heard the bad negative stuff and I was pleasantly surprised to experience the exact opposite! I met the nicest most lovely people! That alone was so great but also there was so much security that I felt much safer there than in many cities in USA! There are police all over the place and they make it very comfortable. Of course I did not go out wandering the streets at night or taking any unnecessary risks as I would not anywhere else. The food was absolutely fabulous and there is much natural beauty to enjoy and discover. I loved the bone soup that is served daily at noon and the fresh fruit juices! I noticed the difference in the Cachacos from Bogota who came to visit the coastal town of Santa Marta. They talk much faster and remind me of New Yorkers in comparison to the sweet laid back Costenos of that area. I have enjoyed myself more each time and will return..