Colombia is situated in the north-western corner of South America and is the only South American country with coastlines on both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It´s a country of rich natural and political diversity with landscapes ranging from the snow covered mountains to desert zones; from rainforests to Caribbean beaches.
Geography
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.
Climate
Colombia is a tropical country with practically every climatic condition imaginable. The climate varies with altitude, the higher the location, the colder.
Language
The official language is Spanish
People
Population: 45.013.674 (Julio 2008 est.)
Major Cities: Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena, Cúcuta, Bucaramanga
Religions: Roman Catholicism, 95.4%.
Monetary Unit: Peso.
Government
Form of Government: Unitary republic.
Voting Qualification: Age 18.
Political Divisions: 32 departments, 1 capital district.
Culture
Family life is extremely important in Colombian society. For most Colombians the family is the basic element of society. Families are very close and they stay close. It is not unusual to find grandparents living at home, and the majority of young people continue living with the family throughout their time at university and even beyond when they are financially independent. Many families have a maid: treat her as a part of the family and help put with the housework.
Selfishness and strong individualism are badly regarded. It is common to offer to share what you are eating. It is considered rude if you eat something in front of others without offering. Colombian families can be very conservative and protective of their children, no matter how old they are.
Greetings are very important in Colombian society and you will encounter a huge variety from the first day. Generally after the second meeting men and women touch cheeks and kiss the air on meeting and
Dancing and music are also important elements of Colombian culture. Colombia has a huge variety of types of music from all over Latin America and the Caribbean. North American music is also becoming increasingly important. It is socially important to dance but don’t worry as there is no shortage of Colombians willing to teach foreigners.
Food
Expect a lot of carbohydrates. Every day you are likely to be confronted with a plate of meat, potato, rice and plantain. (thats fried banana, although not the type of banana you get back home, you’ll understand when you arrive.) Beans are also important.
Fruit juices are very widely drunk and you are likely to be surprised by the diversity in types of fruits available.
So Why Should You Come to Colombia?
It’s a beautiful country, the people are incredibly friendly (more so outside of Bogotá) and it is completely different from what you will be used to. It’s a very exciting place to be, not least because life here is so unpredictable. For this you’ll learn to be more flexible and adaptable.
On the projects you are likely to encounter the incredible spirit of the Colombian people, their solidarity and community strength.
AFS Colombia has committees in 12 different cities: Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Cúcuta, Pasto, Popayán, Pereira, Pamplona, Girardot and Tunja.
Main cities
Bogota is the capital city from Colombia .Bogotá has experienced a transformation in the last 15 years in terms of culture, politics, economy, security, and infrastructure. (See “Montezuma, R. The Transformation of Bogotá, Colombia, 1995 – 2000: investing in citizenship and urban mobility.
Bogotá offers 42 museums, 12 libraries, 132 national monuments, 25 universities, a modern interactive science and technology center, 21 theatres, and 20 cultural centers. Additionally, it realizes many cultural events, as the Iberoamerican Theater Festival. Next year Bogotá will be the World Book Capital (UNESCO, 2007).
In terms of security, Bogotá has made important efforts to keep safety level of live in its citizenship.
The city has gained important awards, as the “City with Heart” (2004), “City of Peace” (UNESCO, 2004), Stockholm Challenge Award (World Health Organization – for the institutionalization of the car-free day, 2002), and the Golden Lion Award for cities at the Venice Biennale.
For more information visit:
http://www.bogota.gov.co/portel/libreria/php/decide.php?patron=01
http://www.bogotaturismo.gov.co/
http://www.transmilenio.gov.co/transmilenio/home.htm
Medellín
Medellín is known as the city of eternal spring due to its agreeable climate and splendid flowered landscapes. In addition it is one of the biggest centers of development in the country thanks to the drive, warmth and work of the “paisa” population.
Medellín has a very violent past, but its change is amazing. From being the most dangerous city in Colombia, now it is one of the safest. Very effective campaigns and the end of the Medellín Drug Cartel, amongst other things, have reduced violence in this city.
For more information got to http://www.medellin.gov.co/alcaldia/jsp/modulos/V_medellin/index.jsp?idPagina=348 and look at the following videos:
Medellín, the on going transformation (Inglés)
Medellín turns from fear to hope (Inglés)
Bucaramanga
Bucaramanga is a peaceful and beautiful city which is known as the city of parks. It is the industrial and commercial center of the northeast section of the Country. It’s located at 960 meters over sea level, and has an average temperature of 23°C.
Industry, commerce and services are the main economic sources of the municipality of Bucaramanga. Its strategic position as the main route to northeastern Colombia has contributed to its intense commercial activity.
For more information visit http://www.bucaramanga.gov.co/ and http://www.bucaramangacity.com/
Source: AFS RISK IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT TOOL JANUARY 26 2007
For more information visit:
