• The Republic of Colombia has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade – turning the tide on a long running terrorist insurgency, making great strides in restoring security and stability to the population, and promoting crucial social investments to fight poverty.  While considerable work remains to be done – including continuing the fight against narcotics trafficking – the nation is now firmly on the path to peace and prosperity.

• With over 45 million citizens, Colombia has the second largest population in South America, after Brazil, and has the third largest Spanish-speaking population in the world, after Mexico and Spain.

• Colombia is Latin America’s oldest and most stable democracy.  The country has experienced peaceful changes of government every four years for more than a century, as citizens have elected government representatives in free and fair elections in a political environment that proudly supports full freedom of the press.

• Colombia enjoys a free market economy with major commercial and investment ties to the United States. GDP growth in 2007 was over 7.5%, the highest since 1978. In 2008-2009, the international economic crisis had its impact, with growth slowing to 2.5% in 2008, and shrinking 0.3% in 2009.  However, all indicators have pointed to a return to economic growth in 2010.

• Situated on the northwestern coast of South America, Colombia is the size of Texas and California combined.  It is the only country on the continent with coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.  In between, is a nation of rich biodiversity, including the Amazon rain forest and the Andes Mountains (see map on reverse page).

• A country with modern cities, vast farmlands, diverse cultures and colonial charm, Colombia’s economy has grown steadily over the past decade – becoming both a top center for Latin American business and an increasingly popular tourist destination.

• 2010 marks the bicentennial of Colombia’s independence – celebrating the end of over 300 years of Spanish rule in 1810.

Key Facts:

• Capital: Bogotá
• Population: 45 million, including 85  ethnic groups
• President: Alvaro Uribe
 (2002-2006 / 2006-2010)
• Area: 446,000 square miles
• Currency: Peso
• Independence Day: July 20, 1810
• Principal cities and 2009 estimated population*:
    Bogotá (7.3 million)
    Medellín (2.3 million)
    Cali (2.2 million)
    Barranquilla (1.2 million)
    Cartagena (900,000)

 *Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica,  Republica de Colombia