Official Name: República de Colombia (Republic of Colombia)

Area: South America

Size: 1,141,748 km²

Coastline: 3,208 km

Independence: from Spain July 20, 1810

Form of Govt.: Unitary, multiparty republic

Head of Govt.: President

Capital: Bogotá

Largest City: Bogotá

Demographics (2005):  45,600,000,   40 /km²

58% Mestizo, 20% White, 14% Mulatto, 4% Black, 3% Mixed Black-Indigenous, 1% Indigenous

GDP per Capita (2005): $7,565

Languages: Spanish

Geography: The country is divided into four topographical regions. (1.) The central highlands consist of the Cordillera Occidental, Central and Ranges as well as a massive plateau called the Sabana de Bogota. (2.) The Atlantic lowlands consist plains north of the highlands connected through the Cauca and Magdalena River Valleys, and the isolated mountain systems called the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. (3.) The Pacific lowlands consist of a lowland area called the Serrania de Baudo as well as jungles and swamps. (4.) Eastern Colombia is east of the Andes and comprises the vast Llanos or plains in the northern area as well as the Selvas or jungle forests in the south.

Climate: Colombia can be divided into three climatic zones depending on altitude. (1.) Below 915 metres which comprises 90% of the land area. Average temperature ranges are from 23.8 degrees to 26.6 degrees (2.) Between 915 metres and 1,980 metres which comprises only 8% of the land area. Average temperature ranges are from 18.3 degrees to 23.9 degrees. (3.) Over 1,980 metres comprising the plateaus and terraces of the Colombian Andes. Average temperate ranges are from 12.7 degrees to -17 degrees. In general, there are two main seasons.