The current flag of Colombia is yellow, blue and red. The flag was first created in Haiti where Simon Bolivar was preparing to attain independence for Gran Colombia. The yellow represents the richness of the Colombian gold. The blue shows the two oceans which border North and West Colombia. The red represents the blood of soldiers of the people who fought and victoriously won the independence
Coat of arms of Colombia
The Coat of Arms of Colombia contains a shield with numerous symbols. Perched on top of the shield is a scavenger more commonly known as: condor holding an olive crown and the condor symbolizing freedom. The national motto, Libertad y Orden (Spanish for Freedom and Order), is on a scroll in between the bird and the shield in black font over golden background. He is depicted face in front with his wings extended and looking to the right.
The national flag is draped on each side of the shield. The shield is broken into three portions. In the lowermost portion is a depiction of ships, pointing to the maritime history of Colombia, namely to the isthmus of Panama, which was part of Colombia until 1903. Nowadays represents the two oceans that borders the country (Atlantic and Pacific). The sails mean the colombian commerce with the rest of the world and the rising economy. In the middle section,over platinum background, the Phrygian cap is presented; this being a traditional symbol of liberty and freedom. The topmost section contains a pomegranate over a blue background, as a symbol of the kingdom of New Granada (early colonial name of Colombia back in XIX century), in the middle flanked by two cornucopias or horns of plenty: the one at the right with golden and silver coins and the one at the left with tropical fruits.. This portion represents the agricultural and mineral wealth of Colombian soil.
Colombia has a democratically-elected representative system with a strong executive branch. The President is elected to a non-renewable, four-year term. The President is both the chief of state and head of government, and is elected on a national ticket with a Vice President.
There is a bicameral legislature consisting of a 102-member Senate and a 165-member House of Representatives. Both chambers are directly elected to four-year terms. Colombia’s judicial system is composed of: Supreme Court, Attorney General, Superior Council of the Judiciary, Constitutional Court and State Council. A new criminal code modeled after U.S. procedures was enacted in 1992-93. There is judicial review of executive and legislative acts. The Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) is the highest court of criminal law, and judges are selected from the nominees of the Higher Council of Justice for eight-year terms.
The two largest political organizations are the Partido Social Conservador, and the Partido Liberal, which holds majorities in both houses of Congress.
Colombia is located in the north western portion of south america. The country covers around 1.14 million sq km.
Colombia is situated with the Caribbean Sea to the left, between Panama and Venezuela, and the North Pacific Ocean to the right, between Ecuador and Panama.
Colombia is often considered to be a country of extremes. From lush rainforest to arrid deserts, snow capped mountains to grassy plains, the
geography of Colombia is varied and beautiful.
Being an equitorial region it experiences little variance in temperature throughout the year. Average temperatures in Colombia are hover around
73 degree faraheit. Colombia's dry season is summer and there wet season is called winter, beyond that there is little variance in annual climate.
Colombia ofen gets a bad news coverage because the country seems to be at the center of
attention in both news media and Hollywood movies for drug trade and violence. While these elements
exist,as everywhere else on the planet, they are given a disperportionate amount of attention
when campared to the beauty and history of this country.
With dramatically beautiful rainforests, mountains and beaches, lovely cities and enchanting people, Colombia should be a magnet for travellers. Unfortunately, the activites of guerillas and cocaine thugs have pushed 'Locombia' (the mad country) somewhat off-limits.
However, visitors to the country are often struck by how normal and orderly everyday life is, despite all the problems the country is going through. Most leave Colombia safe and inspired. Few experience security problems. If you take the necessary precautions, you'll find Colombia one of the world's most sensual, wild, complex and fascinating countries.
Form of government and national politics
Colombia achieved independence from Spain in 1819.
The country is governed by a national constitution, amended on July 5, 1991.
Colombia has three branches of Public Power: The Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary.
Colombia has a democratically-elected representative system with a strong executive branch. The President is elected to a non-renewable, four-year term. The President is both the chief of state and head of government, and is elected on a national ticket with a Vice President.
There is a bicameral legislature consisting of a 102-member Senate and a 165-member House of Representatives. Both chambers are directly elected to four-year terms. Colombia’s judicial system is composed of: Supreme Court, Attorney General, Superior Council of the Judiciary, Constitutional Court and State Council. A new criminal code modeled after U.S. procedures was enacted in 1992-93. There is judicial review of executive and legislative acts. The Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) is the highest court of criminal law, and judges are selected from the nominees of the Higher Council of Justice for eight-year terms.
The two largest political organizations are the Partido Social Conservador, and the Partido Liberal, which holds majorities in both houses of Congress.
Is the second flower exporter in the world, after the Netherlands, and the main U.S. supplier.
Is an important exporter of bananas and exotic fruits.
Has the biggest export-oriented steam coal mine in the world, "El Cerrejón North Zone", an open pit mine capable of producing 15 million metric tons of coal per year.
Is the second richest country in bird species in the world, after Brazil.
Has abundant oil and natural gas reserves.
Is an important producer of platinum, gold and silver.
Is the second richest country in biodiversity in the world, after Brazil.
Is the major world source of emeralds.
July 20
In Colombia this is a national holiday. Schools, post offices, governmental agencies and such are closed for the day, much like on every Fourth of July in the US. Before the actual holiday, children in schools celebrate by having regional and cultural celebrations which include typical dances and foods from all over the country. Most importantly, we honor our flag and national anthem and remember those who shed their blood in battle so that we might attain our independence. Saludos Colombianos !
General Statistics
Full country name: Republic of Colombia
Area: 1.14 million sq km
Population: 45 million
Capital City: Bogotá (pop: 5 million)
People: 58% mestizo (of European-Indian descent), 20% European descent, 14% mulatto (African-European descent), 4% African descent, 3% African-Indian descent, 1% indigenous
Language: Spanish
Religion: Catholic (95%), with the remainder a mixture of traditional, Episcopal & Jewish faiths
Government: republic
Head of State: President Álvaro Uribe Vélez
GDP: US$809 billion
GDP per capita: US$1,820
Inflation: 16.7%
Major Industries: Textiles, coffee, oil, narcotics, sugar cane, food processing.
Major Trading Partners: US,EU
Cities of Colombia
The national bird of Colombia, the Andean Condor
View of downtown Bogotá from nearby MonserrateColombia has a total of 22 principal cities, which are listed below in order of importance:
Colombia has a democratically-elected representative system with a strong executive branch. The President is elected to a non-renewable, four-year term. The President is both the chief of state and head of government, and is elected on a national ticket with a Vice President.
Colombia is often considered to be a country of extremes. From lush rainforest to arrid deserts, snow capped mountains to grassy plains, the
geography of Colombia is varied and beautiful.
With dramatically beautiful rainforests, mountains and beaches, lovely cities and enchanting people, Colombia should be a magnet for travellers. Unfortunately, the activites of guerillas and cocaine thugs have pushed 'Locombia' (the mad country) somewhat off-limits.
Cities of Colombia