Colombia is located in northern South America, bordered by Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Panama. It has a diverse landscape that includes the Andes Mountains, savannas, rainforests and both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines. The population of around 46 million speaks mainly Spanish and is predominantly Roman Catholic. After gaining independence from Spain in 1819, Colombia experienced internal civil wars and conflicts, including losing Panama to the United States in 1903. The country has faced political instability and violence between parties, but remains culturally united through religion, music and sports like football.
9. People Population is approx. 46 million (2008) Third most populous country in Latin America Most people live in the Andean highlands and along the Caribbean coast Main language is Spanish Fourth largest number of Spanish speakers in the world Religion Predominantly Christianity (95%), 81-90% are Roman Catholic Less than 1% practice indigenous religions, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism Many reported that they do not practice their faith actively
10. People cont. Estimated ethnic break down: 58% Mestizo Mixed European and Amerindian 26% White Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German 14% Afro Colombian Mixed African and European 1% Amerindian Indigenous
11. Culture There are very strong regional identities because of the diverse, isolating landscape of Colombia Catholicism unites the diverse cultures There are many religious celebrations and festivals Education Basic education (1st-11th grade) is required by law In many rural areas, only 1st-5th grade is offered for lack of qualified teachers
12. Culture cont. Other things that unite Colombians: Music and dance Popular genres include cumbia and vallenato Sports Football is the biggest sport in Colombia The Colombian Football Federation was founded in 1924 Television Telenovelasare very popular Betty La Feahas had several adaptations in other countries, including the US and Mexico
13. History The Spanish came to Colombia in the 1500’s Santa Marta was established as the first permanent settlement July 29, 1525 by Rodrigo de Bastidas The territory became known as the New Kingdom of Granada There were several rebel movements In 1810 Antonio Nariño led a rebellion which began la Patria Boba, meaning “the Foolish Fatherland” This lasted six years and was full of conflicts over the way the country should be governed SimónBolívar led a rebellion that resulted in the independence from Spain in 1819 Bolívar became the first President and Francisco de Paula Santander became Vice President
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15. The US paid Colombia $25 million in 1921 after the canal was built in compensation for losing PanamaAfter brief political stability, conflicts rose again between the political parties in the 1940’s-50’s This period became known as La Violencia
![Geography Located in northern South America Connects to Central America Bogotá is the capital Highest city of its size in the world (8,500 ft) Bordered by: ,[object Object]](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)