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           COLOMBIA
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Columbia is situated in the
northwest of South America.
The Andes run north along its
western, Pacific coast and
gradually disappear towards
the Caribbean Sea. Half of
Colombia lies east of the
Andes, and much of this region
is covered in tropical
grassland. Towards the Amazon
Basin the vegetation changes
to tropical forest. Very
little of the country is under
cultivation although much of
the soil is fertile. The range
of climates results in an
extraordinary variety of
crops, of which coffee is the
most important. Colombia is
rich in minerals and produces
about half of the world's
emeralds.
Although seasons as such do
not exist, there can be
afternoon rains in October and
November and rain at any time
from April to June. The dry
season is usually December to
March.

Area (Sq. Km.): 1,138,908

Population: 31,863,000

Capital: Bogota

Language:
Spanish

Religion:
Roman Catholic 95%

Government Type:
Republic

Currency: Peso

Embassy:
Flat 3A,
3 Hans Crescent,
London,
SW1X 0LR
0171-589-9177

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Foreign Office Advice:

Sporadic violence continues
and in the rural areas there
is particular risk of being
caught up in terrorist attacks
and kidnapping.

Visitors should take advice
from the Embassy, Tel: 2185111
and local authorities if
planning to travel away from
recognised tourist centres.
Road travel only on major
routes and by day.

Be alert for con-men posing as
plain clothes police asking to
see wallets and handbags.

For more information ring:

 Foreign Office Travel Unit

       0171-270-4129