Colombia

Colombia is one of the Northern most countries of South America. It's coastline runs along the South Caribbean and Pacific Oceans and its internal borders are shared with Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. In addition it borders Panama forming the only land link between the Central and Southern Americas.The land was first populated by several peoples; Muisca, Tairona and the Quimbaya however the Spanish arrived in 1499 and ran their conquest from their newly established city of Bogota. The country is very culturally and linguistically diverse with very strong regional identities. It is also one of the world’s most diverse natural habitats and has an incredibly high biodiversity. The country has wonderful beaches, rocky coastlines and coral reefs. The Amazon jungle grows through the country and it’s Northern spine is part of the Andes mountains. It is also geothermically active experiencing both earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.Sadly, Colombia is infamous for its violent drug trade and in the recent past it was considered to be dangerous for travelers. These days it is much safer but drug cartels still exist and there are areas of the country which are not considered safe for travelers – mainly restricted to the South. It is one of those countries that is safe as long as you do your research and pay attention to consular advice. Stick to areas that are popular with tourists and be extra careful with your valuables. Consider taking a credit card/cash card with a limit on it or having one temporarily applied just in case.

Capital city: Bogotá Highest Point: Pico Cristobal Colon (18,947ft / 5,775m) Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean (0ft / 0m) Land Area: 402,019 sq. mi (1,041,234 million km²) Water Area: 38,802 sq. mi (100,474 sq. km) Total Area: 440,831 sq. mi (1,141,748 sq. km) Coastline: 1,993 miles (3,208 km) Bordering countries (5) Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Venezuela