Colombia Nutz and Bolts

Country: Colombia
Where is it?: Colombia is in northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama.
Why do people go here?: Few traveler manage to visit Colombia. Home to one of the largest drug cartels and the headquarters of worldwide kidnapping, Colombia sadly doesn’t attract many tourists – rightfully so. That said, those intrepid souls who have managed to travel throughout the country, rant and rave that this country is amazing.
What are the main entry points?: Flyng into Bogota is your best for entrance into the southern. Don’t attempt to overland from Panama or pretty much any other country around it.
Currency used: Peso
Country Code for Phones: 57
Area codes for Major Cities: Bogota 1
Religion: Roman Catholic 90%
Population: 42,310,775
Ethnic Breakdown: Mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1%
Government: Republic
Languages: Spanish
Major Cities: Bogota, Cali, Medellin
Attractions: Cartagena, Caribbean Coast
Accomodation: Columbia Hostels
Tourism Office locations and links: Colombia Hostels
Off-the-Beaten-Path: San Andres
Health Issues: Altitude sickness, Cholera, hepatitis, malaria, rabies, Tetanus, typhoid, yellow feve
When to go: The best time to visit Colombia is from early December through March. This tends to be the time when hotels are at maximum capacity.
Common Phrases: Chao = Goodbye. Ch�vere = Cool. Cuanto cuesta? = How much?. Donde esta�? = Where is�?. Como se llama? = What is your name?. Me llamo� = My name is�
Specific Events/Holidays: Carnaval de Blancos y Negros: January, Carnaval de Barranquilla: February/March, Semana Santa: March or April; Feria de las Flores: August
Getting Around: Like most of South America, buses are the best means for navigating the country. Don’t attempt to drive your own vehicle, unless you’re friends with the FARC.

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