Name
The country, which was called Nueva Granada (“New Granada “)during the Spanish colonial rule, was given its current name “Colombia” in honor of the famous circumnavigator Christopher Columbus at the beginning of the 19th century.
Business
In terms of value, drugs are Colombia’s main export item. About 70% of the drugs traded in the US are believed to come from Colombia. Official important export goods are crude oil, coal, coffee, cut flowers, bananas, gold and precious stones. In addition to agricultural products, machines, vehicles, electrical equipment and iron and steel products are also imported. The USA is the most important trading partner, but the Chinese and EU markets are also becoming increasingly important. There are lively trade relations with the other South American countries, especially with Venezuela. Visit weddinginfashion for Economy of South America.
Memberships
Colombia is a member of the World Bank, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It is also a member of the Andean Community (CAD).
Population
Colombia has 44.5 million residents, 70% of whom live in the Andean regions. The lowlands in the east are almost uninhabited, although attempts are being made to make this region of large primeval forest and savannah areas habitable through resettlement and immigration of skilled agricultural workers. The population density is particularly high in the cities, as many families can no longer support themselves with the small piece of land that is left to them. Around one million Colombians have emigrated to Venezuela legally and illegally, as there are better opportunities to earn a living there. The 200,000 members of the indigenous tribeslive on the Gujira peninsula, the catchment area of the Orinoco and in the Andean high valleys. Only about 20% of the population are white, the proportion of mestizos (mixed race between Indians and whites) is about 50%, the population group of Africans and their descendants about 30%.
Religion
Most of the Colombian population is Catholic. Another major religious group is affiliated with American evangelical sects.
Language
The official language of Colombia is Spanish. English is only understood in large tourist centers and partly in the capital. Basic knowledge of Spanish is therefore helpful or urgently required in some areas.
Food and drink
Colombia probably offers one of the most diverse cuisines in South America. In addition to dishes that are very exotic for us, such as guinea pigs (” cuy “) or deep-fried giant ants (” hormiga “), there are of course also not so unusual specialties such as:
– ajiaco (rich soup with chicken, at least three different types of potatoes, corn, capers, avocado)
– tamales ( corn dough usually with meat, rice and vegetables wrapped in a banana leaf)
– sobrebarriga (baked or roasted beef belly with rice, potatoes and vegetables)
– lechona ( gratinated and stuffed pork belly with potatoes and vegetables)
Colombian coffee is not for the spoiled coffee palate, as it is mostly made from instant powder. Water is rarely drunk, as juices and milk are usually preferred.
Entry
When entering Colombia, a passport is required, which should be valid for at least 6 months at the time of arrival. During the immigration control, the length of the stay must be proven, e.g. by presenting the flight ticket.
Medical advice
Current information on mandatory vaccinations for Colombia can be obtained from your family doctor or on the website of the Center for Travel Medicine (CRM).
Current
Electricity is in Colombia 110 and 120 V. An adapter is therefore urgently required.
Security / drugs
Current travel advice can also be found at https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/. The regulations for contact with drugs are very strict and you should avoid any contact with drugs.
For further reading
Our article about Colombia and its sights: https://www.ab-in-den-urlaub.de/extra/specials/geheimtipp-kolumbien
Addresses
In Germany:
Embassy of the Republic of Colombia
Berlin
E-Mail: [email protected]
https://alemania.embajada.gov.co/de
Consulate general in Frankfurt am Main, honorary consulates in Bremen and Hamburg.
In Colombia:
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
Bogota
E-Mail: [email protected]
https://www.bogota.diplo.de/
Honorary consulates in Baranquilla, Cali, Cartagena and Medellín.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In Germany https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/
In Austria https://www.bmaa.gv.at/
In Switzerland https://www.eda.admin.ch/
Frequently asked questions about Colombia
What are the entry requirements for Colombia?
German citizens need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months when entering Colombia if the stay does not last longer than 180 days.
What vaccinations do you need to travel to Colombia?
A vaccination against yellow fever is strongly recommended. In addition, it is recommended to be vaccinated against tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A, and in the case of long-term stays of four weeks or particular exposure against hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid. We definitely recommend taking out health insurance abroad with repatriation.
