Colombian Overview

For my first blog I would like to familiarize you, as well as myself, on an overview of the Republic of Colombia. When you hear the word Colombia, what comes to mind? When I think of Colombia I picture two things: sultry Colombian native singer Shakira and the drug cartels. These two images are all I recognize when it comes to Colombia. Of course, there is much more to fourth largest country in South America.


Basic Facts:
-Population: 45.7 million
-Capital: Bogota
-Major Language: Spanish
-Major Religion: Christianity
-Monetary Unit: 1 Colombian Peso = 100 centavos
-Main Exports: Petroleum, coffee, coal, gold, bananas, cut flowers, chemicals, emeralds, cotton products, sugar, livestock
-GNI per Capita: US $4,660 (World Bank, 2008)
-President: Alvaro Uribe came to power in May 2002 in a first-round election victory and secured a second, four-year term in May 2006

According to BBC News, Colombia is one the most dangerous places in the world for journalists to operate. This must play into the fact why I do not hear news of happenings in Colombia. Media workers face intimidation by drug traffickers, guerrillas and paramilitary groups. It seems as if the life of a journalist in Colombia is a life risking career. Constantly fighting the issues the country is faced with today. In the 1990's, over 120 Colombian journalists were killed! They were particularly dealing with reports on drug trafficking and corruption. The media-freedom organisation Reporters Without Borders has denounced armed groups, corrupt politicians and drug barons as "enemies of press freedom". One of the main covert stations is the Farc-operated La Voz de la Resistencia, which media rebels described as another battlefront. However, most Colombians choose television for their main media connection.

Now that I had an overview of the Republic of Colombia, I can better understand the coming of current events.

¡Adios Amigos!