Colombia

About Columbia

Colombia is a republic that gained independence from Spain July 10, 1810. More than 42 million people live in Colombia. Spanish is the official language. Roman Catholics compose the largest religious group (90%).

Colombia has long been noted for its violent political history. In the 19th century there were 9 civil wars. The 20th century saw only one period of relatively long period of peace, from 1902-1935. The division of political beliefs in the mid-nineteenth century into conservative and liberal factions has produced debate as well as civil war. Guerillas, armed forces, right-wing vigilante groups and drug traffickers help ensure Colombia still has the highest death rate in Latin America. Murder is the major cause of death for men between the ages of 15 and 45. Violence resulted in the 250,000 deaths in the 1990's. In addition to deaths due to guerilla warfare, 10% of the homicides have been politically motivated. Since the late 1980's, another 1.5 million have been displaced or have become refugees. High rates of displacement continue today.

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