| Overview | |
| (US Embassy) Colombia is the longest and most stable democracy in South America, the fifth largest country in the region and has enjoyed five years of consistent economic growth thanks to the Democratic Security Policy. In 2007, the nation's economy grew by 7.52%; among the highest rates in Latin America and five times Colombia's economic growth rate in 2002. Since 2002, Colombia has experienced an unprecedented period of economic expansion, social stability and relative peace. Through a series of bold reforms, the government has fostered growth of the Colombian economy, increased government transparency, investment in social welfare programs and a significant reduction of the level of violence in the country. This is the New Colombia. Plan Colombia was created in 1999 as the main subject of the government's peace policy. In the beginning, it was conceived as a special plan for areas affected by conflict. It is an alternative development program to increase substitution of coca crops and help displaced people. All of this combines with a peace policy, civic coexistence, and all the strategies generated by the struggle against drugs. Capital: Bogotá Area: 1,138,910 km² Population: 44. million (2007 July) Language(s): Spanish. Religion(s): Roman Catholic - 90%, others - 10%. | |