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Contents

Offical name and location The family


Capital and main cities Customs

Type of goverment Production


Contents
Trade Business meeting Culture
Exports Protocols Food

Imports Music Tourism


Currency Language
Official name
Republic of Colombia/ Republica de Colombia.
Location
Colombia is a country of northwestern South America. Its 1,000
miles (1,600 km) of coast to the north are bathed by the waters of
the Caribbean Sea, and its 800 miles (1,300 km) of coast to the west
are washed by the Pacific Ocean. The country is bordered by
Panama, which divides the two bodies of water, on the northwest,
by Venezuela and Brazil on the east, and by Peru and Ecuador on the
south. It is more than twice the size of France .
Bogotá
Bogotá (officially Bogotá, D.C. for "Distrito Capital," ),
formerly called Santa Fe de Bogotá, is the capital city of
the South American nation of Colombia, as well as the
largest and most populous city in the country. The
inclusion of its metropolitan area, the municipalities
such as Chía, Cota, Soacha, Cajica and La Calera, brings
its population to well over 7 million people.
Bogota is the educational, cultural, commercial,
administrative, financial, and political center of
Colombia. As with many large, cosmopolitan cities, it is
a city of diverse contrasts, both economically and
culturally.
Medellín
Medellin is a city in northwestern Colombia. It is
the capital of Antioquia department. The city is
after Bogota the largest city in the country.
Medellin is located in the Valle de Aburrá, and the
same metropolitan area Valle de Aburrá (Aburra
Valley). It is an area with more than 3.2 million
habitants and an industrial and commercial center.
Cartagena
Cartagena is a city that is located on the shores of the
Caribbean Sea, in the northwestern part of the South
American continent. If you are wondering where is
Cartagena in Colombia, it is located in the north of
the country and is the capital of the Bolívar region.
The city has several archipelagos and islands around
that are paradises for true rest. Among these are
Tierra Bomba Island, Múcura Islan, and Barú Island,
among others.
Barranquilla
Barranquilla, also known as 'La Arenosa' or 'Curramba
la Bella,' is one of Colombia's main cities and a
reference tourist destination for locals and
foreigners. Thanks to its privileged geography,
Barranquilla, the capital of the Atlántico Department,
boasts one of the country's most important ports.
Therefore, the city is also known as Colombia's
'Golden Gate.' This has allowed it to position itself as
a city with high potential for economic and industrial
development.
Colombia has a presidential representative democratic
republic form of government. In this system, the
President is both the head of state and the head of
government. The government is divided into three
branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial
branches, each with its own powers and responsibilities.
The President is elected by popular vote to serve a four-
year term and can be re-elected for one additional term.
Gustavo Francisco Petro
Urrego
"President of the Republic"

In the elections of June 19, 2022,


he was elected for the
presidential term 2022-2026.
Sundays are sacred, they are family
day. Family unity is one of the most
important values for Colombians, as
the saying goes: "family is
everything." That's why, over time,
Sunday was chosen as the day when
everyone gathers, as it is the only
moment when they can come
together to enjoy lunch, good
conversation, and lots of laughter.
In Colombia, there are several important ports and customs facilities that
play a crucial role in the country's international trade and logistics. Some
of the most significant ports and customs facilities include:

Port of Buenaventura
Port of Cartagena
Port of Barranquilla
Colombia has a diverse economy with several key sectors contributing to
production. Some of the major industries and sectors driving production in
Colombia include:

Coffe: To no one's surprise, coffee is the agricultural product with the


highest export value. The unique aroma and flavor of Colombian
coffee, praised by so many beverage enthusiasts, have favored the
growth of coffee production within the national territory.
Oil and Mining: Colombia is one of the largest producers of oil
and coal in Latin America. The country's oil industry, located
primarily in the eastern plains and along the Caribbean coast,
plays a significant role in the economy.
Manufacturing: Manufacturing is a key sector in Colombia,
producing goods such as textiles, clothing, chemicals,
pharmaceuticals, and processed foods. The country's
manufacturing industry is centered around major cities like
Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali.
Colombia has several free trade agreements (FTAs) that are important for its
economy. Some of Colombia's most prominent free trade agreements include:
Free Trade Agreement with the United States (Colombia-US FTA): Implemented
in 2012, this agreement is one of the most significant for Colombia. It
facilitates trade between the two countries by reducing tariffs and eliminating
trade barriers.
Free Trade Agreement with the European Union (Colombia-EU FTA): Entered
into force in 2013, this agreement establishes a framework for trade in goods
and services between Colombia and the member countries of the European
Union. It helps promote economic growth and trade cooperation between the
parties.
Free Trade Agreement with Canada (Colombia-Canada FTA): Implemented in
2011, this agreement promotes bilateral trade between Colombia and Canada
by eliminating tariffs and facilitating access to each other's markets.
Economic Integration Agreement with Mexico: Colombia has an economic
integration agreement with Mexico that facilitates bilateral trade and
promotes economic cooperation between the two countries.
1. Coffee: Colombia is one of the world's leading producers of coffee and is
known for its high-quality beans. Colombian coffee is exported to numerous
countries and is an iconic product of Colombia.

2. Oil and Petroleum Products:Colombia is a major producer of oil and


petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, and natural gas. Oil exports
are a significant source of the country's export revenue.

3. Flowers: Colombia is one of the world's top exporters of cut flowers.


Roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, and other flowers grown in Colombia
are exported to international markets, especially in the United States and
Europe.
4. Bananas: Bananas are another important export product for Colombia.
The country is one of the world's leading exporters of bananas and ships
large quantities of this fruit to international markets.

5. Coal: Colombia is one of the world's major exporters of coal, with vast
coal reserves within its territory. Colombian coal is primarily used for power
generation and is exported to various countries.

6. Textiles and Apparel: Colombia's textile and apparel industry is another


important export sector. Clothing, footwear, and textiles manufactured in
Colombia are exported to international markets.
1. **Machinery and Equipment:** Colombia imports machinery and
equipment for various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and
construction. This includes machinery for manufacturing processes,
agricultural machinery, and construction equipment.

2. **Electronics:** Colombia imports a wide range of electronic products,


including computers, smartphones, televisions, and other consumer
electronics. These products are essential for both consumers and
businesses in Colombia.

3. **Vehicles and Automotive Parts:** Colombia imports vehicles such as


cars, trucks, and motorcycles, as well as automotive parts and components.
The automotive industry in Colombia relies on imports to meet domestic
demand for vehicles and spare parts.
4. **Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals:** Colombia imports chemicals for various industrial
processes, as well as pharmaceutical products and medications. These imports are
essential for the country's manufacturing sector and healthcare system.

5. **Fuels and Energy Products:** Despite being an oil-producing country, Colombia also
imports refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel to meet domestic
demand. Additionally, Colombia imports other energy products such as natural gas and
coal.

6. **Food and Beverages:** Colombia imports a variety of food and beverage products to
supplement domestic production and meet consumer demand for imported goods. This
includes items such as grains, meats, dairy products, and beverages.
1. Punctuality: Meetings may start a bit late, but arriving on time
shows respect.
2. Greetings: Handshakes are common; build rapport before business
talk.
3. Formality: Wear suits/ties (men) or professional attire (women);
use titles and last names until invited to be more casual.
4. Language: Spanish is official, but English is often spoken; knowing
some Spanish can be helpful.
5. Hierarchy: Respect authority and seniority; decisions often made by
senior members.
6.Relationship Building: Prioritize building personal connections;
show genuine interest.
7. Negotiation: Be prepared for negotiations; use tact and
diplomacy for mutual benefit.
8. Follow-Up: Send a thank-you email summarizing key points;
maintain communication.
1. Greetings: Handshakes and hugs are common greetings.
2. Respect for Elders: Show respect and use formal titles.
3. Punctuality: Arrive on time for appointments.
4. Gift Giving: Giving gifts is common for special occasions.
5. Business Etiquette: Dress professionally and build personal
relationships.
Music in Colombia is incredibly diverse and reflects the country's rich
cultural heritage and multicultural influences. Some of the most
prominent genres and styles of music in Colombia include

Cumbia
Vallenato
Salsa
Champeta
Reggaeton
Cumbia
Vallenato
Salsa
Champeta
Reggaeton
In Colombian culture, there are many customs and
traditions, among them the most well-known are:

The Barranquilla Carnival


The flower festival
Day of the Little Candles
. Colombian cuisine is highly diverse and reflects the variety of ingredients
and culinary traditions of the country. Some important dishes and elements
of Colombian gastronomy include:

1. Bandeja Paisa: A typical dish from the Antioquia region, which includes
grilled meat, pork rind, rice, beans, fried egg, avocado, and ripe plantain.
2. Ajiaco: A thick soup made with chicken, corn, potato, and guascas (a
Colombian herb), typical of the Andean region.
3. Arepa: A flatbread made from cornmeal dough, consumed throughout
the country and served with a variety of toppings such as cheese, eggs,
avocado, or meat.
4. Sancocho: A thick stew made with meat (chicken, beef, or pork),
plantain, yuca, potato, corn, and other vegetables, which varies by
region.
Tourism in Colombia has experienced significant growth in recent years and
has become an important sector of the country's economy. Colombia has
attracted an increasing number of domestic and international tourists due to
its diversity of landscapes, rich culture, fascinating history, and hospitality.
The Colombian government has invested in tourism promotion and
infrastructure development to support this expanding industry. Although
there are still challenges in terms of security in some areas, tourism
continues to be a significant source of income and employment in Colombia.
The currency in Colombia is the Colombian peso (COP), symbolized by "$". It's
divided into 100 centavos. Banknotes come in denominations of 1,000,
2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 pesos, while coins range
from 50 centavos to 1,000 pesos.
In addition to Spanish, which is the official language and the most spoken in
Colombia, there are around 68 indigenous languages officially recognized in
the country. These languages belong to different linguistic groups, such as
Chibchan, Arawakan, Cariban, Quechuan, Tucanoan, among others.
Additionally, there are Afro-Colombian communities that preserve their own
languages, some of which have African roots and have developed in Colombia
over generations.

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