Is Colombia a republic or a monarchy? Climate, attractions, photos

A wonderful nature, including the magnificent jungles of the Amazon and the majestic mountains of the Andes, can be seen in this indescribably beautiful place. Even the most sophisticated tourists who have visited many countries of the world are amazed by the beauty seen here. This place is Colombia, in which the best beaches of all Latin America are located.

In the article we will answer some questions concerning this amazing country. What are the features of the state system? Is Colombia a republic or a monarchy? What are the characteristics of nature and climate? We will tell about the population and geographical position, about a kind of national cuisine and about many other things.

general information

Colombia is the gateway to South America. It is the only one among the South American countries, whose coasts are washed by the Caribbean Sea (access to the Atlantic Ocean) and the Pacific Ocean.

The Government of the country in recent years made significant efforts to promote the development of tourism and to ensure the safety of travelers and holidaymakers. Beautiful and rich in natural attractions of the republic.

Great Colombia is a country with its richest nature and history of culture. Each corner and every city of this state can tell about the curious past and its inhabitants.

Colombia (republic): photo, geographical location

Colombia occupies the northwestern zone of South America. From the east, it borders countries such as Venezuela and Brazil, from the northwest with Panama, and from the south - with Ecuador and Peru. Its northern part is washed by the Caribbean Sea, the western part by the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

The total area of the state is 1 141 748 sq. Km. Kilometers, the length of the border - 6004 km. Several islands are owned by Colombia.

The Republic is located on such a terrain, the relief of which represents a wide variety of landscapes. The western part of Colombia is represented by the Andean mountain system, the eastern part - the plateau with savanna, and the southeast - the jungle. Low-lying plains stretch along the coast, partly occupied by the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range. The highest peak here is Cristobal Colón (height 5775 meters).

The Great Amazon River stretches in the south-eastern part of the territory of Colombia, and the river. Orinoco flows in the east.

Population

Colombia is a republic with a large part of its population living in mountainous areas in the western part of the country. And people mostly settle along narrow and rather remote river valleys. The total population of the country is more than 46 million people. One third of the population are rural residents, and one-sixth of the Colombian population lives in the main city of the country - Santa Fe de Bogotá.

After the capital, the largest cities in Colombia are Cali, Medellin and Barranquilla. In total, about 75% of the total population of the country live in Colombian cities.

In terms of ethnic composition, about 58% - mestizo, white (Europeans) make up 20%, mulattoes - about 14%, 4% - Negroes and 3% and 1%, respectively, Sambo and Indians. 90% of Colombians in their religion - Catholics, 5%-Christians.

Capital

The capital of Colombia is Bogota. In this city a total of more than 11 million people live. Founded by the Spaniards in place of a small fortress of the Indians in 1538.

Official language, religion

The official language is Spanish in the country. In addition, Colombia has 75 languages of Indian, but each year their number is decreasing.

Government structure

Independence from Spanish colonization, Colombia received in July 1810, and its modern name (Republic of Colombia), it acquired in 1886.

According to the Constitution (1991), Colombia is a republic headed by a president, elected every 4 years by popular vote. At the same time, the elected head of the Republic heads the government.

Great Colombia has a bicameral parliament called the National Congress, which in turn consists of the House of Representatives (total 166 deputies) and the Senate (there are 102 senators in it).

The main political parties are the following: Social Party of National Unity, Liberal, Conservative, National Integration Party, "Radical Changes".

In administrative terms, it is divided into departments (and they - into municipalities) and the capital district of the Republic of Colombia.

The climate of Colombia

Although Colombia is located almost at the equator, due to the difference in altitude, it has 4 climatic zones (mainly subequatorial and equatorial). Territories for the most part (83%) are below 1000 m from the ur. seas. In these places, the air temperature averages + 24 ° C. The rest (9%) is located at an altitude of 1000-2000 m above sea level, where the air temperature averages about + 18 ° C. There are altitudes here and up to 3000 meters, the average air temperature on which is + 12C.

On the Caribbean coast, the dry season is from December to March, and the remaining months are the rainy season. There is almost no dry season on this Pacific coast.

Flora and fauna

A great variety of vegetation and wildlife has Colombia. The Republic, where the Pacific Lowland is located, has evergreen moist forests, and where the coast of the Caribbean Sea stretches, mangrove forests stretch. The savannas predominate, as noted above, in the northeast and east. Andes represent woodlands and shrubs.

And the world of animals here is diverse: many species of insects, birds, mammals and fish.

The most exotic species of animals, especially interesting for tourists: jaguars, butterflies, hummingbirds and piranhas.

Oceans, seas and rivers of Colombia

The northern part of the country, as noted above, is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, and the western part by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The sea coast has a total length of 3,208 km. Average water temperature at the coast is + 26С.

Three rivers flow through the territory of Colombia: in the southeast - the Amazon, in the west - the Magdalena river, in the east - Orinoco. Magdalena - the largest natural exotic landmark (1600 km), which has the Republic of Colombia.

Historical cities, reviews about them

The largest cities in Colombia are Bogota, Kali, Medellin, Cucuta, Barranquilla, Cartagena, Bucaramanga.

Reviews of tourists about the trip to this amazing country, for these historic cities, the most positive. Especially popular for visiting the city, retaining the architecture of colonial times.

Here you can see a magnificent city with many surviving churches of that period - Popayan. Tourists admire the magnificent architecture of monasteries and museums (16th century).

The same amazing architectural structures can be seen in the city of Kali. One of the main attractions of this city is the famous Faralone de Canaberalejo (national park), where bullfighting is constantly taking place.

The city of Leticia is located on the banks of the great Amazon River (near the border with Peru and Brazil). He is glorified by the so-called Monkey Island, in which these animals live in an amount of about 1000.

It is perfect for recreation and travel Republic of Colombia.

sights

In Colombia you can see the preserved historical monuments of the powerful and mysterious civilizations of the Andean Indians. There are interesting archaeological parks of Thierradentro and San Agustin. In these ancient necropolises are discovered.

Tourists can visit and see the ancient Spanish cities with preserved to the modern days of magnificent monuments of medieval architecture (Spanish). These are cities such as Tunja (the Spaniards founded it in 1539), Villa de Leyva (foundation - 1572) and Santa Cruz de Mompox (founded in 1540).

The Republic of Colombia has many national parks and reserves where you can see beautiful exotic birds and animals: the national parks of Sierra Macarena, Tayrona, Faralones de Cali, Chiribiquete, Ensenada de Urga, Paramillo, Gorgona National Park.

Holidaymakers in Colombia offer tourists a curious excursion, during which you can better know the life of local Indians. Also here you can visit the birthplace of the famous writer - Colombian Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

It should also be noted that in Colombia there are more than 1,700 species of birds.

Culture

Colombia is a republic that has a culture that was formed under the influence of ancient traditions and customs of the Indians and people from Africa and Europe (the Spaniards). It turns out that this is a multicultural country where all regions have their own unique features.

The culture of the Andean population has a strong European influence. And the population of the Caribbean is a mixture of African and Indian. The inhabitants of the Pacific coast are closer to African traditions. The basis of the culture of the Amazon basin are Indian customs.

Moreover, every Colombian region has its own holidays.

Holidays

The people of Colombia are very fond of carnivals. The largest of them are in January (in the town of Pasto) and February (carnival of Barranquilla).

From fairs, festivals and exhibitions, the following should be noted:

• Cali Fair.

• Exhibition of flowers in Medellin.

• International Music Caribbean Festival.

• Theater Festival (Latin American).

• Film Festival in the city of Cartagena.

Colombia is a republic whose people love and know how to entertain. And playing sports for them, too, are not in the last place. Every year there are cycling "Colombia-Tour" (from March to April). Often tennis, football and other games are held here. And bullfight is an important part of the culture of this people.

Most of the holidays have a religious character, for example, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. John's Day. Joseph.

Colombian National Cuisine

At its core, the national cuisine of this country is the tradition that prevailed here before its discovery by Columbus. It is felt both European and Asian influence.

The basis of almost all of their dishes are beans, vegetables, rice and a variety of various flavored spices.

The Colombian cuisine is quite diverse and sometimes unusual. Everything depends on the regions. In some of them even fried ants eat, which will not be touched in other areas.

Great accent, in general, in the country is made on meat dishes. In coastal areas, however, the prevalence of dishes from lobsters, fish and other seafood, which are often prepared with coconut milk sauce.

The Republic of Colombia has a peculiar, unusual for many tourists national cuisine. Therefore, as a rule, tourists are recommended to try only some of the dishes. This: chicken soup with potatoes, capers, avocado, corn and sour cream; Corn tortillas, similar to pancakes; Rice in coconut milk; Creamy soup with green onions and eggs; Stewed seafood; Pork with red beans; Fried meat with potatoes, fried bananas and cassava; Rice-coconut pudding and other dishes from chicken, beef, fruit and vegetables.

The traditional and most common drinks here are coffee, hot chocolate, water with cane sugar and lime juice, fruit juices, and alcoholic beers - beer and rum (reed vodka).

Alcoholic beverages: liqueur Aguardiente (made from sugar cane with anise with a strength of 29%), Chicha (rice fermented drink with sugar and milk), Canelazo (fruit juice with cinnamon).

Resorts

Colombia is a republic with several beautiful large resorts on the Caribbean coast - Barranquilla, Cartagena, Santa Marta. Not far from the coast are islands, the location of which is convenient for visiting tourists: Providencia, Santa Catalina and San Andres. On their magnificent beaches with snow-white sand and with fabulously beautiful coral reefs with pleasure rest numerous tourists.

All these beach resorts offer a variety of services for tourists: hotels, clubs, shops, restaurants. The only, little-developed tourists are the Pacific coast in the western part of the country, although the beaches there are also beautiful, as well as on the Caribbean coast. On these shores and lagoons are beautiful, and the islands. The only negative - more often rains.

In conclusion - how to get to Colombia

Colorful and attractive resorts have Columbia (Republic). How to get to it to see these magnificent places and usefully spend your time relaxing?

There are no direct flights to Colombia from Russia. There you can get to the plane only by transit routes, with transfers at airports of America or Europe.

From France there are regular direct flights to Bogota, as well as from Amsterdam and Madrid.

Many North American (Washington, Atlanta, Houston, etc.) and South American cities (Caracas, Buenos Aires, Quito, etc.) are directly connected with Bogota.

Columbia Airport Eldorado is located 15 km from the center of Bogota.

In order to see the amazing beauty of the magnificent nature of Colombia, it is worthwhile to endure such a rather long flight.