About Colombia

COUNTRY

Colombia is a large country (1,138,914 sq. km), the size of France, Spain and Portugal combined, with the second largest population in South America, after Brazil. It is the only South American country with coasts on both the Pacific and the Caribbean and is bordered by Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. The west of the country, almost half of the total territory, is mountainous and divided up by three forks of the Andean Mountain range whereas the south-eastern half is flat and a large part of it is covered by Amazonian rain forest. Because of the country’s location in the Tropics and its remarkable geographical diversity, Colombia’s biodiversity is unequalled. It has more species of birds and butterflies, for example, than any other country in the world. 

The country has a population of around 47.5 million people. The biggest Colombian cities are all situated either in the mountains or on the Caribbean coast, with large areas of the east left very sparsely populated. Spanish is the official language and spoken by the overwhelming majority of Colombians, although there are estimated to be approximately 850,000 speakers of native languages in the remote interior. 

Despite years of drug and politically related violence, Colombia has managed to maintain long-term sustainable economic growth and remains one of the largest economies in Latin America. Colombia is rich in natural resources with crude oil, coal, coffee and cut flowers among the principal exports. 

BOGOTA CITY

Bogota has a population of approximately 8 million people and is at an altitude of 2600m with an average temperature of 18 degrees C. The city is situated on a plain in the Andes with high hills running along its eastern edge. Rainfall is relatively high, one result being that the countryside around Bogota is very green. Like most South American cities, Bogota is a city of contrasts. While there are some very poor areas, there is little if any need for expats to visit these. The areas in which majority of expats reside are pleasant and modern, with clean streets, shopping centres, a limited number of parks, restaurants, cinemas and clubs. 

In Colombia, Bogota has a reputation for being relatively conservative in its customs, at least by the standards of the Caribbean coastal towns. Many of Colombia’s main cultural events take place in the other major cities such as the carnival of Barranquilla, the Cartagena Hay literary festival, the Medellin flower festival, the Popayan Easter pageant, and the Ferias of Cali, Pasto and Valledupar. However, Bogota has many cultural venues and festivals of its own, many of which are renowned globally, evidenced by the fact it is the only city to twice be awarded the title of Cultural Capital of Ibero America. During bank holiday weekends (festivos), many Bogotanos leave the city to visit the surrounding countryside or take a short inexpensive flight to a neighbouring city. 

LIVING CONDITIONS

Colombians are friendly and engaging; the country is colourful, diverse and there are many places to visit. It is also a welcoming and open country with vibrant LGBT+ scenes, multiple religions and equal gender opportunities. 

Culturally, the country offers a good range of set piece and regular events ranging from modern to classical forms of music, theatre, dance and film; food is good, varied and of high quality, particularly fresh produce with the exception of seafood which is inevitably frozen. Costs vary in Colombia and can be affected heavily by where you are and where you shop. Supermarkets in Bogota, for example, are on a par with major western cities, whereas markets outside of the expensive areas can be a lot cheaper. Outside the capital things are better value. 

Colombia has long had a reputation for being violent. While it is true that there are many serious issues that need to be addressed, life for expats in and outside Bogota is generally trouble-free providing common sense is used. Restrictions on travel around the country can be frustrating – some beautiful (but distant) places may be out of bounds for security reasons. Travel by air is the recommended way of travelling between the major cities, largely because of a combination of distance and poor road infrastructure that can make journeys burdensome. Expats are able to enjoy either by road, or by air the Caribbean coast, the Amazon, the Coffee Region and more. 

Bogota is a big city that has grown enormously over the last 40 years without much urban planning. It can feel claustrophobic, particularly due to the time it takes to get anywhere (traffic congestion is hard work) and a lack of open spaces and parks in the city. 

Speaking Spanish is a great asset at both work and socially. English is not widely spoken and those who do not speak Spanish may feel isolated in certain environments. However, it’s a relatively easy language to learn. Individuals can sign up for one to one lessons, but group lessons are popular, and there are excellent courses run at a variety of local universities and institutes which cater for all levels of Spanish. Also, Conversation Exchange is an international website where you can meet or Skype with others to practice Spanish. 

SECURITY

As in most major cities in the world, the greatest threat to foreigners is ‘street crime’, mainly but not exclusively, street robberies and on occasion with use of weapons (normally knife). Many parts of Bogota are affected by crime with most robberies normally occurring during the late evening after dark and in areas off main highways/roads. Recently thefts by professional pickpocket gangs have occurred in wealthier areas of Bogota including upmarket bars and clubs that have affected expats. By following security precautions, the risk of being the victim of such an attack can be minimized though not ruled out. Use of scopolamine in robberies is increasing as well as express kidnappings (where the victim is taken to a cashpoint and relieved of their money) still do occur.  By following basic security precautions, you can minimise the risk of becoming a victim. 

Although the Transmilenio system is considered by the locals to be quick, pretty safe, and reliable, it is unsafe with many thieves and pick pockets operating on board and levels of thefts on these buses are increasing. The standard of driving displayed by private bus-drivers is very poor and at times dangerous. Criminals use both public buses and the Transmilenio system to commit crimes and identify victims. Taxis are reasonably safe and services such as uber are widely available. 

It’s worth noting that most Colombians are courteous and friendly to visitors and will want to demonstrate the many good points that Colombia has to offer. 

LANGUAGE

 Official language is Spanish (English and Spanish in San Andrés and Providencia Islands, in the Caribbean).

EQUALITY & EQUITY

Colombia is a welcoming and open country with vibrant LGBT+ scenes, multiple religions and equal gender opportunities. Colombia is also very racially diverse with many different races and ethnicities. White people are generally in the minority in South America, with Hispanics, Latinos and people of colour being far more prevalent. Racial discrimination is very uncommon. 

There is no gender bias or gender restrictions, and men and women can follow the same advice in regard to security, local customers etc. 

Colombians do not actively discriminate against those with disabilities. However, it is worth noting that not all cities are particularly disability friendly. Pavements are uneven and often have big steps with no ramp. Some shops are wheelchair friendly but not all, there is no specific requirement for shops or restaurants to provide facilities for those with disabilities. The air quality in Bogota is not of a high standard, due to the traffic and due to the risk of street theft, those with sight or hearing issues may be particularly vulnerable. That being said, assistance dogs are very welcome in the majority of places and medical care is of an excellent standard. Majority of doctors also speak English. 

There is no public provision of care for those with disabilities, but private care is easily accessible and comparatively cheap compared to other western countries.