Colombia in Perspective: Orientation Guide and Spanish Cultural Orientation: Geography, History, Economy, Society, Security, Military, Religion, Amazon, Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Narcotrafficking

These two unique guides produced by the Department of Defense provide comprehensive information about all aspects of life in Colombia, with a special emphasis on geography, history, the economy, society, security and military matters, religion, traditions, urban and rural life, ethnic groups, crime, the environment, government, holidays, gender issues and much more.

Profile * Introduction * Facts and Figures * Geography * Introduction * Geographic Regions and Topographic Features * Climate * Rivers and Lakes * Cities * Bogota * Medellin * Cali * Barranquilla * Cartagena * Environmental Concerns * Natural Hazards * History * Pre-European Colombia * Spanish Conquests * Early Spanish Colonialism * The Viceroyalty of New Granada * The Late Colonial Period * Independence * Gran Colombia * Conservatives, Liberals, and Civil War * Liberal Ascendancy * The Regeneration * The End of the Conservative Era * La Violencia * The National Front * Guerrilla Movements and Paramilitary Organizations * The Post-National Front Era * Economy * Introduction * Industry and Manufacturing * Agriculture * Banking and Currency * Trade * Investment * Energy and Mineral Resources * Standard of Living * Tourism * Transportation * Economic Outlook * International Organizations * Society * Introduction * Ethnic Groups * Language * Religion * Cuisine * Traditions * Celebrations and Holidays * Arts * Traditional Dress * Folk Crafts and Folklore * Sports and Leisure * Gender Issues * Security * Military and Internal Security * U.S.-Colombian Relations * Relations With Neighboring Countries * Terrorist Groups * Other Security Issues * Geography * Geographic Divisions and Topographic Features * Andes Mountains * Pacific Coast * Caribbean Coast * Grassland Plains (Llanos) * Amazon Rainforest * Climate * Rivers * Rio Magdalena * Rio Guaviare and Rio Orinoco * The Amazon and Tributaries * Major Cities * Bogota * Medellin * Cali * Barranquilla * Cartagena * History * Early History * The Colonial Era and Independence * Internal Division and the Republic of Colombia * The Era of Insurgency, Counterinsurgency, and Narcotrafficking * Recent Events * Government * Media * Economy * Overview * Agriculture * Industry * Energy and Resources * Ethnic and Linguistic Groups * Awa-Cuaiquer * Embera * Guahibo * Inga and Jungle Inga * Paez * Wayuu * RELIGION * Introduction * Religion and Government * Religious Events and Holidays * Holy Week * May through November Observances * December Observances * Carnaval * Buildings of Worship * Behavior in Places of Worship * TRADITIONS * Introduction * Greetings, Politeness, and Communication * Hospitality and Gift-Giving * Gift-Giving * Dining Etiquette * Eating and Types of Food * Dress Codes * Nonreligious Celebrations and Holidays * Dos and Don'ts * URBAN LIFE * Introduction * Urban Problems * Urban Economy * Urban Healthcare * Education * Restaurants and Marketplace * Restaurants * Street Vendors * Marketplace * Money and ATMs * Transportation and Traffic * Buses * Taxis * Cars * Planes and Trains * Street Crimes and Solicitations * Crime and Security * Dealing with Beggars * RURAL LIFE * Introduction * Land Tenure * Rural Economy * Rural Transportation * Rural Healthcare * Education * Who's in Charge * Checkpoints * Land Mines * FAMILY LIFE * Introduction * Family Structure * Status of Women, Children, and Elderly * Women * The Elderly * Children * Marriage and Divorce * Marriage * Divorce * Family Social Events * Weddings * Funerals * Quinceaneras * Naming Conventions * Chapter 6 Assessment