Despite its image as a dangerous destination, Colombia harbors beautiful beaches, mountains, desert and jungle, and is replete with exotic wildlife and small towns of friendly people.
The kidnapping threat in Colombia is perhaps higher than in any other country in the world. Most of this instability is attributable to a war among the army, right-wing paramilitary and left-wing guerrilla groups for control of the highly profitable cocaine trade. Many foreign nationals have been kidnapped in Colombia. The U.S. State Department reported 32 kidnappings of U.S. citizens since 2000 and four in 2004.
The climate and weather is tropical, but varies with location and altitude - hot and steamy along the coasts, cooler in the mountains, wet on the Pacific coast, dry in the desert. Bogota, the capital, is cool with frequent rain March-May and October-November; other months are relatively dry.
The population of Colombia is more than half mestizo (mixed European and indigenous). The remainder is of European (20 percent), African-European (15 percent) and indigenous descent. The official language is Spanish, but more than 50 indigenous languages are spoken.
Commercial air travel is the easiest and safest way to get to and around Colombia. The international airport in Bogota is served by airlines from around the world. Buses are available, but roads are often in abysmal condition; drive on the right. Travel by car is extremely hazardous.
The communications infrastructure is modern and reliable in the cities, with international direct dialing available, but quite unreliable in rural and rebel-held areas.
Colombia's politics and economy are influenced heavily by illegal drug production and trade. The U.S. helps the government fight the drug war with monetary aid to eliminate the cocaine trade, which may make U.S. citizens a greater target for kidnapping by guerrilla groups. Most of Colombia's rural population is impoverished and struggles to live among the warring drug factions, oil and mining corporations, constant inflation and fluctuating market prices for coffee, their main (legal) crop.
The iJET® Intelligence Center
Intelligence Officers at iJET are currently monitoring local conditions in Colombia to provide a level of information that surpasses any available from other public sources, including the U.S. State Department. Free from political constraints or concerns, our data provides vital, unfiltered information created specifically for travelers.
Travelers to Colombia or those considering travel to Colombia are strongly advised to purchase an Intelligence Brief early in the travel planning process for the most timely and concise information available on the country.
For only $7.50 you will receive the most complete intelligence available to the general public. Each Intelligence Brief contains data on 12 areas of concern for travelers (including Local weather, Security and Health advisories, Local Travel Alerts, Entry/exit requirements, Cultural and Business information, Transportation updates, Communications/Technology, the Legal and Financial situation, Environmental concerns and Language) plus you will receive a detailed map and real-time updates from the world's leading private intelligence gathering organization.
To purchase and immediately download the latest Intelligence Brief for the country Click Here