World Atlas · Colombia

Author: Xu Baohua (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-03-01
Features: In Latin America, Colombia is a country with distinctive characteristics. Located in a superior geographical position, it possesses abundant underground resources and is inhabited by hardworking, intelligent people with a glorious tradition of struggle and a deep love for peace. Colombia has a difficult past. It suffered more than three hundred years of Spanish colonial rule. After gaining independence, it experienced development, immigration, partisan conflicts, civil wars, imperialist invasions, military dictatorships, and heroic struggles by the people to defend national independence and fight for democracy, giving rise to national heroes like Simón Bolívar and writing chapters of moving history. Colombia implements a centralized system and adopts a presidential regime, establishing its political system based on the principle of "separation of powers" among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. In the 20th century, military coups became common in Latin American countries, but Colombia only experienced one instance of military dictatorship. However, Colombia remains the only country in Latin America where guerrilla groups still exist. Violent terrorist activities and the drug problem not only trouble Colombia's successive governments but also threaten the security of the entire Latin American region. Eradicating drugs, ending civil war, and achieving domestic peace are strong desires of the Colombian people. Colombia has long been renowned as the "Golden Land," and its coffee and flowers are world-famous. In the process of developing its national economy, it has achieved sustained economic growth. In the 1980s, Latin American countries faced a debt crisis, but Colombia was the only country in the region that did not engage in debt extension negotiations and was able to repay its foreign debts. It has also made encouraging achievements in diversifying coffee cultivation, adopting multiple business operations, and diversifying export products. However, the people of Colombia still live in relative poverty, and eliminating poverty and revitalizing the national economy are the unified demands of the Colombian people at present. In education, culture, and the arts, Colombia has also achieved remarkable success, giving rise to great realist writers like Gabriel García Márquez. Today, Colombia is a developing country of medium level, still facing the arduous task of overcoming poverty, achieving peace, and promoting development. The Colombian government and people are fighting with blood and sweat for these goals. The World Countries is a major research project of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a cross-institutional and interdisciplinary organization. The author has long been engaged in researching Latin American issues, particularly the Colombian issue, and is willing to share his research findings with readers through the writing of Colombia. "A stone from a distant mountain can be used to polish jade," and we can gain valuable insights from Colombia. Colombia is a unique country in Latin America. It not only has a superior geographical location, abundant underground resources, a difficult history, and a glorious tradition of struggle but also holds many "only": It is the "only" country in Latin America where guerrilla activities persist, the "only" country that did not extend its foreign debt repayment, the "only" one with the reputation of the "Golden Land," and the "only" country plagued by rampant drug crime. Target Audience: Government officials engaged in foreign affairs, scholars studying international issues, and all individuals concerned with international issues.