Colombia Country Information

Fact and Figures

Location - Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama

Capital - Bogotá

Population - 44.2million

People - Mestizo [mixed Amerindian & White] 58%, European 20%, Mulatto 14%, Black 4%, mixed Amerindian & Black 3%, Amerindian 1%

Language - Spanish

Religion - Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%

Literacy rate - 90.4%

Life expectancy - 74.3 years

% Living below $1/day - 7%

Sources The CIA World Fact Book 2008, Compassion International, www.news.bbc.co.uk

Colombia

Colombia is one of the most violent countries in the world. The civil war between government troops, left-wing insurgents and right-wing paramilitaries has its roots in the unequal distribution of wealth, with the families of Spanish descent benefitting from the country’s natural resources far more than the majority, mixed-race population.

The Colombian government has stepped up efforts to reassert control, but as the rebels have become reliant on the lucrative returns from drug smuggling and kidnapping, attempts to create lasting peace have failed.

Over three million people, mostly women and children, have fled their homes as a result. Children are not only indirectly affected by the violence but, despite a law prohibiting the use of children in the armed forces, there are still an estimated 7,000 child soldiers in various militia groups.

The high levels of poverty, particularly in indigenous groups, have also caused widespread anaemia and malnutrition among children. There are also no laws protecting children from forced labour and it is estimated that about four million children are required to work.

Compassion’s work in Colombia started in 1976. There are currently more than 214 projects with over 51,300 registered children. Our goal is to reach out to the children in Colombia; giving them the opportunity to rise above their circumstances and become all God has created them to be.

Compassion Colombia does not have any Child Survival Programmes yet.

Over 51,300 children are currently being assisted in more than 214 Child Sponsorship Programmes in Colombia.

Compassion Colombia currently has 85 active Leadership Development Programme students.