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Who are the people?

Most Colombians are mestizo, of mixed Spanish and Native American ancestry. The country was a colony of Spain from 1499 to the early 1800s. Early on, Native Americans blended quickly into Colombia’s Spanish culture. Today, 96 percent of the population speaks Spanish.

Colombians take pride in being a creative, warm, and optimistic people. Families are close-knit and extended families often live nearby. Children usually do not move out of their parents’ home until they marry.

Although literacy is relatively high in Colombia, the country’s culture revolves largely around oral communication. About 30 percent of all school-age children do not attend school because of a shortage of educational facilities. Families may frequently move to find seasonal work or better opportunities, making it difficult for children to stay in school.

Colombia’s history has been marred by political and social unrest. The country won independence from Spain after a revolution in 1810. It experienced civil war and lost control of Panama at the beginning of the 20th century. Lively debate continues to this day between the conservative and liberal factions of the Colombian government.


 
Country Statistics 
Population44 million
Land Mass401,042 sq. miles
Life Expectancy72 years
Infant Mortality Rate20 / 1,000
Literacy Rate92%
School Enrollment91%
Access to Safe Water93%
Average Annual Income (GNI per capita)US$2290
 
 
What is it like to live there?

The Andes Mountains dominate Colombia’s landscape, with three ranges running the length of the country from north to south.

They divide the country into three major regions: the highland core, the coastal lowlands, and the eastern plains.

The weather in Colombia varies from hot and wet along the coast and in the valleys to quite cold at higher elevations. During the rainy season, overflowing rivers and poor sanitation combine to spread diseases like malaria and yellow fever.

Although primary education is free, educational facilities are limited. Only 60 percent of rural children attend school, compared to 80 percent of urban children. World Vision child sponsorship helps create more opportunities for children to attend school.

Colombia is rich in natural resources and beauty. In addition to being the leading producer of emeralds, it also is home to the world’s largest platinum deposits. Many people consider Colombian coffee to be the best in the world. Colombians farm about 150,000 coffee plantations, mostly on the mountain slopes between 2,900 and 5,800 feet above sea level. They export the rich beans to countries all across the globe.

How You Can Pray for Your Sponsored Child
  • Pray that your sponsored child might be open to hearing and receiving the Gospel of Jesus Christ and responding to God’s love and grace.
  • Ask God to guide your sponsored child as he or she learns, grows, and moves toward a future full of hope and possibilities.
  • Pray for God to protect the health of your sponsored child
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