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.
Most Colombians are mestizo, of mixed Spanish and Native American ancestry. The country was a colon

Country Comparison	Colombia	United States
Population	44.9 million	295.4 million
Land Mass	401,042 sq. miles	3,537,439 sq. miles
Life Expectancy	73 years	78 years
Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000)	18	7
Literacy Rate	94%	97%
Primary School Enrollment	93%	92%
Access to Safe Water	92%	100%
Average Annual Income (GNI per capita)	$2,000	$41,400

Religion

<

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.
The Andes Mountains dominate Colombia’s landscape, with three ranges running the length of the cou
Colombia Projects
With the support of generous donors like you, World Vision is partnering with families throughout Colombia to build brighter futures filled with hope for their children.

Many activities are under way to help meet immediate needs and promote lasting changes that will strengthen communities and move families toward self-reliance.

Overall program goals include:

• Subsidizing school tuition and fees for school-age boys and girls.
• Supporting the education of sponsored youths who are studying at the university level.
• Offering adult education workshops to teach parents how to read and write.
• Ensuring that adequate health care is available to sponsored children and their families.
• Giving malnourished children under the age of five the special food and care they need to become healthy and strong.
• Teaching mothers important nutrition and health skills that will benefit their children.
• Helping families start and manage small enterprises to increase their income and better provide for their children.
• Organizing Bible studies and other Bible programs so sponsored children can learn more about God’s love.

• 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 and his or her family.

Please click here to peruse online picture folders of children from this country.