Colombia has known much strife.

Colombia's history is as colourful as it can be dramatic - from the ancient peoples of San Agustin, of whom we know very little other than their beautiful statues, through to Spanish conquest and colonisation. From the independence wars through post-independence violence, drug trafficking and civil war, Colombia has known much strife. The last few years have seen increasing stability, security and prosperity however, and most Colombians look forward to a brighter future.

The US is the biggest market for Colombian exports.

The Colombian economy has never suffered from the hyper-inflation or economic collapse that many of its neighbours have. In recent years GDP growth has regularly been above 5%, and unemployment has been below 15% for many years. The US is the biggest market for Colombian exports (both legal and illegal!) - followed by Venezuela - and its main exports are petroleum, coffee, coal, nickel, emeralds, clothing, bananas and cut flowers.