Colombia
4 00 N, 72 00 W
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Pico Cristobal Colon 5,775 m
note: nearby Pico Simon Bolivar also has the same elevation
total: 6,309 km
border countries: Brazil 1,644 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km, Peru 1,800 km, Venezuela 2,050 km
highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; occasional earthquakes; periodic droughts
petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds, hydropower
arable land: 2.01%
permanent crops: 1.37%
other: 96.62% (2005)
deforestation; soil and water quality damage from overuse of pesticides; air pollution, especially in Bogota, from vehicle emissions
The climate is very warm and tropical on the coast and in the north, with a rainy season from May to November. This varies according to altitude. It is cooler in the upland areas and cold in the mountains. Bogotá is always spring-like, with cool days and crisp nights.
Required clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens with waterproofing during rainy season in coastal and northern areas. Medium- to heavyweights are needed in upland and mountainous areas.
time difference: UTC-5
