Located in the North of South America. Colombia borders the Caribbean Sea between Venezuela and Panama and the North Pacific between Ecuador and Panama. It has boundaries with Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Venezuela. 

40.349.388 (julio 2001 est.)  
0-14 years old: 31.88% 
15-64 years old: 63.37%
More than 65 years old: 4.75% 

Catholic 90% 

Executive Power:

President (Chief of State and Government) and Vice-president elected through popular vote for a period of four years. Cabinet of Ministries appointed by the President.

Legislative Power:

Bicameral congress integrated by the Senate consisting of 102 members and the Chamber of Representatives consisting of 163 members. Both are elected through popular vote for a period of four years.

Judicial Power:

Supreme Court of Justice whose members are appointed by the Council of Justice for a period of eight years. 

Income Tax (starting from 4,6 minimum salaries (1,200,000 Colombian pesos, or US$ 546): 4% of the salary (it increases according to the minimum salaries)

Health System*: 4%

Pensions Fund: 3,37% for less than 4 minimum salaries

National Solidarity Fund (of 4 minimum salaries on): 1%

*Every citizen must be affiliated to a Health Promoting Firm

Vacations (from the 6th month on) 

15 workdays, once a year, paid. Up to two years may be accumulated.

Christmas bonus and others* 

Christmas bonus corresponds to the salary of 15 days. There is a bonus at mid year and it is paid from the third month of work on; it is equivalent to 15 days of work per six months.

*In case of collective agreements, other types of bonuses are offered, which may or may not constitute a salary.

(1994 figures)

Total Population 33,109,840

Economically Active Population 78,3%

Working Population 11,125,000

Minimum Income - (US$ 118) $260,100 Colombian pesos
*Workers who receive less than two minimum salaries, receive a subvention for transportation, the equivalent of $26,400.

Most of the entrepreneur and labor life in Colombia is reflected in its TV soap operas. Café, Las Ejecutivas, Vuelo Secreto, Perro Amor and at present Yo soy Betty, la Fea; these are caricaturized examples of life in a company. The Colombian women are excellent workers and it is not uncommon to find them as secretaries, messengers, top executives, and cashiers in banks and as company managers. This means that the home is somehow present at work.
During school vacations it is not unusual to have all kinds of activities for the children while the mothers are at work. This feminine presence is also reflected in the importance that is given to social events, such as the day of love and the day of friendship. As a matter of fact, for Colombians, men and women alike, any space or occasion is adequate for dancing and having some drinks. This makes the work environment amiable, notwithstanding its demands.

Clothing and a formal way of speaking are of utmost importance. The people of Bogotá , in particular, only answer to "I beg you, please", "at your feet", and respond with cordial coolness, distanced by the use of "usted", which is used even in the homes. In the larger part of the public institutions and private companies the dress, tie and not-too-short skirts are required from Monday to Thursday; while occasionally on Fridays, a little informality is accepted.

This rigid attitude of Bogotá contrasts with colloquial expressions which occasionally are too informal and are normally used in the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, these are expressions such as "my love" and the use of "tu" to an unknown person. The differences between the center of the country and the coast are present from manners to punctuality and timetables.

Sara Araújo (Conteni2digitales.com)
Sources: Bank of the Republic, National Department of Statistics (DANE),Consumers Association, National Federation of Consumers.