Republic of Colombia is a country located in the northwestern region of South America. Colombia is bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil, to the south by Ecuador and Peru, to the North by the Atlantic Ocean, through the Caribbean Sea and to the west by Panama and the Pacific Ocean. Colombia is the only country in South America that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

Its vast territory is made up of diverse physical contrasts ranging from the towering snow capped peaks of the Andes to the hot and humid plains of the Amazon River Basin, to a vast tropical coastal plain in the north.

During the most famous festivals such as the Cali Fair, the Barranquilla Carnival, the Iberoamerican Theatre Festival and the Flower Festival is when the most tourists come to Colombia. Many people visit Colombia during Christmas time and the celebrations surrounding the Independence of Colombia

Colombia has become notorious for its illicit drug production, kidnappings, and murder rate. In the 1990s, it became the worlds largest producer of cocaine and coca derivatives. However it has continued to attract more tourists in recent years.

Around 11,000 British nationals visit Colombia every year. Most visits are trouble free. However there is a high threat of terrorism in Colombia.

It is the UKs fifth largest export market in South America. The UKs share of the Colombian market is currently around one percent, with exports of goods and services. The UKs main exports are specialised industrial machinery, power generating machinery and equipment and beverages.

The UK is also one of the largest foreign investors in Colombia, with investments in excess of 10b. UK companies are particularly active in oil and gas, mining, pharmaceuticals and insurance.

Dominated by the Spanish and Portuguese for over 300 years, backpackers still head straight to the ruins of the Pre Colombian sites of the Incas and learn about culture in South America today.

The food, drink and festivals are eclectic, influenced by the indigenous population and the various influxes of Europeans and Africans.

In a word, South America is a hybrid a continent of religious and ethnic diversity, memory and modernity.

Known for its beautiful Caribbean beaches, friendly people and exquisite colonial buildings, Cartagena should be on everyones itinerary when visiting Colombia.

Colombia is hot and very wet along the Caribbean and Pacific coastal areas. Conditions change rapidly hot to cold as one travels from the lowlands to the highlands of the Andes.