COLOMBIA Climate The climate, however, varies with the elevation. The low regions along the
coast and the deep Patíía and Magdalena river valleys are torrid, with mean annual temperatures
of 75°̊ to 80°̊ F. From about 1500 to 7500 ft the climate is subtropical, and from about 7500 to
10,000 ft it is temperate. Above about 10,000 ft is the cold-climate zone, where temperatures
range from 0°̊ to 55°̊ F. The average January and July temperatures in Bogotáá are 58°̊ F and
57°̊ F, respectively. The averages for the same months in Barranquilla are 80°̊ F and 82°̊ F.
Throughout the year, three-month periods of rain and dry weather alternate. Along the Pacific
coast precipitation is heavy. At Bogotáá the annual rainfall averages about 40 in, and in
Barranquilla it averages about 32 in. Dry weather prevails on the slopes of the Eastern Cordillera.
Government Colombia has a Republican form of government. Colombia has a president who is
elected by popular vote. He is chosen by any man or woman 18 years or older. The president can
serve one four year term. He appoints a cabinet which has to be approved by congress. Congress
is composed of a House of Representatives (199 members) and a Senate (112 members). Land
Area The total land area of the country is 440,831 sq. mi. The capital and largest city is Bogota.
Population Characteristics, Religion, and Language The population of Colombia (1993 estimate)
was 34,942,767, giving the country an overall population density of about 79 per sq. mi. About
95 percent of the people are Roman Catholics. Small Protestant and Jewish minorities exist. The
official language of Colombia is Spanish. The racial makeup of the Colombian population is
diversified. About half the people are mestizo (of mixed Spanish and Native American ancestry),
about 20 percent are of unmixed European ancestry, and ...