mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black- Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1%
Roman Catholic 90% and other 10%
44,725,543 (July 2011 est.)
coffee, cut flowers, bananas, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseed, vegetables; forest products; shrimp Industries: textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages, chemicals, cement; gold, coal, emeralds
Imports: industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer goods, chemicals, paper products, fuels, electricity
Exports: petroleum, coffee, coal, nickel, emeralds, apparel, bananas, cut flowers
Nicknamed “gateway to South America” because it sits in the northwestern part of the continent where South America connects with Central and North America.
5th Largest country in Latin America
World’s 2nd largest population of Spanish speaking people.
Typical Dish
Sancocho- Typical coastal soup
Ingredients
2 1/2 quarts water
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 cloves garlic, crushed
6 chicken leg quarters
2 plantains, peeled and cut into 6 pieces
1 large onion, chopped
2 pounds potatoes, peeled
4 pounds fresh cassava roots, cut into 6 pieces
2 tablespoons cooking oil
4 large onions, peeled and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon ground cumin, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon mild paprika, or to taste
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 pound tomatoes, chopped
Directions
1. Place the water into a large pot, and add 1 tablespoon salt , chopped cilantro (coriander), garlic, chicken legs, plantains, and 1 onion. Bring to a boil, and cook for about 20 minutes. Add the potatoes and cassava to the pot, and continue to cook for another 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
2. While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the onions in the hot oil, and season with cumin, paprika, and salt. When the onions are limp, stir in the tomatoes, and remove from heat.
3. Spoon the chicken stew into bowls, and serve topped with the tomato onion sauce.
Map of Colombia
