Welcome !!
AIESEC
Maria Salomé Grisales
AIESEC-COLOMBIA
The next question is going to be
implemented in the Insight II Test:
What is the right name of the
country that we are going to
present now?
a) Columbia
b) Colombia
c) a or b (They are the same)
d) Ask your Mom
What is the right answer????
Answer: b) Colombia
If you check a) Columbia..
YOU FAILED!! Columbia is not a country!
The name “Colombia” comes from the Italian
Cristoforo Colombo (Christopher Columbus in
English….)
COLOMBIA
PRESENTATION
WELCOME MEMBERS,
TRAINEES AND
PROSPECTIVE TRAINEES
FROM AUSTIN !!
Colombia, Variety and Reality
Country of
contrast
Location

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Northern South America.
Between the Tropics.
Bordering with Panama,
Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and
Ecuador.
Area:
total: 1,141,748 sq km
(about 446,000 sq miles)
Privileged location for
trading with other
countries.
Colombia is about the size
of Texas and California
combined.
COLOMBIA
People Info


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Population: 42 million
people
 Urban: 70%
 Rural: 30%
Ethnic groups: mestizo
58%, white 20%, mulatto
14%, black 4%, AfricanIndian 3%, Indian 1%
Religions: Roman Catholic
95%
Language: Spanish
COLOMBIA
History


Pre-Columbian
(Tayrona, Muisca,
Quimbaya) existed in
the Andean region
and on the Pacific and
Atlantic coast.
Pre-Columbian art
reveals a high degree
in their craftsmanship
(Best in the
continent).
COLOMBIA
History


After Columbus
landed in north
Colombia, some
Spaniards
expeditions arrived
in the 15th Century.
The main Indian
tribes were
exterminated by the
Spaniards.
COLOMBIA
History


Some cities in the
northern area in
Colombia were founded
by the Spaniards.
Colombia was a very
important trade-center
for the Spaniards
during the 16th, 17th
and 18th centuries.
COLOMBIA
History

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At the end of the
18th century the first
revolutions
appeared.
In 1819 total
independence was
achieved.
The Republic of
Colombia was
created.
COLOMBIA
Climate

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Variety of climates, but not
seasons.
Climatic variations
determined by altitude.
Temperatures determined by
the altitude above sea level.
From tropical rainforest, and
deserts at sea level, to very
cold areas in the mountains.
Winters are rainy, and
summers are dry.
COLOMBIA
Environment
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Fourth-largest country in South
America and only one with
coasts on both the Pacific and
the Caribbean.
Territory also includes the San
Andres and Providencia islands.
Mountainous western part.
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta,
highest coastal mountain range
in the world.
COLOMBIA
Environment

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Colombia is the second
richest country in
biodiversity in the world
after Brazil.
Exotic animal and plant
life.
What the hell
is this?
COLOMBIA
Economy

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Second biggest producer
of coffee after Brazil, but
with the best quality.
Second flower exporter
after The Netherlands
(80% of flowers in the
USA come from
Colombia)
Other Agriculture
Products: Bananas, fruits
cotton, rice, tobacco.
COLOMBIA
Economy

Have you heard
about Colombian
Coffee?
COLOMBIA
Economy

Colombian Coffee
COLOMBIA
Economy

Colombian Coffee
COLOMBIA
Economy

Colombian Coffee
COLOMBIA
Economy

Colombian Coffee
COLOMBIA
Economy

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Colombia is the
major source of
emeralds in the
world.
Natural resources:
petroleum, natural
gas, coal, iron ore,
nickel, gold, copper,
and hydropower.
COLOMBIA
Economy

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GDP (Gross Domestic
Product) - $245.1 billion
GDP - composition by
sector:
agriculture: 19%
industry: 26%
services: 55%
Industries: textiles, food
processing, oil, car
industry, steel production,
clothing, beverages,
chemicals, cement, gold,
coal, and emeralds.
COLOMBIA
Economy

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Populated Areas have a
good communication
system, including
mobile-cellular systems
Internet Service
Providers (ISP): 13
Communication System:
Domestic Satellite
system and Fiber Optics
network linking 50
cities.
COLOMBIA
Economy

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Living costs are not very high. Food is cheap.
But the minimum wage salary is really low
(About $160/month). There is still a gap
between rich and poor people.

Taxis are very cheap.

Relative Costs: Hamburger:$2.50 Coke: $0.40

Colombia is not an expensive country. Moderate
restaurant meal: $7-10, top-end hotel: $100 and
upwards, top-end restaurant meal: $20 and upwards.
COLOMBIA
Government

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Official Name of
country: Republic of
Colombia
Type of government:
Democratic Republic;
Executive branch
dominates government
structure.
Legislative power:
Bicameral Congress
(Senate and House of
Representatives)


President: Elected by
popular vote for a 4year period.
Governors and City
Majors: Elected by
popular vote for a 3year term.
COLOMBIA
Geographic Regions

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Caribbean Region.
The Andean
Region.
The Pacific Region.
The Eastern Plains
Region.
The Colombian
Amazon Region.
COLOMBIA
The Caribbean Region

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Coastal area and vast
inland savannas.
Very friendly people.
Sierra Nevada de Santa
Marta (5,800m = 19,000ft).
COLOMBIA
The Caribbean Region

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Nice Beaches and Islands.
Hot climate.
Desert in the northern
area.
COLOMBIA
The Pacific Region

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Tropical Rain Forest
and swamps.
Sparsely populated.
Seaport for
commercial
connection with
Asian markets.
Some Indian
population spots.
High rainfall all year.
COLOMBIA
The Andean Region
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Where most
population is
concentrated.
Goes along the
Andean Mountains
(“Cold” Region).
Higher degree of
economic and social
development.
Bogota, Medellin,
Cali as main cities.
COLOMBIA
The Andean Region

Also there are a
lot of little towns
where the
population is
mostly peasants.
COLOMBIA
The Eastern Plains Region

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Agricultural area.
Sparsely populated.
Oil fields.
COLOMBIA
The Amazon Region

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Dense jungle.
Highly sensitive eco-system.
About 50,000 Indians live
near rivers.

Still preserve their myths and
rituals.
COLOMBIA
The Amazon Region

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Popular Eco-Tourism
site.
Borders with Peru and
Brazil.
Richest rain forest on
Earth.
COLOMBIA
Main Cities in Colombia
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Bogotá
Altitude: 2,600 m
above sea level
(8,600 feet).
Population: 6.7
million.
Mean Temp:
13°C (55°F).
COLOMBIA
Main Cities in Colombia
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Medellin
Altitude: 1,500 m
above sea level
(4,800 feet).
Population: 1.8
million.
Mean Temp: 22°C
(74°F).
COLOMBIA
Main Cities in Colombia
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Cali
Altitude: 1,050 m
above sea level
(3,250 feet).
Population: 1.8
million.
Mean Temp: 26°C
(78°F).
COLOMBIA
Main Cities in Colombia
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Barranquilla
Altitude: 20 m
above sea level
(60 feet).
Population: 1.4
million.
Mean Temp: 29°C
(84°F).
COLOMBIA
Main Cities in Colombia
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Cartagena
Altitude: Sea
level.
Population: 700
thousand.
Mean Temp: 29°C
(85°F).
COLOMBIA
Main Cities in Colombia
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Pereira
Population: 700
thousand.
COLOMBIA
Culture
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The different roots and traditions of Indians,
Spaniards and Africans created interesting fusions.
Different races and cultures throughout the country.
Music: Cuban Salsa, African Rhythms from the
Caribbean and heavily Spanish-influenced.
People dance, drink and talk in parties. Merengue,
salsa, rock and pop are common music for parties.
Salutation: Men and women kiss on the cheek as a
sign of friendship (the same as any other Latin
American countries).
Buses stop everywhere.. Just hail the bus.. easy!!
People are not very punctual, especially in big cities.
COLOMBIA
Culture
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No drinking age. Hard drinks are
more common than just beer in
parties (Better quality rather than
quantity !!).
Colombians love soccer (football),
cycling and car races.
It is common for people to live
with their family until they get
married… reason: Family
relationship is very important and
strong (It is common in most
countries in Latin America).
COLOMBIA
Some Outstanding Colombians
COLOMBIA
T I R E D ????
BORED ???
You might be interested in
the next topic…
TIME IS RUNNING!! LET’S
CONTINUE WITH THE
PRESENTATION !!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
Reality about Drug Production

Problem:

Colombia is still the
largest producer of
cocaine.

Cultivated mostly in
the southern area.

2% of the country’s
population lives
there.

Guerrilla groups get
funds from drugs.
COLOMBIA
Other Points
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Coca production has shifted from
Bolivia and Peru into Colombia.
Consumer demand in the U.S.
and Europe remains strong.
Drug trafficking causes
corruption.
Billions in public funds are
needed to fight traffickers.
COLOMBIA
World Major Drug Production
COLOMBIA
Drug Consumption

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North America and
Europe are the major
drug consumers.
An estimated 0.5% or
less of drug production
stays in Colombia.
United States
Drug Users Growth
Source: DEA (www.dea.gov)
COLOMBIA
Why Colombia is involved in this
business?

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Ideal climate and
growing conditions.
Availability of vast
under-populated
areas.
COLOMBIA
Why Colombia is involved in this
business?

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Strategic location
near to U.S. markets
(Colombia is less
than 3 hrs away
from the U.S).
Armed groups
support the
business.
COLOMBIA
Cocaine Price
(Price per Kilogram-Estimated)
45000
40000
35000
Colombia
30000
U.S.
25000
20000
Europe
15000
10000
5000
0
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The enormous profits made from the
illegal drug trade.
COLOMBIA
What causes the violence in
Colombia?
The Guerrilla Groups (18,000 members)
The Paramilitary Groups (8,000 members)
These groups consist of 26,000 individuals in
the country (only 0.065% of the population),
which are located mainly in rural areas.
Peace Process
Negotiation
Zone (ELN)
Negotiation
Zone (FARC)
COLOMBIA
Some Points
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Despite the violence,
these groups have never
had enough popular nor
military support
necessary to overthrow
the government.
Big Drug cartels were
dismantled in the 90’s.
Small traffickers still
remain.
COLOMBIA
Timeline
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In the 70’s first drug cases occurred.
Communism groups (guerrilla) came into action.
Soon the “business” increased due to low control.
Coca production has shifted from Bolivia and Peru
into Colombia.
The drug cartels appeared, and the biggest cartels
were dismantled by the government (late 90’s).
Ultra-Right wing paramilitaries appeared as a
reaction against Guerrilla.
Colombia is currently negotiating Peace Process
(Began in 1999).
COLOMBIA
Conclusions about Drugs
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It is sad that Colombia’s reputation has been
affected by particular circumstances that hide
the good aspects of this beautiful country.
Production problem is concentrated mainly in
southern Colombia where only 2% of the
population is located.
The social issue regarding the drug business
seems simple, but is very complex.
COLOMBIA
Conclusions about Drugs
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Armed groups are not concentrated, which
makes harder to fight against them.
Despite the war against drugs, the
Colombian economy is still stable (Colombia
is the only country in South America which
has never had hyperinflation).
The Colombian image has been impacted
negatively. Some people see Colombia as a
main cause of the problem, which is wrong.
COLOMBIA
Conclusions about Drugs
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Millions of drug consumers around
the world keep the demand
strong, affecting Colombia
because this money support both
the business and the armed
groups.
Since the drug business is
strongly global-linked, it has to be
eradicated through international
collaboration (Producer and
consumer countries).
COLOMBIA
Now let’s see something about
AIESEC
In Colombia!!
Colombia
•AIESEC - Colombia was
founded in 1958 (Just 10
years after it was founded
in Europe).
•Currently it has about 300
active members and 10
Local Chapters (LC’s).
Colombia
Norte
•Location of
AIESEC Local
Chapters
(LC’s).
EAFIT, Bolivariana
Bucaramanga
Manizales
Pereira
Cali
MC, Javeriana,
Andes, Rosario
Colombia
Colombia
YES CONFERENCE !!
Colombia
What are
these babes
doing??
Colombia
HAVING A PARTY !!
Colombia
LEADERSHIP
DEVELOPMENT
SEMINAR
Some Trainees
Colombia
Colombia … member of the big AIESEC family!!
THANK YOU !!
AIESEC
Salomé Grisales
AIESEC-COLOMBIA