Colombia's Culture

Republic of Colombia’s Culture On 20 July 1810, the Republic of Colombia was established; when three countries emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia. Forty six million people make up the population of Colombia, made up of mostly Mestizo ethnicity. In most cultures, the national religion is Roman Catholic with the national language being Spanish. Considered as a republic that follows a democratic structure; though, the governments known to be corrupt from the influence of the drug cartels that essentially control the elections. In this essay, I will discuss the population. Specifically, how the people handle the economy; survive the environment; and deal with their government. With this, I hope to gain insight, understanding, and …show more content…
The drug trade heavily governs the key infrastructure of the country. During the early 1900s through the 1960s, the focus of the economy was exporting coffee to the U.S. This prosperous industry saw growth up to seven hundred and eight million pounds of coffee exported every year. In the 1960s, the world saw a higher demand for cocaine. This fashioned the formation of cartels. The country follows a two party system, the Liberal and Conservative parties. This period of violence came about due to disputes between the two political parties. The President, Jorge Eliecer Gaitan, assassinated, whereas during this time the country saw the emergence of guerrilla groups. The main manipulator on the traditional party with the heaviest cartel sway is the FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) which, came to power during a period of political chaos following a state of civil conflict referred to as “La Violencia”. Sponsored by drug cartels, these groups caused pure disorder on the population. People faced killing, pillaging, and raping constantly. Starting in the nineteen eighties, the government started working closely with the U.S., for inside support issues, causing another violent shift in the country and only served to break the peace already in place. Even today, large areas of the countryside remain under guerrilla influence or areas challenged by security forces. As far as the current Colombian government goes today, its structure copies that of the United States. The Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches make up the Colombian government. The Executive branch is broken down between the President or Chief of State, Vice President, and the cabinet. The Legislative branch or congress consists of the Senate and the Chamber of Representatives. In order to serve their four-year term, the members of Congress face election by popular