Capital: Santa Fé de Bogotá
Population: 41.5 million
Language: Spanish
Access to Clean Water: Urban - 98% Rural-73%
Access to Adequate Sanitation: Urban- 97% Rural -51%
Under 5 mortality rate: 3.1%
GNP per capita: $2,250
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Work hard ... Play hard. Colombians live by this motto -- known as the rumbero spirit. And play they do, with a Colombian festival nearly every month of the year -- including regional celebrations designed to preserve and honor Colombian music and traditions.
Predominantly Catholic, Colombians have traditional Easter and Christmas celebrations. The nine days leading up to Christmas (la novena) is an especially holy season. The children receive gifts from the "Baby Jesus".
Potatoes, rice, beans are among the staples of the Colombian diet. A favorite meal is ajiaco -- soup made with chicken and potatoes. In certain regions, hormiga culona, a specia dish made of fried ants, is also popular.
Typically, houses are composed of concrete block. Many homes lack basic services, such as plumbing and electricity. Many children are unable to attend because their families cannot afford required supplies and uniforms. Only 59% of children reach the fifth grade.
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