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Colombia |
Population: 40 million
Capital: Bogota
Official language: Spanish
Ethnic groups: mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%,
mixed black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1%
Background: Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged
from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and
Venezuela). A 40-year insurgent campaign to overthrow the Colombian Government
escalated during the 1990s, undergirded in part by funds from the drug
trade. Although the violence is deadly and large swaths of the countryside
are under guerrilla influence, the movement lacks the military strength
or popular support necessary to overthrow the government. While Bogota
continues to try to negotiate a settlement, neighboring countries worry
about the violence spilling over their borders.
(Source: WorldFackbook 2000 CIA)
More info: BBC Country Profiles: Colombia
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French Guiana(overseas department of France) |
Population: 175.000
Capital: Cayenne
Official language: Frensh
Ethnic groups: black or mulatto 66%, white 12%, East Indian,
Chinese, Amerindian 12%, other 10%
Background: First settled by the French in 1604, French Guiana
was the site of notorious penal settlements until 1951. The European Space
Agency launches its communication satellites from Kourou.
(Source: WorldFackbook 2000 CIA)
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Guyana |
Population: 700.000
Capital:
Official language:
Ethnic groups: East Indian 51%, black 30%, mixed 14%, Amerindian
4%, white and Chinese 1%
Background: Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966
and became a republic in 11030. In 1989 Guyana launched an Economic Recovery
Program, which marked a dramatic reversal from a state-controlled, socialist
economy towards a more open, free market system. Results through the first
decade have proven encouraging.
(Source: WorldFackbook 2000 CIA)
More info: BBC Country Profiles: Guyana
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Suriname |
Population: 450.000
Capital: Paramaribo
Official language: Dutch
Ethnic groups: Hindustani (also known locally as "East Indians";
their ancestors emigrated from northern India in the latter part of the
19th century) 37%, Creole (mixed white and black) 31%, Javanese 15%, "Maroons"
(their African ancestors were brought to the country in the 17th and 18th
centuries as slaves and escaped to the interior) 10%, Amerindian 2%, Chinese
2%, white 1%, other 2%
Background: Independence from the Netherlands was granted in
11035. Five years later the civilian government was replaced by a military
regime that soon declared a socialist republic. It continued to rule through
a succession of nominally civilian administrations until 1987, when international
pressure finally brought about a democratic election.
(Source: WorldFackbook 2000 CIA)
More info: BBC Country Profiles: Suriname
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Venezuela |
Population: 23,5 million
Capital: Caracas
Official language: Spamish
Ethnic groups: Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African,
indigenous people
Background: Venezuela was one of the three countries that emerged
from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Colombia and
Ecuador). For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was
ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen, who promoted the oil
industry and allowed for some social reforms. Democratically elected governments
have held sway since 1959. Current concerns include: drug-related conflicts
along the Colombian border, increasing internal drug consumption, overdependence
on the petroleum industry with its price fluctuations, and irresponsible
mining operations which are endangering the rain forest and indigenous
peoples.
(Source: WorldFackbook 2000 CIA)
More info: BBC Country Profiles: Venezuela
Artists from Venezuela: