Colombia

:For other uses, see Columbia.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Colombia

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Colombia has a diverse population that reflects its colourful history and the peoples that have populated her from ancient, to colonial and modern times. The historic amalgam of three main groups; Amerindians, Spanish colonists, and imported African slaves, are the basis of Colombia's current demographics.

Related Topics:
Spanish - Africa

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Race mixing between these three was widespread and has produced distinct groups that now constitute much of the population. The country's largest ethnic group are known as mestizos (55-60%) and are the result of intermingling between Spaniards and Amerindians. Whites are mainly descendants of the Spanish colonists and European immigrants and They constitute the largest minority (20 to 25%) followed closely by Mulattos (14%) which are descended from the unions of Spaniards and African slaves. The remainder of the population comprises unmixed descendants of African slaves (4%) and zambos who descend from the mixture of African slaves and Amerindians (3%). Today, only about 1% of the people can be identified as fully Amerindian on the basis of language and customs. There has also been immigration from the Middle East, particularly Turks and Arabs.

Related Topics:
Mestizo - Mulatto - Zambo

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The predominant religion in Colombia is a conservative form of Roman Catholicism (strong influence of the Opus Dei), although American-based cults are making inroads.

Related Topics:
Roman Catholicism - Opus Dei - Cult

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Colombia is the third most populous country in Latin America, after Brazil and Mexico.

Related Topics:
Latin America - Brazil - Mexico

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