COLOMBIA

republic, S. America (6° N., 74° 30’ W.); bounded N. by by Venezuela, Brazil; S. by Ecuador; W. by Pacific. Extreme length, 950 m.; width, 640 m. From Pasto in 8.W. corner Cordilleran ranges spread out like ribs of fan; along Pacific coast Cordillera de Chocé is low, and valley to EB. is drained S. to Pacific by San Juan river, N. to Atlantic by Atrato. Main ranges are Western, Central and Eastern Cordilleras; intervening valleys drained by Cauca and Magdalen a rivers. These valleys are richly wooded. The great unhealthy, swampy plains or llanos in E. are drained by head-waters of Orinoco. Several rivers are navigable, or partly so. Climate varies greatly, ranging from tropical to arctic conditions; rainy season, Oct. to Dec.; dry season, Dec. to Feb. Most of inhabitants live on plateaus, which are treele but well watered prairies, of which those of Antioquia and Bogota are the most important. Cap. Bogota, stands on latter, 8,694 ft. above sea-level. The country is subject to earthquakes, Lower levels produce rice, sugar-cane, bananas, indigo, resins, rubber, copaiba, cocoa, maize, vegetables, ivory, dyewoods, medicinal plants; in more temperate zone are found cinchona tree, coffee, figs. while higher up, wheat, other grains, and potatoes are cultivated; on Nanos in EK. cattle are reared. Country is rich in minerals, gold, coal, iron, salt, copper, lead, platinum, zinc, antimony, sulphur, cinnabar, rock salt, arsenic, marble, lime, gypsum, petroleum, emeralds; valuable pearl fisheries along coast. Manufactures include pig-iron, rails, castings, sugar, sheeting, candles, soap; exports—coffee, hides, cotton, bananas, Panama hats, drugs, gold, silver, platinum; imports clothes, flour, lard, petroleum, cotton goods, machinery, matches. Railway mileage is 740. History.— Original inhabitants of Colombia were Indians, some of whom at time of coming of Spaniards were partially civilized, while others were still in primitive condition. Spaniards first appeared in first half of XVI. cent.; in 1525, Bastida established their first settlement at Santa Marta, and eight years later another was made by Heredia at Cart a gena; he made several succe ful expeditions in search of gold. Queseda took Bogoté, 1537, the capital of the Chibcha tribe, and named the surrounding district, New Grenada. New Grenada was at first incorporated with Peru, but attained separate existence in 1564, when it became a presidency. For nearly two hundred years Indians were cruelly oppre ed by Span. conquerors; one seventh were forced to work in mines as slaves under wretched conditions; but in 1729 slavery was abolished. In 1740, New Grenada was for the second time made a vice-royalty—it had been one for a short time from 1718—and so continued until it attained independence in 1816. Principal events under Span. rule were introduction of Inquisition; importing of negroes from Africa to supersede Indians in mines; attacks by English, French, and other nations. The ures finally drove people to insurrection in 1810, when revolution occurred, Bogota first declaring independence. War now ensued; lasted nine years before Spaniards were finally overcome; leader of rebels being Simon Bolivar, a Span Venezuela, and Ecuador, which he unified as Republic of Colombia. At his death they again separated, and Colombia and Panama became Republic of New Granada. Santander was first president; administration of his succe or, Obando, was marked by first of succe ion of civil wars and admin i str a-. tive changes. Panama seceded from republic, i856; Antioquia, 1857. In 1861 occurred another change, and republic was now called United States of Colombia; this lasted till 1886, when it again became Republic of Colombia. Revolts occurred in 1895 and 1900, latter resulting in civil war, which lasted till 1903. Panama again seceded in 1903, in time of Marroquin’s administration. In 1914 Colombia recognized independence of Panama, and received certain rights in the Panama Canal zone. There are still frontier difficulties with Peru; but in 1917 a frontier treaty was signed with Ecuador. Government is by president, with Congre consisting of senate and house of representatives. Senate has 34 members, house of representatives 92 members, who are elected by popular vote for four years. The president holds office for four years. Inhabitants include Spaniards, Indians, negroes, and many cro -breeds; there is little race animosity, probably because the graduations between white and colored are too fine for distinction. Chief religion is R.C.; education free, but not compulsory. Military service is compulsory; no navy. Area, 440,846 sq. miles. Pop. 5,071,100.