Text and illustrations present detailed information on the geography, history and government, economy, people, cultural life and society of traditional and modern Columbia.

The land: the Andean highlands, the llanos, rivers, climate, flora and fauna, natural resources, environmental issues, cities -- History and government: indigenous civilizations, European contact, the audiencia, tensions in the colony, the fight for independence, new constitutions, civil strife and la violencia, guerrilla movements, government -- The people: a mixed, growing population, education, health and welfare, religion -- Cultural life: art and architecture, music, literature, sports, holidays, food -- The economy: services, agriculture and forestry, manufacturing, mining and energy, foreign trade, the future.