Nolan Bastendorff Colombia 1

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Table of Contents

3. Introduction 4. Issue 5. Non-Profit 6. Geographical Area Analysis 8. Economic Analysis Part I 11. Economic Analysis Part II 16. Political System 18. Trade Laws and Legal Analysis 20. Population 24. Diet and Nutrition 26. Housing 28. Transportation 29. Labor 32. Education 35. Clothing 36. Recreation and Leisure 38. Language 40. Religion 42. Bibliography 45. Appendix NonProfit - Print Ad Issue Brochure Recipes Etiquette Information Country Selection Letter

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Introduction

Throughout the entire IMP, thorough research was conducted on the country that each student chose. I previously had a little bit of knowledge of the drug problem taking place in Colombia, so I decided to do some more research on it. After finding out a little more background knowledge on Colombia, I decided that this would be a good country for me to complete a research project on.

Colombia is currently home to some of the most sophisticated and violent drug cartels in the world. Since the 1970s, many of the original cartels have died off, but some that have survived have actually multiplied. There are currently 300 known active drug smuggling cartels in Colombia that transport drugs, mainly cocaine, to all parts of the world. The United States is the biggest recipient of Colombian cocaine. The Colombian government along with the help of United States officials have been battling the drug trafficking problem in Colombia for years. That is why I thought a drug rehab center in Colombia would be an appropriate non-profit organization to start up. New Beginnings Drug Rehabilitation Center will help raise awareness about the drug trafficking problem, and assist drug addicts in becoming sober once again.

In addition to the research conducted on the drug problem and the non-profit organization, I also researched everything that makes Colombia unique; such as, its education, modes of transportation, geography, economy, religion, language and everything else that helps to shape each country. Colombia is an extremely beautiful country that has beaches on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, extravagant snowy peaks in the Andes Mountains, and recreational activities that are super unique to the country. Like most South American countries, the native language of Colombia is Spanish, and 90% of the population belongs to the Roman Catholic church.

The IMP was an extremely informational project and I learned a great deal about Colombia from completing it. Like all countries, Colombia has its fair share of issues that it faces, but the main one is drug trafficking. Drug trafficking will always be an issue in the world. However, if more people are informed about the harm that is being done because of it, then maybe more will work to stop the problem.

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Issue

The country of Colombia is full of extravagant views, exciting traditions, amusing tourist attractions and above all, well-rounded individuals that make up society. However, there are a number of civilians that choose to partake in drug smuggling; one of Colombia’s biggest, ongoing battles. Drug trafficking in Colombia has become extremely violent, and thousands of innocent people have fallen victim to the violence taking part between cartels. Drug trafficking has been a huge problem in Colombia, and unfortunately, there are no signs of it diminishing soon.

Since the 1970s, some of the most sophisticated and violent drug cartels have made Colombia their home. In the mid-1970s, marijuana traffickers began smuggling small amounts of cocaine into the United States. At that time, cocaine was being processed in jungle labs for $1500/kilo and could be sold on the streets in the United States for up to $15,000/kilo. There were two main cartels that are responsible for the upbringing of the drug trafficking industry; the Medellin cartel and the Cali cartel. Both cartels fell apart in the late-90s due to a decrease in cocaine consumption in the United States, but there is believed to still be over 300 active drug smuggling organizations in Colombia today (PBS.org).

Cocaine is in high demand world-wide. With cocaine in such high demand and the profit available from the business, people are willing to do anything they can to make a buck. Such a strong thirst for power makes people do some extremely ludicrous and violent things. One of the leaders of the one of the original cartels is thought to be responsible for the murder of hundreds of government officials, police, prosecutors, judges, journalists and innocent bystanders.

Larger cartels have recently broken up into smaller groups in order to avoid detection by United States officials and the Colombian government. The smaller groups help cartel leaders to organize their responsibilities easier; one group is responsible for smuggling from Colombia to Mexico, another controls the jungle labs, and yet another is responsible for coca transportation from the fields to the labs. The drug trafficking situation has been disastrous for Colombia.

Drug-War Related Murders in Colombia

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Cartels take part on-going wars with one another which produce huge profits from the drug industry, which are then turned into weapons for further fighting. With cartels constantly fighting, innocent civilians then get mixed up with the violence, creating chaos throughout the entire country.

The country of Colombia is a beautiful place that is full of breath-taking scenery and thrilling tourist attractions. However, the on-going battle against drug trafficking is seriously damaging the society of Colombia. Drug trafficking has been, and will continue to be, a very problematic situation in Colombia, unless positive actions are put into place. The government of Colombia, along with the help of the United States, is doing what it can to help fight the battle against drug smuggling, but there is always room for more help. Getting the public aware of the drug problem in Colombia is the first step to recovery; so I would like to do what I can to help raise awareness of the drug smuggling situation in Colombia.

Non-Profit

New Beginnings - Colombia

Mission Statement Our mission is recovery. We provide high quality, innovative and complete treatment to those affected by drug abuse in a caring, empathetic manner to restore hope to individuals and families.

What We Do Colombia is home to some of the most sophisticated and violent drug cartels the world has ever known. These cartels have been smuggling cocaine into the United States since the early-1970s and have been making an incredible profit from the drug industry. With money constantly rolling in, the cartels are able to grow in size and increase weaponry. As power within the cartels grow, more power is desired; this leads to extremely violent leaders/members with the drive to continue gaining power. The violence must stop. However, the only way to decrease the violence is to decrease the amount of drugs and drug addicts that reside in Colombia.

New Beginnings is the key to diminishing the drug problem, and restoring Colombia back to the safe and clean country it used to be. New Beginnings Rehabilitation Center strives to help all suffering individuals recover from their addiction, and stay clean for the remainder of their lifetime. The drug-related crime that is going on in Colombia must stop now. Government officials, police, prosecutors, judges, journalists and innocent people are falling victim to the violence that is taking place between rival cartels. In order to help the innocent, the addicted

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

must be helped first. New Beginnings will help the addicted, and in turn, help create a safe place for civilians to once again live freely without the fear of violence in their own neighborhood.

Ways You Can Help 1. Donate Money o In order to get New Beginnings up and running and to its full potential, we ask for donations to cover the starting costs. Once you see the affects of New Beginnings in your community, please feel free to make donations to help us continue to provide high quality, innovative and complete treatment to our patients. 2. Buy New Beginnings T-Shirts and Wristbands o The staff here at New Beginning will be selling T-Shirts and Wristbands with the New Beginnings logo and a catch phrase on each. All profits will go directly into continuing to develop New Beginnings and increase awareness of the problems that drugs are producing in Colombia. 3. Volunteer your time o If you are interested in volunteering your time at New Beginnings, you are more than welcome to help. Over half of our staff here at New Beginnings are volunteers simply because they believe in the mission of New Beginnings and because they want to see the direct improvements taking place within their community.

Partnerships New Beginnings is going to work in partnership with the Colombian government, the DEA, and United States officials. The Colombian government is already doing what they can to combat drug smuggling, so we will partner with them to increase awareness and administer help to those in need. We will also partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration and United States officials because drug addiction is not only a problem in Colombia, but in the United States as well.

Geographical Area Analysis

Set in the northwest corner of South America, Colombia is the only country in the region with beautiful coastal beaches on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Colombia’s neighbors include: Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. Sharing borders with these countries provides Colombia with a great opportunity for trading goods and services. Colombia’s unique setting along the coast of the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, and neighboring countries, provides any business with the potential to flourish. The location, climate, and topography of Colombia are essential pieces to successful international business relations (Colombia Travel).

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Colombia is located in the northwest corner of South America where Latin America and South America join hands. Colombia is bordered by Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Panama. Neighboring these countries opens up many trade opportunities for businesses in Colombia. Over 90% of all trade between countries is carried by ships (WWF Panda). With shipping ports along the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, and being located so close to the Panama Canal, shipping products internationally by way of water would be extremely simple and hassle-free.

The climate in Colombia is generally tropical and without any drastic change of seasons due to the close proximity to the Equator. The average temperature is above 74 degrees. Temperatures vary little throughout the year; however, they tend to decrease as the elevation increases. In the mountain regions temperature is directly related to elevation. Average temperatures decrease about 3 degrees per 1,000 feet of ascent. The only climatic element that varies greatly is the amount of annual precipitation; varying anywhere from 40 to 100 inches per year. With constant temperatures like this, the transportation of goods by land is highly (Ezilon Maps) efficient and crops are grown be produced year-round. The weather in Colombia has previously impacted the terrain. Over the past 30 years there have been over 50 floods, 15 earthquakes and 10 volcanic eruptions in the country of Colombia. On average, there are 2 floods per year in Colombia; when a flood occurs, roughly 80% of the population is affected (Brittanica).

Colombia is divided into two separate regions: the mountainous zone in the west and the plains and jungles in the east. The mountainous region is made up of the split ranges of the Andes Mountains. The Andes are split into three sections in Colombia: the Oriental, Central, and Occidental Ranges. These three ranges along with the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta make up the topographical characteristics of the country. The plains and jungles of Colombia are located in the eastern portion of the country. Along with the mountain ranges, Colombia is also home to an abundance of water resources; including, oceans, lakes, swamps, and running waters. Shipping products from the center of the country to the outer ports could be made easy with the use of the Magdalena River in Colombia. The agricultural industry of Colombia uses the rivers as ways of transporting crops from the middle of the country to other cities within the country, and to countries located outside the boundaries of South America (Turis Colombia).

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

The geographical setting of Colombia provides any business with the opportunity to be successful. With the warm, yearlong climatic temperatures of the country, transporting goods within the country can be done simply and efficiently. Crops are also able to be produced year- round due to the warm climate. In addition, shipping internationally can be done easily with ports located along the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. The location, climate, and topography of Colombia make it one of a kind and an entrepreneur’s dream.

Geographical Benefits  The warm, tropical climate makes Colombia a premier tourist destination.  Shipping internationally can be done simply and efficiently with ports along the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.  Transporting goods within the country can be done year-round by land, and also by river.  The agricultural business can flourish with warm, year-round temperatures.  Trades between other countries can be made easy since Colombia is surrounded by many of South America’s main exporting countries.

Economic Analysis I

Classification

Capitalism

Description Colombia is usually classified as a Capitalist country because of its consistently sound economic policies and its aggressive promotion of free trade agreements. Colombia is also focusing on strengthening foreign ties and boosting investment at home. Colombia is also a founding member of the Pacific Alliance – a group formed to promote regional trade and integration. (CIA World Factbook)

Economic Statistics and Activity Colombia’s economy has been steadily rising over the past few years and is expected to continue to increase due to the aggressive promotion of free trade agreements and the formation of the Pacific Alliance – a group formed to promote regional trade and integration.

Resources  Hydroelectric (renewable) – Hydroelectric uses the gravitational force of flowing or falling water to produce electricity. Hydropower is used to power all sorts of industries in Colombia.

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

 Wind (renewable) – Wind power is harnessed by the use of wind turbines. Wind power is used to power all sorts of industries in Colombia.  Solar Power (renewable) – Solar power is energy produced by the sun that is then harnessed by solar panels. Solar power helps to power all sorts of industries in Colombia.  Coal (non-renewable) – Coal is a black, combustible material and is the most common energy source used to create electricity. Colombia is the world’s fourth largest coal exporter.  Oil (non-renewable) – Crude oil is a naturally occurring, unrefined petroleum product that can be refined to produce usable products such as gasoline and diesel. The US is the top destination for Colombia’s oil exports.

(Colombia EMB)

Industries List major industries, and provide a basic description for each to include the following: basic description, how much money the industry made in the previous year, and 5 major companies in the industry.  Textiles – The textile industry creates fabric made of flexible woven material. In 2011, the textile and apparel industries contributed 1.4% of Colombia’s GDP and 10.7% of its manufacturing GDP. o Colombiatex o Colombiamoda o Footwear and Leather Show (PDF Document)  Food Processing – The food processing industry produces food products. In 2011, total packaged food made roughly $15.1 billion.  Oil – The oil industry drills for crude oil which then produces gasoline and diesel. Revenues from oil and gas accounted for at least 25% of government income. o Ecopetrol o Pacific Rubiales Energy o Terpel  Coal – The coal industry mines for coal which is then used to generate electricity. Colombia produced 98.1 million short tons of coal in 2012.

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

GNP and/or GDP Official Exchange Rate Colombia’s GDP Official Exchange Rate is $369.2 billion.

Total GDP Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) GDP PPP

Colombia Venezuela Nicaragua

Income per Capita Income per Capita

Arauca

Meta Income per capita

Casanare

0 20,000 40,000

GDP Real Growth Rate Real Growth Rate

Colombia Venezuela Nicaragua

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Gross National Income per Capita Gross National Income per Capita

Colombia Venezuela Nicaragua United States

Economic Analysis II

International Trade Statistics

Colombia exports approximately $1.9 billion/year and imports approximately $1.5 billion in trades with the United States. Colombia’s main trade partner is the United States, but they also trade with China, Spain, Panama, Venezuela, and the Netherlands.

(United States Census Bureau)

Major Exports  Petroleum  Coal  Emeralds  Coffee  Nickel  Cut Flowers  Bananas  Apparel

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Description of Exports

Dollar Value of Exports Colombia exports approximately $62.3 billion worth of goods and services per year.

Export Partners Export Partners

United States China Spain Panama Venezuela Netherlands

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Major Imports  Industrial Equipment  Transportation Equipment  Consumer Goods  Chemicals  Paper Products  Fuels  Electricity

Description of Imports Colombia imports a lot of industrial and transportation equipment which is used to build the country’s infrastructure. Colombia is continuing to develop, like others, and is in need of bigger and better building and roadways. By importing industrial and transportation machinery the workers in Colombia are able to make improvements much faster and more efficiently. Colombia also imports large amounts of paper products, fuels and electricity to be used by residents.

Dollar Value of Imports Colombia imports approximately $5.2 billion worth of goods and services per year.

Import Partners Import Partners

United States China Mexico Brazil

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Problems of Scarcity Clean, healthy drinking water is very scarce in Colombia. 12.5% of departments in Colombia offer water that is safe for human consumption. Nationwide water samples have revealed that the water is contaminated with residual chlorine, microorganisms, E. coli, and coliform bacteria. However, poor quality water is not the only worry. Colombia faces a shortage of potable due to deforestation and the expansion of agricultural land (Colombia Reports).

Balance of Payments Colombia has a trade surplus as it exports roughly $58.7 billion/year, while importing roughly $53.5 billion.

Trade Balance Colombia has only a slight trade surplus as it exports about $5 billion more than it imports annually. Compared to many countries, Colombia has a very reasonable and equal balance of trade; there isn’t a great difference between the amount of exports and the amount of imports.

Exchange Rates Exchange rates are simply the price of a nation’s currency in terms of another nation’s currency. In 2013, the exchange rate for Colombian pesos to the US dollar was 1,865 pesos per US dollar. This gives America an advantage when buying from Colombia because 1,000 US dollars is equal to roughly 2 million Colombian pesos.

Name of Currency Colombian currency is called Colombian pesos.

Current Rate of Exchange The current rate of exchange between Colombian pesos and US dollars is 1,865 Colombian pesos per US dollar.

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Inflation Rate Inflation Rate 60.00% 56.2%

50.00%

40.00%

30.00%

20.00%

10.00% 7.4% 2.2% 1.5% 0.00% Colombia United States Venezuela Nicargua

Unemployment Rate Unemployment Rate 12.00% 9.7% 10.00% 7.9% 8.00% 7.2% 7.3%

6.00%

4.00%

2.00%

0.00% Colombia Venezuela Nicaragua United States

Colombia’s not-so-strong economy is a good representation of the reasonably high unemployment rate in the country. If the economy of the country was in better shape, then the unemployment rate would decrease as the economy continued to boom.

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Political System

Introduction

The Colombian government is quite similar to that of the United States in that it has three separate branches of government; the executive, legislative, and judicial branch. In addition, the government of Colombia is very stable, thanks to recent advances in government policies that will continue to improve. Due to the fact that the Colombian government is so stable, the opportunities to conduct business within the country are great. In fact, there are some political parties that focus solely on the well-being of the business industry. All in all, the Colombian government is a very stable government that allows for businesses to be successful inside and out of the country.

Government Type/Political Structure

The government of Colombia is a liberal democracy with separation of powers into the executive, legislative, and judicial branches (Princeton).

Branches of Government

The Colombian government has three separate branches; those include, the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. The executive branch is home to the president, vice president, and the cabinet (which is appointed by the president) and is responsible for enforcing laws. The legislative branch is home to the Senate and the Chamber of Representatives which form the Colombian Congress. The judicial branch is home to the Supreme Court of Justice, the Penal Chamber, the Constitutional Court, and the Council of State; these groups help to interpret and apply the laws of Colombia (CIA World Factbook).

Political Parties

• Alternative Democratic Pole or PDA - an alliance formed by the Independent Democratic Pole and the Democratic Alternative. It is the only political party that has declared that it is against the government of Juan Manuel Santos. • Conservative Party or PC - The Conservative Party is characterized by its close cooperation with the Roman Catholic church, a lack of tolerance with non-Roman Catholic religious beliefs, maintenance of class privileges, and highly centralized government, with locals strictly compliant with national rule (Nations Encyclopedia). • Democratic Center Party or CD - The Democratic Center Party focuses mainly on the business aspect of things. The party was formed to create an institutionalized opposition to the peace process (Global Risk Insights). • Green Party - The Green Party believes that the exercise of social justice, a grassroots democracy, nonviolence, and an emphasis on environmentalism leads to world health (Princeton).

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

• Liberal Party or PL - The Liberal Party supports the separation of church and state, though in practice a strong church is accepted (Nations Encyclopedia). • National Integration Party or PIN - The National Integration Party has been linked to Colombia paramilitaries that were found to be influencing Colombian politics. Some party candidates were friends or relatives of politicians with links to far-right militias and criminal gangs. • Radical Change or CR - The Radical Change Party formed when a group branched off from the Liberal Party to stand against corruption and the drug trade. • Social National Unity Party or U Party - The U Party is the single biggest party in the current Congress and is on the right of the political spectrum which supports President Santos.

Leadership

President - Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon Vice President - Angelino GARZON Min. of Agriculture & Rural Development - Juan Camilo RESTREPO Min. of Commerce, Industry, & Tourism - Sergio DIAZ-GRANADOS Min. of Communication - Diego MOLANO Vega Min. of Culture - Mariana GARCES Cordoba Min. of Defense - Juan Carlos PINZON Bueno Min. of Education - Maria Fernanda CAMPO Saavedra Min. of Energy & Mines - Mauricio CARDENAS Santa Maria Min. of the Environment & Sustainable Development - Frank PEARL Gonzalez Min. of Housing & Territorial Development - Beatriz URIBE Botero Min. of Finance & Public Credit - Juan Carlos ECHEVERRY Min. of Foreign Relations - Maria Angela HOLGUIN Cuellar Min. of Interior - German VARGAS LLERAS Min. of Justice - Juan Carlos ESGUERRA Portocarrero Min. of Labor - Rafael PARDO Rueda Min. of Social Protection - Mauricio SANTAMARIA Salamanca Min. of Transportation - German CARDONA Gutierrez Director of National Planning - Hernando Jose GOMEZ Restrepo President of Bank of the Republic - Jose Dario URIBE Escobar Ambassador to the US - Gabriel SILVA Lujan Permanent Representative to the UN, New York - Nestor OSORIO Londono (InfoPlease)

Stability of Government

Recently the Colombian government has been taking steps in the right direction. For a long time the country battled a terrorist insurgency and a nasty drug trafficking problem, but as of lately the government has been quickly improving. Advancing policies have led to significant

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia social and economic growth. Their is still a lot of work to be done, but the government has been taking great strides in restoring security and stability (Embassy of Colombia).

Legal System

The legal system of Colombia is a civil law system which is influenced by the Spanish and French civil codes.

Suffrage

The suffrage age in Colombia is 18 years of age.

Flag

The Colombian flag was officially adopted on December 17, 1819. The colors of the flag are commonly interpreted in two ways:

One version indicates that the yellow symbolizes sovereignty and justice, blue as loyalty and vigilance, and red represents the valor shown and the victory achieved during the battles for independence from Spain.

A very popular children's song claims that yellow represents the gold Colombia once owned until the arrival of the Spanish, blue indicates the country's contact with two oceans and red represents the blood that Colombians spent in their struggle for independence from Spain (World Atlas).

Trade Laws

Introduction

The trade laws of each country differ slightly from one another due to the fact that each country imports and exports different types of products. However, as a whole, most countries trade laws will coincide with most others because all countries are going to have partners that they trade with. Colombia is a partner in trade with many countries around the world which

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia allows businesses in Colombia to flourish because they are able to trade internationally. Below illustrates an in depth analysis of Colombia’s trade laws and trade partners.

Tariffs or Taxes

Most of Colombia’s duties (a duty is a kind of consumption tax) have been divided into three tariff levels: 0% to 5% on capital goods, industrial goods, and raw materials not produced in Colombia; 10% on manufactured goods, with some exceptions; and 15% to 20% on consumer and "sensitive" goods. Exceptions include: automobiles, which are subject to a 35% duty; beef and rice, which are subject to an 80% duty; and milk and cream, which are subject to a 98% duty (Export.gov).

Trade Agreements Colombia is currently in a trade agreement with a few different organizations. They are a member of the Andean Community, which creates a free trade agreement with Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. In addition, Colombia has also signed other free trade agreements with countries or associations including Central American Northern Triangle, the European Free Trade Association, and recently finalized negotiations with the European Union and began negotiating with South Korea and Panama (Export.gov).

Labeling and Marketing Requirements In Colombia, specific marks and labels are not required except on food, pharmaceutical products, and textiles. Labels on processed food must show the specific name of the product, ingredients in order of amount, name and address of manufacturer and importer, country-of-origin, number of units, instructions for storage and usage (when required), expiration date, and other required instructions.

Labels on pharmaceutical products must indicate in Spanish: "for sale under medical, dental or veterinary prescription,” with the generic name, commercial name, net weight or volume, weight or quantity of active ingredients, license number and the lot control number.

Insecticides and other toxic products should display the skull and crossbones, the word "poison" in Spanish, and information regarding usage and antidotes. Products for which there are no antidotes cannot be licensed and can only be used in programs under the direct control of public health authorities.

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Prohibited and Restricted Imports Colombia is very strict when it comes to importing and exporting items, as is any country, because they don’t want any foreign products interfering with the local market. In Colombia, importing the following products is strictly prohibited: dieldrin, aldrin, chlordane, endosulfan, heptachlor, lindane, and any preparations containing these products; gasoline that contains lead tetraethylene, and toys that could be mistaken for weapons. However, the only exception to the law is the Military Industry Institute is allowed to import weapons, explosives, and related raw materials.

Population Introduction The benefits that a business receives through expansion are endless. Expanding business in Colombia is a necessity to Colombian businesses because it could potentially help to lower the unemployment rate. In addition, businesses that export goods and services have the ability to increase sales, tap into new markets, and stabilize the company financially (Minority Business Development Agency). Being located close to the coast allows Colombian businesses to ship internationally with ease by way of water.

Total Population The total population of Colombia is 46,245,297 (CIA World Factbook).

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Growth Rates Growth Rate (%) 1.2

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

-0.2

-0.4

-0.6 Colombia Spain South Africa The growth rates of Colombia and Spain are approximately equal to one another at roughly 1 percent. However, the growth rate of South Africa is negative, meaning that the population is continually decreasing. The reason for the population decrease of South Africa may be explained by the increasing problems associated with AIDS.

Death Rates Death Rates (per 1,000 pop.) 20.

18.

16.

14.

12.

10.

0. Colombia Spain South Africa

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The death rates in Colombia are lower than in Spain, and substantially lower than the death rates in South Africa. I believe the death rates in Colombia are much lower than those of South Africa because there is an extremely high mortality rate due to AIDS in South Africa.

Life Expectancy Rates Life Expectancy Rates (years) 90.

80.

70.

60.

50.

40.

30.

20.

10.

0. Colombia Spain South Africa The life expectancy rates of Colombia and Spain are reasonably similar; however, Spain is slightly higher due to the fact that it is a much more developed country than the other two. The life expectancy in South Africa is very low compared to the other two countries most likely due to the effects of AIDS. Quality of resources, existence of disease, and problems with violence are three major factors that come into play when we look at the life expectancy of a country. If a country has low quality resources and a lot of violence problems, then the life expectancy rate is likely to be lower than that of a country who has clean water and the effects of diseases are minimal.

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Distribution of Population

12,000,000

10,000,000

8,000,000

Male 6,000,000 Female

4,000,000

2,000,000

0 0-14 15-24 25-54 55-64 65+ The number of males to females is close to equal at all stages of life. However, there is a high concentration of population from the age of 25-54, meaning that, depending on your product or service, there is a large market of middle-aged men and women in Colombia.

Most Populated Cities (5) Population 8,000,000

7,000,000

6,000,000

5,000,000

4,000,000

3,000,000

2,000,000

1,000,000

0 Bogota Cali Medellin Barranquilla Cartagena The top three most populated cities in Colombia are located along the bank of a river, and both Bogota and Medellin are located within the Andes Mountain range. The fact that all three cities

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reside along the banks of a river is not a coincidence. By being located along the bank of a river allows for easy access to water for transportation and important routines.

Diet and Nutrition

Typical Meals

In Colombia, the types of meals vary greatly depending on the region of the country. In some parts of the country, fried ants or guinea pigs are considered a delicacy, while in other parts the locals wouldn’t even think of eating these dishes. The Colombian diet includes a lot of meat and fresh fruit. Breakfast is very important in Colombia and usually consists of juice or coffee with eggs and bread. Lunch is the main meal and is served between 12 and 2PM. A traditional main meal consists of soup, a main dish, and drink and sometimes a dessert, which tend to be very sweet. In big cities the main meal will be served around 7 or 8PM, and dinner is more of a time to snack then time to eat a huge meal (South America).

Meat Consumption per Capita Meat consumption per capita is a way to approximate the wealth of a country. Higher levels of meat consumption per capita tend to portray the wealthiness of a country (ChartsBin).

Meat Consumption per Capita (kg)

0 Colombia Ecuador Turkey Sri Lanka

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Percent of Obesity Rate The obesity rate of a country shows the overall health of the civilians of the country. Colombia has a relatively low obesity rate, especially when compared to the United States. The United

Obesity Rate (%)

0 Colombia Brazil Turkey Peru United States States has a much higher obesity rate than Colombia which is likely caused by the higher portions of food consumed by Americans (Index Mundi).

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Daily Calorie Intake per Capita Daily calorie intake per capita is another way of showing the food proportions of a country. The locals of Colombia, Ecuador and Sri Lanka have balanced diets and consume approximately the average amount of calories per day. However, Turkey and the United States on the other Daily Calorie Intake per Capita

4000

3500

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0 Colombia Ecuador Turkey Sri Lanka United States hand consume much more than the recommended amount. The higher amounts of calorie consumption can be credited to eating larger meals, and eating more often (ChartsBin).

Housing and Communication Introduction The housing and communication industries in Colombia are similar to those in the United States. Houses in Colombia tend to be more crowded than those in the United States; therefore, the housing construction industry may be in high demand to build more houses in order to decrease the amount of overpopulated houses. Fixed-line connections are quickly going out of style due to the increase in mobile cellular subscribers. All of this information might give way to reinforce the need for new housing developments and the opportunity for entrepreneurs to be successful in the telecommunications industry.

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Typical Housing Structures The typical housing structure in Colombia is very similar to those in the United States. The majority of the population lives in a house or an apartment or another form of house. The only major difference between Colombian housing and United States housing is Colombian housing structures are often much brighter in color, and have more of an older look to them; similar to the streets of Spain and Mexico.

Housing Statistics

Persons per Room 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 Persons per Room 1 0.5 0 Colombia United Pakistan Japan States

Urbanization 120

100

60 Urbanization 40

0 Colombia United States Singapore Afghanistan

Communications

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1. Telephone Systems: There are roughly 15 fixed-line connections per 100 persons, and 100 per 100 persons have mobile cellular telephone subscriptions. Competition amongst cellular providers is quickly declining due to falling international calling rates. 2. Internet: Colombia is home to 4.41 million internet hosts and 22.538 million internet users. 3. Television and Radio: There is a combination of state-owned and privately owned broadcast media stations in Colombia that provide television service, and there is more than 500 radio stations and many national, regional, and local television stations.

Transportation

Overview

Transportation plays a very important part in Colombia. The most important mode of land transportation in Colombia is the road system, of which only about 1/8 is paved. There are two main roads in which the locals travels on which extend into the country from the ports of the Caribbean. Most domestic cargo is transported by truck, so road extension and improvement is a priority for the Colombian government. In addition to the road system, Colombia claims to have one of the highest rates of air travel in the world. Many Colombians choose to travel by air because it takes far less time, and you don’t have to endure the long, tortuous mountain roadways.

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Transport Analysis

Roadways

Paved (km) Unpaved (km) Waterways (km) Railways (km)

17,671 874

123,70

3 24,725

Looking at the graphs presented above, we can conclude that distributing goods by way of land is somewhat difficult in Colombia. With only 1/8 of the roadways in Colombia being paved, it is very difficult to transport goods to other parts of the country in an efficient manner. However, traveling and transporting by way of air would be much easier given that almost all major cities have an airport, and many Colombians prefer to travel by air. Transportation by water is becoming less and less popular, but there are still some main rivers which are used mainly for transporting goods to other parts of the country and internationally.

Labor

Job Market and Availability

1. How does one obtain a job? Getting a job in Colombia is very similar to the US; you must search for a desired job, then go apply and interview, and then count your blessings hoping to land the job. 2. What is the minimum age to work in your country? The minimum age to work in Colombia is 15 years old. 3. What are the workplace relationships like between employers and employees? The relationship that you have with your employer is what you make of it. If you are polite and understand the country and its culture, then you will have a positive relationship. If you are rude, snobby, or lazy, then you will likely have a negative relationship with your employer.

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

4. How much say does an employee have in your country? Decision making in Colombia is very team-based and often decisions are made from within the mid to upper-level management. Employees are often large benefactors of the idea generating process, so if you have something to say, say it; giving ideas is greatly appreciated (Centre for Intercultural Learning). 5. What kind of benefits do employees have in your country? Family allowance, unemployment, work injury, sickness and maternity, old age and disability are all benefits that certain employees receive. In order to receive some of these benefits, you must qualify for them and meet other criteria, but those are the main employee benefits offered in Colombia. 6. What is the work force like based on race, sex, or religion? Men and women are treated equal in the workforce in Colombia; in fact, a lot of women are quite successful in the business world for whatever reason. There has also been an increase in child labor in Colombia in the past couple years due to the global economic crisis (Colombia Reports).

Industries

1. What types of jobs are there? In a rapid developing country like Colombia, there are all sorts of job types available; such as jobs in technology, education, business and economy (World Services Consultancy). 2. What are the major types of industry that create jobs in your country? The two major industries that create jobs in Colombia are the mining and manufacturing industries (Nations Encyclopedia). 3. What sectors of employment? In Colombia, there are quite a few different sectors of employment available. To name a few; there is the academic and research sector which requires teachers and professors; then you have the sector of management which requires junior and senior management staff. There is also a natural resource sector which is in need of workers in the fields of mining minerals, oil, and gas. Also, consequently, there is a demand for environmental scientists and waste management professionals (World Services Consultancy).

Workday

1. What are the hours in the typical work day and week? The standard Colombian works 8 hours/day and a max of 6 days/week. If they work on their day off, then they get paid 75% of their normal pay. In addition, Colombians get 15 days of paid leave each year (Doing Business).

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

2. When is business usually conducted? Business is usually conducted after both parties are comfortable with the other. For example, if you are a foreigner wanting to do business with a company in Colombia, it would be a good idea to earn the trust of the desired company officials. This would make doing business a whole lot easier. 3. What type of dress do employees wear to work? Colombians tend to judge people by the way they dress and the quality of their clothes. Dark colors, like gray and dark blue, are preferable; however, in rural areas and along the coast, people tend to dress more casual and in brighter clothes. 4. When are breaks, if any? In Colombia, lunch is the main meal of the day. Colombians normally get a 2 hour lunch break in which they go home and have lunch with their families, and sometimes they will even take a nap before returning to work (Uncover Colombia). 5. When are holidays that most people don't work and briefly what are they for? Employees in Colombia receive the most generous public holidays in the region of South America; they receive 18 days of public holidays per year. Of these 18, the three most popular are Corpus Christi, which is a religious event in which Colombians celebrate the body of Christ; Independence Day, which is when Colombians join together to celebrate the day they became free; and Love for Bogota Festival, which is a celebration of the city’s Hispanic foundation (World Travel Guide). 6. What are typical rituals of conducting business? Presenting business cards, shaking hands, language etc. At the meeting and greeting stage of doing business, people often shake hands; sometimes friend will give a slight pat on the back, known as the abrazo. Meetings are often elongated where parties should take time to ask about family, business, health and favorite sports team. Rushing the process is seen as disrespectful. It’s also important to know that in Colombia people often stand very close to one another, so don’t back away if someone gets close to you. Certain gestures such as yawning are considered impolite in public and the “OK” gesture, with thumb and forefinger, should be avoided. Business meetings are often arranged a week or so before hand, and one should also confirm prior to departure. Above all, remember that Colombians will put personal relationships above other considerations; so be sure to develop a strong relationship with business partners, and talk as little about business as possible (Kwintessential).

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Education

General Description

The education system in Colombia is made up of primary school, secondary school, and then college. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 attend primary school and children between the ages of 12 and 16 attend secondary school. After 4 years of secondary school, students then have the option to attend a university; however, it is difficult for many students to go to college because not many families have enough money to pay for college. All classes are taught in Spanish and all students in primary and secondary school are required to wear school uniforms. By law, 10% of the government’s budget must be spent on the education system (ColombiaInfo).

Enrollment Levels

The graph above shows the percentage of kids that attend secondary school (high school).

Colombia United States Colombia United States

Educational Attainment Enrollment Ratio (%) (%) Tertiary Seconday School

0 10 20 30 40 0 20 40 60 80 100 The graph above shows the percentage of kids that go on to attend Tertiary school (post-high school). The reason for the higher percentage of United States children attending school after college is due to 2 reasons; one, its easier for kids to pay for college in the US; and two, kids in Colombia start preparing for their careers after their second year of secondary school, as opposed to most kids in the US that attend college in order to prepare for their career (NationMaster).

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Literacy Rates The United States and Germany lead the world in literacy rates at 99%, but China and Colombia aren’t far behind at 91.6% (China) and 90.4%(Colombia). The reasons for the higher literacy rates can be credited to the better educational systems in both the US and Germany (NationMaster).

Literacy Rate (%)

Colombia

United States

Germany

China

86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Spending (USD) The graph shown above displays the billions of dollars spent each year on the education system of the following countries. Colombia is way down on the list, especially when compared to the United States and Germany. Spending (Billion USD)

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0 Colombia United States Germany China

Evaluation

The Colombian education system is no where near the rank of the United States education system, but that is expected especially when you compare the amount of money both countries spend on their education system. Colombia does not have as high of a literacy rate or enrollment rate which can also be explained by the lower spending amount. As a whole, Colombia doesn’t have quite the education system as some other countries around the world, but its also not doing too bad considering the amount of money it has to spend on its schools each year.

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Clothing

Business Attire

All countries have their own unique ways of doing things, which makes each country different from the next. In Colombia, people pay a great deal of attention to appearance and clothing. So, if you are visiting the country, be sure to dress conservatively and be well groomed.

For business dress in Colombia men should wear dark suits with white shirts and ties in the cities, and women should wear dresses and suits. On the contrary, dress is typically less formal in warmer areas.

The traditional attire in Colombia is called ruanas, however Colombians rarely wear these anymore. Ruanas are a large cloth that covers a person’s entire body and is generally brown, but some have different colors in them. Women often wore panolones, which are shawls and polleras, which are skirts. Men often wore large hats called sombrero vueltiao. However, today these traditional clothes have almost disappeared giving way to more modern dress. The average Colombian dresses no different than the average European or North American, but there are a few exceptions. Also, it is important to know that men rarely wear shorts, but they do still wear the sombreros.

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Tourists in the country of Colombia are expected to try to dress somewhat conservatively as showing too much skin can be taken negatively, however tight fitting dresses on women don’t seem to cause any controversy. As a golden rule, Colombians are fairly stylish, so dressing to impress is not a bad idea, but in the same sense you should try to avoid wearing expensive watches or nice jewelry.

Recreation and Leisure Colombia is home to some very extravagant geographical regions as well as some out-of-the- norm recreational and leisure activities. Many Colombians enjoy taking part in Bullfighting, bicycle riding, exploring city parks, or sometimes even taking the family to the local amusement park. Bullfighting in Colombia takes place in the beautiful Plaza de Toros La Santamaria in the capital of Colombia. The season of bullfighting runs throughout January and February, but some small fights are held all throughout the year. This activity is one of the favorite pastimes of Bogotanos.

During the weekends and some bank holidays, the streets of Colombia are closed off so that locals can go out and get some exercise. With the streets closed off many of the locals either ride bicycles, jog, rollerblade or whatever else they may desire in the streets without fear of being run over. In total, the closed off streets create a route 81 km long that pass through nine parks for the opportunity to see of some of Colombia’s finest views!

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

The “Disneyland” of Colombia is called Mundo Aventura, or Adventure World. This is one of the most popular amusement parks in all of Colombia. Adventure World is home to some of Colombia’s finest rides, roller coasters, bumper cars and water slides! Between riding rides, there are even great places to eat inside the amusement park, making Adventure World a wonderful place to take the family for a day. Entry / Exit Requirements

In order to enter and exit Colombia, all U.S. citizens that don’t also hold Colombian citizenship must present a valid U.S. passport. U.S. citizens visiting Colombia for less than 90 days are not required to have a Colombian visa. The length of stay is determined by the Colombian immigration officer at the point of entry and with be stamped in your passport. In addition, before the visa expires, travelers may request to stay for up 90 more days. If a traveler remains in Colombia longer than authorized they are subject to fines, and the traveler may not leave Colombia until the fines have been paid (U.S. Passports and International Travel).

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Language

Introduction The official language of Colombia is Spanish, however there a multitude of different dialects and minor languages as well. Even though there are a bunch of different minor languages and dialects, if you speak Spanish fluently, you will be very efficient in business communication. If you travel to smaller areas of the country it may be beneficial to know the dialect specific to that area, but as a whole, if you can speak Spanish you will be just fine.

National or Official Language

Spanish is the official language in Colombia.

Dialects or Minor Languages

There are over 60 native languages still spoken in Colombia today. Below are some of the more popular languages spoken in Colombia. • Vlax Romani is the largest dialect of the Gypsy people. This language is spoken by around 75,000 people in Colombia. • Islander Creole English is a Creole language spoken by 15,000 people on the Islands of Providencia and San Andres in the Caribbean. It originated from English, but has been strongly influenced by Spanish, African and Caribbean dialects. • Pelenquero is a Creole language based on Spanish with strong influences from African languages. It is spoken by 3,000 people in San Basilio de Pelenque. (Veinte Mundos)

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

World Languages 1. Top Ten Languages Top 10 Most Influential Languages

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

Number of Speakers (million) Speakers of Number 500

Language

1. English – English has 500 million native speakers, but there are 2 billion people in the world who communicate in English regularly. Even stranger, most of these English speakers live in China.

2. French – French is the official language in 25 countries and second behind English for the first most influential language.

3. Spanish – Spanish has 400 million native speakers and is the official language of close to twenty countries. Spanish is also spoken all over the world as a second language.

4. Arabic – Arabic is arguably the most internationally spoken language aside from English and French. This is because of its position in the language of Islam. Modern standard Arabic is spoken as a second language by millions of people worldwide.

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

5. Mandarin – Mandarin has close to a billion native speakers, which is much more than any other language, isn’t used in any other parts of the world besides Southeast Asia.

6. Russian – Roughly 200 million people speak Russian as their native language. Russian is widely understood throughout Eastern Europe and Central Asia, but is not used in these countries due to the bitterness still had from the Soviet Occupation.

7. Portuguese – Portuguese has about 200 million speakers worldwide. It is the most popular language of the Southern Hemisphere and is considered a “world language” because of its global reach.

8. German – German has about 120 million speakers. German is used typically as the language of science and industry. Students that wish to go into a technically oriented job have to learn this language in order to pursue their careers. It lost much of its influence after the World Wars.

9. Japanese – Japanese has about 120 million speakers, with most of them living in Japan. It is very difficult to learn, which is one of the reasons it has not been picked up by other countries. However Japan is one of the world’s reigning economic powers as a result of its language holding significant influence in business and trade.

10. Hindustani (Hindi/Urdu) – These sister languages are very similar and the only difference between them is their writing system. Although they have little significance outside of the Indian Subcontinent, they have a combined 200 million native speakers.

Religion

General Description While about 90% of Colombians are part of the Roman Catholic belief, many others are either Mormon, evangelical or Protestant. The Roman Catholic religion was brought over by the colonial power Spain long ago. In addition, Mormons, evangelicals and Protestants have been winning converts recently, but still only represent a small number compared to those of Roman Catholic belief.

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Types of Religions Jews, 5,650 Jehovahs Witness, Other, 126,586 4,442,764

Roman Catholic, 41,175,000

(NationMaster)

Spanish travelers introduced Catholicism to Colombia back in the 16th century, changing the country’s social and political landscape forever. Other religions such as; Mormons, Jews, and Protestants, have recently been winning converts, but still represent only a small number in comparison to the main religion, Roman Catholic.

Effects of Religion Colombians, along with many others of Spanish decent, value their religion immensely. The impact of religion in Colombian life is very important to a lot of locals. Many are very spiritual and depend greatly upon their God to help them through tough times. They also believe that He is the reason for all good things in life.

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Bibliography

"Business Meetings." Kwintessential. Web. 20 Apr. 2014.

"Colombia background." Encyclopedia Brittanica. n.p., Web. 13 Mar. 2014. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/126016/Colombia#toc25345

"Colombian Work Day." Doing Business. Web. 20 Apr. 2014. http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/colombia/employing-workers

"Colombia EMB." Colombia EMB. n.p., Web. 16 Mar. http://www.colombiaemb.org/node/1330

"Colombian Flag." World Atlas. Web. 29 Mar. 2014. http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/flags/countrys/samerica/colombia.htm

"Colombian Industries." Nations Encyclopedia. Web. 20 Apr. 2014. http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Americas/Colombia.html

"Colombian map." Ezilon Maps. n.p., Web. 13 Mar. 2014. http://www.ezilon.com/maps/southamerica/columbia-maps.html

"Colombia Political Parties." Nations Encyclopedia. Web. 29 Mar. 2014. http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Americas/Colombia-POLITICAL-PARTIES.html#b

"Colombian Traffickers." PBS.org. Web. 7 May 2014. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/drugs/business/inside/colombian.html

"Colombia Topographic Map." How Stuff Works. Web. 23 Mar. 2014. http://maps.howstuffworks.com/colombia-topographic-map.htm

"Cultural Information." Centre for Intercultural Learning. Web. 19 Apr. 2014. http://www.intercultures.ca/cil-cai/ci-ic-eng.asp?iso=co#cn-6

"Culture and Identity." Safari The Globe. Web. 1 Jan. http://www.safaritheglobe.com/culture_colombia.aspx

"Democratic Center Party." Global Risk Insights. Web. 29 Mar. 2014. http://globalriskinsights.com/2014/03/26/colombia-pro-business-election-results-could- attract-foreign-investment/

"Education." Colombia Info. Web. 31 Mar. 2014. http://www.colombiainfo.org/en- us/colombia/education.aspx

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

"Enrollment levels." Nation Master. Web. 31 Mar. 2014. http://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/profiles/Colombia/Education

"Entry/Exit Requirements." U.S. Passports and International Travel. Web. 30 Apr. 2014. http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/colombia.html

"Etiquette and Manners." Cyborlink. Web. 9 Apr. 2014. http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/colombia.htm

"Etiquette and Manners." eDiplomat. Web. 9 Apr. 2014. http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_co.htm

"Trade Regulations and Standards." Export.gov. Web. 4 May 2014. http://export.gov/COLOMBIA/doingbusinessincolombia/traderegulationsstandards/index.asp

"Government of Colombia." Princeton. Web. 28 Mar. 2014. http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Government_of_Colombia.html

"Government Type." Index Mundi. Web. 28 Mar. 2014. http://www.indexmundi.com/colombia/government_type.html

"Government Leaders." Info Please. 20 Mar. 2012. Web. 28 Mar. 2014. http://www.infoplease.com/world/leaders/colombia.html

"Government Stability." Embassy of Colombia. Web. 29 Mar. 2014. http://www.colombiaemb.org/overview

"Import Value." Trading Economics. n.p., Web. 20 Mar. 2014. http://www.tradingeconomics.com/colombia/imports

"International Trade Statistics." United States Census Bureau. n.p., Web. 18 Mar. 2014. https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c3010.html

"Jobs of Colombia." World Services Consultancy. Web. 20 Apr. 2014. http://worldmapinfo.tripod.com/id22.html

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"Lunch." Uncover Colombia. Web. 20 Apr. 2014. http://www.uncovercolombia.com/index.php/en/blog/blog-colombia/item/colombian-culture- meals

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

"Marine Problems: Shipping." WWF. n.p., Web. 13 Mar. 2014. http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/blue_planet/problems/shipping/

"Meat Consumption per Capita." ChartsBin. Web. 6 Apr. 2014. http://chartsbin.com/view/12730

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"Public Holidays." World Travel Guide. Web. 20 Apr. 2014. http://www.worldtravelguide.net/colombia/public-holidays

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"Typical Colombian Food." South America. Web. 6 Apr. 2014. http://www.southamerica.cl/Colombia/Food.htm

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"Working Age." agediscrimination. Web. 19 Apr. 2014. http://www.agediscrimination.info/international/Pages/Colombia.aspx

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Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Appendix

Non-Profit Print Ad

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Issue Brochure

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Recipes

Colombian Food and Traditional Dishes

Barley and Fava Bean Soup

Almojabanas

Arepas con Pollo Adobado

Creamy Colombian Avocado Soup

(The Latin Kitchen)

Etiquette

• Yawning is impolite and viewed as a sign of hunger or sleepiness. Always cover your mouth when yawning (eDiplomat).

• For business, men should wear dark suits, white shirts and ties in the cities. In warmer areas, dress is less formal. Women should wear dresses and suits. Wear comfortable cotton in warmer areas (eDiplomat).

• Shoes are the first thing people notice. Colombians do not wear tennis shoes unless they are playing tennis, jogging, etc (eDiplomat).

• If you are invited to a bullfight, do not decline. Tickets for good seats are very expensive (eDiplomat).

• Have business cards printed in English on one side and the translation Spanish on the other. Present the card with the Spanish side facing your Colombian colleague (Cyborlink).

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia

Country Selection Letter

Nolan Bastendorff BIS Inc. 655 North Third Street Central Point, OR 97502 (541) 494-6300 International Market Research Specialist

February 10, 2014

Dr. Johnny Allen Hendrix Human Resources Director BIS Inc. 845 United Nations Plaza New York, NY 10017

Dear Dr. Hendrix:

I would like to do a research project on the issues surrounding Colombia, the Dominican Republic, or Nicaragua. Colombia is home to one of the world’s largest drug cartels which have been wrecking the lives of innocent people. The Dominican Republic ended 2012 with a deficit of $4.6 billion dollars, roughly twice the amount of the preceding year. And Nicaragua faces all kinds of problems ranging from Social Issues to Human Rights Issues to Health Issues.

My country of choice would be Colombia because I previously researched the problems the cartels pose on the rest of the country. To help stop, or at least slow down, drug trafficking in Colombia and other surrounding countries, I plan to educate Colombian locals of the dangers drug trafficking poses on their families. I hope that by spreading the word and informing people about the problems affecting their home’s I will be able to indirectly decrease the dangers drug trafficking poses.

My second country of choice would be the Dominican Republic, followed by Nicaragua. I am interested in researching the Dominican Republic because it is home to many professional baseball players and there is a large problem in the education system. The Dominican Republic has the lowest investment in education in Latin America. I want to know why so many professional athletes come from the country, and if possible, how I can help repair the damaged education system. Nicaragua is another country of interest to me because baseball is a huge part of their culture, but they also face many difficult issues, such as the incidence of HIV/AIDS rising, especially among the female population.

Thank you for your time and your consideration on my research project regarding the issues surrounding Colombia, the Dominican Republic, or Nicaragua. You may contact me with your permission to research one of my countries of interest at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Nolan Bastendorff

Nolan Bastendorff Colombia