ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the enigma named Colombia and the country's demographic, topological, and economic characteristics. It considers the characteristics of the political system, the political history of the nation until 1974, and the increasing violence since those years from guerrilla groups, paramilitary squads, and drug dealers. Paramilitary groups developed many regional political parties in order to elect public officials. In 2002, nearly eighty parties had representation in congress, most of them with only one or two congressmen. The constitution made congress more important and the government less centralized. Congress is bicameral, with the departments' representation in the lower house based on their population and chosen in proportional representation elections. Galan was one of three presidential candidates assassinated by the Medellin drug cartel during the presidential election. Paramilitary groups also entered into "legitimate" politics by financing candidates for elective offices.
