The Republic of Chile

The Republic of Chile is a South American country that occupies a narrow and long coastal strip magnificently wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountains. Their economy went through a remarkable growth rate for over a decade but began experiencing moderate downturns in their economy since 1999. This was due to the global economic condition that pertained to the so-called Asian Financial Crisis that started last 1997.

It was only until 2003 that their economy began to show signs of actual recovery. Lagging demands of the consumer ad energy prices that seem to go higher were the reasons for a drag in their economy last 2006. In fact, the Republic of Chile experienced its weakest economic growth that year.

The Chilean Governments Strategy

The Chilean Government went to a lot of extent and effort to be able to offset these disturbing drags.  It was year 2002 up to 2005 when Chile began to participate actively in the international political area and even played a lead role in the hemispheric free trade. They also played a huge part on issues that would pertain to the international economy. They had a strong diplomatic relationship with most nations worldwide.

Thus, Tourism was one of the actual main sources of Chile’s revenue since mid 1990s. It continues to grow and has reached 13.6% just last 2005. It was estimated that about 2 million tourists visit Chile every year. This would be the same number of tourists and visitors that Brazil and Mexico actually receive annually. Most of the tourists that visit Chile come from the US or from an American continent, specifically Argentina. As years pass, the number continues to grow. Right now, most of the tourists would come from Europe. This would be from France, Germany and Spain among others. 

Chile’s main attractions are mostly their natural landscapes, which are located in their country’s extreme zones. Some of the popular attractions would be the San Pedro de Atama’s Incaic architecture, which is located on Chile’s northern side; the Valley of the Moon’s Altiplano lakes; and the Chungara Lake, which is also located on Chile’s northern side. They also have the Pomerape and the Parinacota Volcanoes, which has altitude of 6,222 m and 6,348 m respectively. There are still a lot of tourist attractions that you will love in Chile.  These include the remarkable Eastern Island, which is ideally located in the Pacific Ocean. It is considered as the main tourist destination in Chile.  

If you talk to a Chilean national, they will tell you that their tourism is at its peak during the summer months. This would be from December up to March. The areas that are very popular to tourists would be the towns near their coasts or beaches. These areas are, in fact, even divided into two.  These divisions are namely the northern side and the southern side. In the Northern side, the most visited towns during summer would be Coquimbo, La Serena, Antofagasta, Iquique and Arica. In the Southern side, it would be Pucon, which is along Lake Villarica’s shores. Amongst all of these, the Valparaiso region’s coast is said to be the area that receives the largest number of tourists. This would be because of its closeness to Santiago.  For those seeking to gamble or in search for the festivities, Vina del Mar is the best place to visit. It is only in close proximity to Valparaiso Region. In fact, their yearly song festival is regarded as Latin America’s musical event that is of the highest importance. 

Since 2005, the Chilena Government continues to find ways to promote Chile in the international market. They even launched a strong campaign that states, “Chile: All Ways Surprising”. This is to support their goal to endorse Chile’s tourism and business sector in the international aspect.

Republic of Colombia 

The Republic of Colombia is situated in South America’s northwestern region. Other beautiful countries in South America border it.  It is also bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Aside from this, the Republic of Colombia is said to share actual maritime borders with some of the remarkable Caribbean countries and notable countries in Central America. The Caribbean countries would be Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica. The Central American countries would be Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras.

Columbia is stated as the 4th largest country in actual South America. The Republic of Columbia would come next to Peru, Brazil and Argentina. Colombia also has the 3rd largest population in all of Latin America. They would come next to Mexico and Brazil. Hence, the Republic of Colombia is considered as the world’s twenty-sixth largest nation.

Colombia stands as a country with middle power. This would be since it ranks worldwide as the 2nd largest population that speaks Spanish. They come next after Mexico. Colombia has a well-recognized culture and one amongst South America’s largest manufacturers.  

Thus, it is a sad fact that amidst Colombia’s strength, their biggest setback would be the low intensity conflict that involves some groups of rebel guerillas; drug trafficking; paramilitary militias; and the actual corruption inside some of their cities and minor towns.

Their Resources 

Their natural resources, high-valued currency and their population that is highly literate abundantly fuel the economy of the Republic of Colombia.  Although they used to prosper with long-term growth, they suddenly experienced a recession a few years ago. Though they are already recovering from this recession, the process was quite long and somewhat painful. The setbacks they experienced were again burdened with a weak foreign and domestic demand, armed conflicts that seemed serious and internal as well as their austere governmental budgets. 

Colombia resulted to the exportation of a variety of their manufactured goods and resources in order to sustain their depreciating economy. Their main exports, aside from the manufactured goods, included petroleum, coffee and coal. They are also amongst the world’s largest producers of the remarkable pop-up books.

Unofficially, one of the major exports of this country is suspected to be illegal drugs. In fact, drug dealings in Colombia are very rampart and it would come after high unemployment and pension system problems; when it comes to the range of problems Columbia continues to face.

Columbia as as Tourist Destination 

With regards to the Tourism industry in the Republic of Colombia, eversince the 1940s, they were began to experience steady growth and was able to main it amidst the problems they were facing. Their main tourist destinations would be San Andres Island, Barranquilla, Cali, Medellin, Santa Marta, Cartagena and Bogota among others. Each area boasts of  its own major tourist destination. Columbia is said to have different tourist seasons, the busiest would be pertaining to their religious celebrations like Christmas and Holy Week.

Colombia’s tourist destination are mostly pertaining to their natural landscapes or nature preserves. Most of these natural landscapes would be their national parks, theme parks, mountain ranges, desserts and even some island territories.
With regards to the Columbia’s safety aspect, it is a known fact that crimes like killings and kidnappings are quite rampant in their country. Armed-opposition groups and paramilitaries are all over the place.

If Choosing Columbia 

For those seeking to stay in Columbia for good, it is advisable that you make a thorough research and seriously discuss it with your whole family. Make sure the area you will be migrating it will not pose any serious threats to you, and most especially to your kids. Aside from these rampant crimes, grave human rights violations and abuses have been reported to reach critical levels in Colombia. Women are, in fact, are the most violated and abused sector in Colombia. It is said that treatment for women there have not been that fair. Pregancy there is more like a choice. This is since abortion is legalized and prevalent.

Thus, if you would like to buy a property in Columbia, never hesitate to talk to a good Realtor. You can also seek advice from a professional or a group of people; who have been in the business of property investments for a long period of time. These people would know the real deal in Columbia. They are the ones who would be able to give you sound advice. Before you buy a property in Columbia or before you sign anything, make sure you are well informed and you clearly understand what you will be dealing with.

The Threats

For a nation that is notorious in kidnappings, drug production and murder; on no occasion should you jeopardize your safety, your family’s safety, and most of all- your hard earned money. Even though not every part of Colombia is a danger zone, a lot of places there can really pose a threat to your safety.

Hence, there are areas in Columbia that is still considered safe and pleasant to visit. They have a lot of beautiful landscapes and extraordinary festivities. Their economy is fairing well compared to other nations in Southern America. The Republic of Colombia has a lot of things that they can boast or brag about. It would be nice to go there and experience first-hand the beauty of their nation; but living there would be a whole different story.