Colombia's Amazing Recovery
In the 1990's anti-government insurgents and illegal paramilitary groups funded by the drug trade caused civil unrest. The insurgents lacked the military or popular support necessary to overthrow the government, and violence has been decreasing for the past 8 years.
Change occured
with the election of President Alvaro Uribe in 2002. He increased the military from
12,000 to 80,000 men. The insurgents are now cornered in the South of the country. 33,000 former
paramilitaries have been demobilized. The government has reasserted control throughout the
country, and now has a presence in every municipality.
President Alvaro Uribe is immensely popular due to his peace, order and good government crackdown. He has ameliorated conditions for the poor, like a new cable car system into impoverished working-class areas of Medellín. In 2006 he easily won re-election with 62% of the popular vote.
Colombia's economy experienced positive growth over the past 3 years despite high defence spending. The economy continues to improve due to austere government budgets, focused efforts to reduce public debt, an export-oriented growth strategy, an improved security situation and high commodity prices.


Puerto Carreño in Vichada is also very safe. Some have wandered tipsy through town to their hotel, well after midnight,
with a little bit too much rum on board. The town is typical of friendly rural communities.
You will agree when you come to visit your trees.