Foremost, geography significantly affects economic, social and political development, with many rural parts only accessible by foot or horseback. Many departments, cities or pueblos work in isolation, requiring extra investment in local infrastructure. Also, it is difficult to maintain public security, with the FARC and ELN guerrillas, paramilitary or self-defense groups, and even local bandits controlling large parts of Colombia. There has been extensive political terror and violence, with opposition leaders being threatened, kidnapped or killed since at least the mid 1940s.
Every week brings news of more mayors, political candidates or community leaders being killed.
Corruption is another major problem, although it is difficult to establish just how big. Many congressmen have been indicted for accepting drug money, and other scandals abound. Kickbacks are the norm in several sectors. More generally, a new constitution was passed in 1991 that is socially progressive and still being ironed out. Culturally, the family has been quite close, but this may be changing.