Bananas are a major crop. Factories produce cars, machinery, clothing, and food products. Agriculture - Coffee is the major cash crop. Other exports include cotton, tobacco, and cut flowers. Large cattle ranches are found on the llanos.
Rain forests produce lumber.
36 million people live mainly in the valleys of the Andes. Most speak Spanish but are mixed European, African, and Native American. Religion is Roman Catholic. Independence - Simon Bolivar led the struggle for independence in 1819. Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama were once one country, but split.