During my sales training days, I traveled to the northern part of South America several times, only one time to Colombia though. Those countries are very dependent on the production and export of crude oil, particularly Venezuela (95% of exports). We hear in the news of all the problems of civil war and the drug trade regarding Colombia, but actually I think it is the most industrialized among Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. Also, Colombia has a good educational system and is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. I've enjoyed my travels there. Have a look.
