The majority of Colombians are people of mixed blood. An estimated 450,000 indigenous Amerindians are largely concentrated in the southwest and Amazonia, although some communities are scattered throughout the country. A small black population lives along both coasts, and especially in Choc≤, Colombia's poorest region. Blacks are the most underrepresented group.
Some progress has been made in giving Amerindians a greater political voice. In 1991, constitutional reforms reserved two seats in the Senate for indigenous representatives, and Amerindian pressure groups are increasingly active. However, harassment by landowners and drug-traffickers in Amazonia continues. Very few investigations into suspected human rights violations against Amerindians have led to prosecutions.
Women in Colombia have a higher profile than in much of the rest of Latin America. Many are prominent in the professional sector, though few reach the top in politics. The traditional extended Catholic family is the norm in Colombia. Regional identity is strong.
