This is a history of the country from pre-Columbian times to the present. It includes an in-depth look at the earliest years in Columbia's history which emphasizes the role geography played in shaping Columbia's economy, society, and politics. The book also includes a thorough discussion of Columbian politics which looks at the ways in which historical memory has affected political choices, particularly in the formation and development of the country's two traditional political parties. Safford and Palacios explore the factors which have contributed to Colombia's economic troubles, such as the delay in its national economic integration and its ineffective exportation policies, and conclude their book with a discussion of the often violent events which have taken place in Columbia during the 20th century.