2013 Edition

Background

Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Ecuador and Venezuela). A nearly five-decade long conflict between government forces and anti-government insurgent groups, principally the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) heavily funded by the drug trade, escalated during the 1990s. More than 31,000 former paramilitaries had demobilized by the end of 2006 and the United Self Defense Forces of Colombia as a formal organization had ceased to function. In the wake of the paramilitary demobilization, emerging criminal groups arose, whose members include some former paramilitaries. The insurgents lack the military or popular support necessary to overthrow the government, but continue attacks against civilians. Large areas of the countryside are under guerrilla influence or are contested by security forces. In October 2012, the Colombian Government started formal peace negotiations with the FARC aimed at reaching a definitive bilateral ceasefire and incorporating demobilized FARC members into mainstream society and politics. The Colombian Government has stepped up efforts to reassert government control throughout the country, and now has a presence in every one of its administrative departments. Despite decades of internal conflict and drug related security challenges, Colombia maintains relatively strong democratic institutions characterized by peaceful, transparent elections and the protection of civil liberties.

Area

1,138,910 sq km 1,038,700 sq km 100,210 sq km includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, and Serrana Bank

total

1,138,910 sq km

water

100,210 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Climate

tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands

Coastline

3,208 km (Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448 km)

Elevation extremes

Pacific Ocean 0 m Pico Cristobal Colon 5,775 m nearby Pico Simon Bolivar also has the same elevation

highest point

Pico Cristobal Colon 5,775 m

lowest point

Pacific Ocean 0 m

Environment - current issues

deforestation; soil and water quality damage from overuse of pesticides; air pollution, especially in Bogota, from vehicle emissions

Environment - international agreements

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands Law of the Sea

party to

Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified

Law of the Sea

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

12.65 cu km/yr (55%/4%/41%) 308 cu m/yr (2010)

per capita

308 cu m/yr (2010)

total

12.65 cu km/yr (55%/4%/41%)

Geographic coordinates

4 00 N, 72 00 W

Geography - note

only South American country with coastlines on both the North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea

Irrigated land

10,870 sq km (2011)

Land boundaries

6,309 km Brazil 1,644 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km, Peru 1,800 km, Venezuela 2,050 km

border countries

Brazil 1,644 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km, Peru 1,800 km, Venezuela 2,050 km

total

6,309 km

Land use

1.84% 1.66% 96.5% (2011)

arable land

1.84%

other

96.5% (2011)

permanent crops

1.66%

Location

Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama

Map references

South America

Maritime claims

12 nm 200 nm 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

continental shelf

200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; occasional earthquakes; periodic droughts Galeras (elev. 4,276 m) is one of Colombia's most active volcanoes, having erupted in 2009 and 2010 causing major evacuations; it has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Nevado del Ruiz (elev. 5,321 m), 129 km (80 mi) west of Bogota, erupted in 1985 producing lahars that killed 23,000 people; the volcano last erupted in 1991; additionally, after 500 years of dormancy, Nevado del Huila reawakened in 2007 and has experienced frequent eruptions since then; other historically active volcanoes include Cumbal, Dona Juana, Nevado del Tolima, and Purace

volcanism

Galeras (elev. 4,276 m) is one of Colombia's most active volcanoes, having erupted in 2009 and 2010 causing major evacuations; it has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Nevado del Ruiz (elev. 5,321 m), 129 km (80 mi) west of Bogota, erupted in 1985 producing lahars that killed 23,000 people; the volcano last erupted in 1991; additionally, after 500 years of dormancy, Nevado del Huila reawakened in 2007 and has experienced frequent eruptions since then; other historically active volcanoes include Cumbal, Dona Juana, Nevado del Tolima, and Purace

Natural resources

petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds, hydropower

Terrain

flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes Mountains, eastern lowland plains (Llanos)

Total renewable water resources

2,132 cu km (2011)

Age structure

25.8% (male 6,032,725/female 5,755,437) 18.2% (male 4,241,621/female 4,101,552) 41.5% (male 9,376,745/female 9,597,744) 8% (male 1,705,451/female 1,962,606) 6.5% (male 1,242,980/female 1,728,922) (2013 est.)

0-14 years

25.8% (male 6,032,725/female 5,755,437)

15-24 years

18.2% (male 4,241,621/female 4,101,552)

25-54 years

41.5% (male 9,376,745/female 9,597,744)

55-64 years

8% (male 1,705,451/female 1,962,606)

65 years and over

6.5% (male 1,242,980/female 1,728,922) (2013 est.)

Birth rate

16.98 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Child labor - children ages 5-14

988,362 9 % data represents children ages 5-17 (2009 est.)

percentage

9 %

total number

988,362

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

3.4% (2010)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

79.1% (2010)

Death rate

5.33 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Demographic profile

Colombia is in the midst of a demographic transition resulting from steady declines in its fertility, mortality, and population growth rates. The birth rate has fallen from more than 6 children per woman in the 1960s to just above replacement level today as a result of increased literacy, family planning services, and urbanization. However, income inequality is among the worst in the world, and more than a third of the population lives below the poverty line. Colombia experiences significant legal and illegal economic emigration and refugee flows. Large-scale labor emigration dates to the 1960s; Venezuela and the United States continue to be the main host countries. Colombia is the largest source of Latin American refugees in Latin America, nearly 400,000 of whom live primarily in Venezuela and Ecuador. Forced displacement remains prevalent because of violence among guerrillas, paramilitary groups, and Colombian security forces. Afro-Colombian and indigenous populations are disproportionately affected. A leading NGO estimates that 5.2 million people have been displaced since 1985, while the Colombian Government estimates 3.6 million since 2000. These estimates may undercount actual numbers because not all internally displaced persons are registered. Historically, Colombia also has one of the world's highest levels of forced disappearances. About 30,000 cases have been recorded over the last four decades - although the number is likely to be much higher - including human rights activists, trade unionists, Afro-Colombians, indigenous people, and farmers in rural conflict zones.

Dependency ratios

51.2 % 41.9 % 9.3 % 10.7 (2013)

elderly dependency ratio

9.3 %

potential support ratio

10.7 (2013)

total dependency ratio

51.2 %

youth dependency ratio

41.9 %

Drinking water source

urban: 99% of population rural: 72% of population total: 92% of population urban: 1% of population rural: 28% of population total: 8% of population (2010 est.)

rural

28% of population

total

8% of population (2010 est.)

urban

1% of population

Education expenditures

4.5% of GDP (2011)

Ethnic groups

mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1%

Health expenditures

6.1% of GDP (2011)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.5% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

14,000 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

160,000 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

1.4 beds/1,000 population (2011)

Infant mortality rate

15.46 deaths/1,000 live births 18.77 deaths/1,000 live births 11.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

female

11.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

total

15.46 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Spanish (official)

Life expectancy at birth

75.02 years 71.82 years 78.42 years (2013 est.)

female

78.42 years (2013 est.)

total population

75.02 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 93.6% 93.5% 93.7% (2011 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

93.7% (2011 est.)

male

93.5%

total population

93.6%

Major infectious diseases

high bacterial diarrhea dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever (2013)

degree of risk

high

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases

dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever (2013)

Major urban areas - population

BOGOTA (capital) 8.744 million; Medellin 3.497 million; Cali 2.352 million; Barranquilla 1.836 million; Bucaramanga 1.065 million (2011)

Maternal mortality rate

92 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

28.6 years 27.6 years 29.5 years (2013 est.)

female

29.5 years (2013 est.)

male

27.6 years

total

28.6 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

21.4 Median age at first birth among women 25-29 (2010 est.)

Nationality

Colombian(s) Colombian

adjective

Colombian

noun

Colombian(s)

Net migration rate

-0.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

17.3% (2008)

Physicians density

1.47 physicians/1,000 population (2010)

Population

45,745,783 (July 2013 est.)

Population growth rate

1.1% (2013 est.)

Religions

Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%

Sanitation facility access

urban: 82% of population rural: 63% of population total: 77% of population urban: 18% of population rural: 37% of population total: 23% of population (2010 est.)

rural

37% of population

total

23% of population (2010 est.)

urban

18% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

14 years 13 years 14 years (2011)

female

14 years (2011)

male

13 years

total

14 years

Sex ratio

1.06 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female 0.86 male(s)/female 0.72 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

0-14 years

1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.03 male(s)/female

25-54 years

0.98 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.86 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.72 male(s)/female

at birth

1.06 male(s)/female

total population

0.98 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.1 children born/woman (2013 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

23% 18.2% 29.9% (2008)

female

29.9% (2008)

total

23%

Urbanization

75% of total population (2010) 1.7% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

1.7% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

75% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

32 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital district* (distrito capital); Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Atlantico, Bogota*, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas, Caqueta, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia, Guaviare, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Quindio, Risaralda, Archipielago de San Andres, Providencia y Santa Catalina (colloquially San Andres y Providencia), Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes, Vichada

Capital

Bogota 4 36 N, 74 05 W UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

4 36 N, 74 05 W

name

Bogota

time difference

UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

several previous; latest promulgated 5 July 1991; amended many times, last in 2011 (2013)

Country name

Republic of Colombia Colombia Republica de Colombia Colombia

conventional long form

Republic of Colombia

conventional short form

Colombia

local long form

Republica de Colombia

local short form

Colombia

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Benjamin ZIFF Calle 24 Bis No. 48-50, Bogota, D.C. Carrera 45 No. 24B-27, Bogota, D.C. [57] (1) 275-2000 [57] (1) 275-4600

chief of mission

Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Benjamin ZIFF

embassy

Calle 24 Bis No. 48-50, Bogota, D.C.

FAX

[57] (1) 275-4600

mailing address

Carrera 45 No. 24B-27, Bogota, D.C.

telephone

[57] (1) 275-2000

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Luis Carlos VILLEGAS Echeverri (since 3 December 2013) 2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 387-8338 [1] (202) 232-8643 Atlanta, Beverly Hills (CA), Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico) Newark (NJ)

chancery

2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Luis Carlos VILLEGAS Echeverri (since 3 December 2013)

consulate(s)

Newark (NJ)

consulate(s) general

Atlanta, Beverly Hills (CA), Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

FAX

[1] (202) 232-8643

telephone

[1] (202) 387-8338

Executive branch

President Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (since 7 August 2010); Vice President Angelino GARZON (since 7 August 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government President Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (since 7 August 2010); Vice President Angelino GARZON (since 7 August 2010) Cabinet appointed by the president president and vice president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 30 May 2010 with a runoff election 20 June 2010 (next to be held in May 2014) Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon elected president in runoff election; percent of vote - Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon 69.06%, Antanas MOCKUS 27.52%

cabinet

Cabinet appointed by the president

chief of state

President Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (since 7 August 2010); Vice President Angelino GARZON (since 7 August 2010); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

election results

Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon elected president in runoff election; percent of vote - Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon 69.06%, Antanas MOCKUS 27.52%

elections

president and vice president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 30 May 2010 with a runoff election 20 June 2010 (next to be held in May 2014)

head of government

President Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (since 7 August 2010); Vice President Angelino GARZON (since 7 August 2010)

Flag description

three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue, and red; the flag retains the three main colors of the banner of Gran Colombia, the short-lived South American republic that broke up in 1830; various interpretations of the colors exist and include: yellow for the gold in Colombia's land, blue for the seas on its shores, and red for the blood spilled in attaining freedom; alternatively, the colors have been described as representing more elemental concepts such as sovereignty and justice (yellow), loyalty and vigilance (blue), and valor and generosity (red); or simply the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity similar to the flag of Ecuador, which is longer and bears the Ecuadorian coat of arms superimposed in the center

three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue, and red; the flag retains the three main colors of the banner of Gran Colombia, the short-lived South American republic that broke up in 1830; various interpretations of the colors exist and incl

yellow for the gold in Colombia's land, blue for the seas on its shores, and red for the blood spilled in attaining freedom; alternatively, the colors have been described as representing more elemental concepts such as sovereignty and justice (yellow), loyalty and vigilance (blue), and valor and generosity (red); or simply the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity

Government type

republic; executive branch dominates government structure

Independence

20 July 1810 (from Spain)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

BCIE, BIS, CAN, Caricom (observer), CD, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-3, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNSC (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (consists of the Civil-Agrarian and Labor Chambers each with 7 judges, and the Penal Chamber with 9 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 magistrates); Council of State (consists of 27 magistrates) Supreme Court judges appointed by the Congress from candidates submitted by the president; judges appointed for life; Constitutional Court magistrates - 3 nominated by the president, 3 by the Supreme Court, and 3 elected by the Senate; judges elected for individual 2-8 year terms Superior Tribunals (appellate courts for each of the judicial districts); regional courts; civil municipal courts; Superior Military Tribunal; first instance administrative courts

highest court(s)

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (consists of the Civil-Agrarian and Labor Chambers each with 7 judges, and the Penal Chamber with 9 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 magistrates); Council of State (consists of 27 magistrates)

judge selection and term of office

Supreme Court judges appointed by the Congress from candidates submitted by the president; judges appointed for life; Constitutional Court magistrates - 3 nominated by the president, 3 by the Supreme Court, and 3 elected by the Senate; judges elected for individual 2-8 year terms

subordinate courts

Superior Tribunals (appellate courts for each of the judicial districts); regional courts; civil municipal courts; Superior Military Tribunal; first instance administrative courts

Legal system

civil law system influenced by the Spanish and French civil codes

Legislative branch

bicameral Congress or Congreso consists of the Senate or Senado (102 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the Chamber of Representatives or Camara de Representantes (166 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) Senate - last held on 14 March 2010 (next to be held in March 2014); Chamber of Representatives - last held on 14 March 2010 (next to be held in March 2014) Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - U Party 28, PC 22, PL 17, PIN 9, CR 8, PDA 8, Green Party 5, other parties 5; Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - U Party 47, PC 38, PL 37, CR 15, PIN 12, PDA 4, Green Party 3, other parties 10; note - as of 1 January 2011, the Senate currently has 101 seats after one seat became vacant due to a PL senator losing his seat for illegal collusion with the FARC; the Chamber of Representatives also has one seat vacant after only 165 of the 166 candidates were credentialed

election results

Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - U Party 28, PC 22, PL 17, PIN 9, CR 8, PDA 8, Green Party 5, other parties 5; Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - U Party 47, PC 38, PL 37, CR 15, PIN 12, PDA 4, Green Party 3, other parties 10; note - as of 1 January 2011, the Senate currently has 101 seats after one seat became vacant due to a PL senator losing his seat for illegal collusion with the FARC; the Chamber of Representatives also has one seat vacant after only 165 of the 166 candidates were credentialed

elections

Senate - last held on 14 March 2010 (next to be held in March 2014); Chamber of Representatives - last held on 14 March 2010 (next to be held in March 2014)

National anthem

"Himno Nacional de la Republica de Colombia" (National Anthem of the Republic of Colombia) Rafael NUNEZ/Oreste SINDICI adopted 1920; the anthem was created from an inspirational poem written by President Rafael NUNEZ

lyrics/music

Rafael NUNEZ/Oreste SINDICI

name

"Himno Nacional de la Republica de Colombia" (National Anthem of the Republic of Colombia)

National holiday

Independence Day, 20 July (1810)

National symbol(s)

Andean condor

Political parties and leaders

Alternative Democratic Pole or PDA [Clara LOPEZ] Conservative Party or PC [Efrain CEPEDA Sarabia] Green Party [Jorge LONDONO Ulloa; Enrique PENALOSA] Liberal Party or PL [Simon GAVIRIA Munoz] National Integration Party or PIN [Angel ALIRIO Moreno] Radical Change or CR [Antonio GUERRA de la Espriella] Social National Unity Party or U Party [Juan Francisco LOZANO Ramirez] Colombia has seven major political parties, and numerous smaller movements

Political pressure groups and leaders

Central Union of Workers or CUT Colombian Confederation of Workers or CTC General Confederation of Workers or CGT National Liberation Army or ELN Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia or FARC FARC and ELN are the two largest insurgent groups active in Colombia

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

coffee, cut flowers, bananas, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseed, vegetables; shrimp; forest products

Budget

$107.8 billion $106.1 billion (2012 est.)

expenditures

$106.1 billion (2012 est.)

revenues

$107.8 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

0.5% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

4.75% (31 December 2011) 5% (31 December 2010)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

12.6% (31 December 2012 est.) 11.22% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

$-12.17 billion (2012 est.) $-9.837 billion (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$80.72 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $76.92 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

58.5 (2011) 53.8 (1996)

Economy - overview

Colombia's consistently sound economic policies and aggressive promotion of free trade agreements in recent years have bolstered its ability to face external shocks. Real GDP has grown more than 4% per year for the past three years, continuing almost a decade of strong economic performance. All three major ratings agencies have upgraded Colombia's government debt to investment grade. Nevertheless, Colombia depends heavily on oil exports, making it vulnerable to a drop in oil prices. Economic development is stymied by inadequate infrastructure, weakened further by recent flooding. Moreover, the unemployment rate of 10.3% in 2012 is still one of Latin America's highest. The SANTOS Administration's foreign policy has focused on bolstering Colombia's commercial ties and boosting investment at home. The US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was ratified by the US Congress in October 2011 and implemented in 2012. Colombia has signed or is negotiating FTAs with a number of other countries, including Canada, Chile, Mexico, Switzerland, the EU, Venezuela, South Korea, Turkey, Japan, China, Costa Rica, Panama, and Israel. Foreign direct investment - notably in the oil and gas sectors - reached a record $10 billion in 2008 but dropped to $7.2 billion in 2009, before beginning to recover in 2010, and reached a record high of nearly $16 billion in 2012. Colombia is the third largest Latin American exporter of oil to the United States, and the United States' largest source of imported coal. Inequality, underemployment, and narcotrafficking remain significant challenges, and Colombia's infrastructure requires major improvements to sustain economic expansion.

Exchange rates

Colombian pesos (COP) per US dollar - 1,798 (2012 est.) 1,848 (2011 est.) 1,898.6 (2010 est.) 2,157.6 (2009) 2,243.6 (2008)

Exports

$59.85 billion (2012 est.) $56.68 billion (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

petroleum, coal, emeralds, coffee, nickel, cut flowers, bananas, apparel

Exports - partners

US 36.6%, China 5.5%, Spain 4.8%, Panama 4.7%, Venezuela 4.4%, Netherlands 4.1% (2012)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

61.4% 16.5% 23.6% -0.4% 18.2% -19.7% (2012 est.)

exports of goods and services

18.2%

government consumption

16.5%

household consumption

61.4%

imports of goods and services

-19.7%

investment in fixed capital

23.6%

investment in inventories

-0.4%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

6.5% 37.6% 55.9% (2012 est.)

agriculture

6.5%

industry

37.6%

services

55.9% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$10,700 (2012 est.) $10,400 (2011 est.) $9,900 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

4% (2012 est.) 6.6% (2011 est.) 4% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$364 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$497.3 billion (2012 est.) $478.3 billion (2011 est.) $448.5 billion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Gross national saving

19.9% of GDP (2012 est.) 20.8% of GDP (2011 est.) 19% of GDP (2010 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

0.9% 44.4% (2010 est.)

highest 10%

44.4% (2010 est.)

lowest 10%

0.9%

Imports

$54.64 billion (2012 est.) $50.52 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer goods, chemicals, paper products, fuels, electricity

Imports - partners

US 24.2%, China 16.3%, Mexico 10.9%, Brazil 4.8% (2012)

Industrial production growth rate

3% (2012 est.)

Industries

textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages, chemicals, cement; gold, coal, emeralds

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

3.2% (2012 est.) 3.4% (2011 est.)

Labor force

23.09 million (2012 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

18% 13% 68% (2011 est.)

agriculture

18%

industry

13%

services

68% (2011 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$201.3 billion (31 December 2011) $208.5 billion (31 December 2010) $133.3 billion (31 December 2009)

Population below poverty line

34.1% (2011 est.)

Public debt

40.5% of GDP (2012 est.) 42.9% of GDP (2011 est.) data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$37 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $31.91 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$151.2 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $119.8 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$31.65 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $31.96 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$111.7 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $95.61 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$180.7 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $139 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$41.7 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $35.45 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

29.6% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

10.4% (2012 est.) 10.8% (2011 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

71.15 million Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

777,900 bbl/day (2009)

Crude oil - imports

10 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Crude oil - production

969,100 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

2.2 billion bbl (1 January 2013 es)

Electricity - consumption

45.35 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - exports

1.294 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

32.9% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

66.6% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0.4% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - imports

8.22 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

13.54 million kW (2010 est.)

Electricity - production

63.65 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

9.08 billion cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

2.11 billion cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - imports

40,290 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - production

10.95 billion cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

169.9 billion cu m (1 January 2013 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

287,000 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

92,410 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

49,790 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

313,100 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Broadcast media

combination of state-owned and privately owned broadcast media provide service; more than 500 radio stations and many national, regional, and local TV stations (2007)

Internet country code

.co

Internet hosts

4.41 million (2012)

Internet users

22.538 million (2009)

Telephone system

modern system in many respects with a nationwide microwave radio relay system, a domestic satellite system with 41 earth stations, and a fiber-optic network linking 50 cities; telecommunications sector liberalized during the 1990s; multiple providers of both fixed-line and mobile-cellular services fixed-line connections stand at about 15 per 100 persons; mobile cellular telephone subscribership is about 100 per 100 persons; competition among cellular service providers is resulting in falling local and international calling rates and contributing to the steep decline in the market share of fixed line services country code - 57; multiple submarine cable systems provide links to the US, parts of the Caribbean, and Central and South America; satellite earth stations - 10 (6 Intelsat, 1 Inmarsat, 3 fully digitalized international switching centers) (2011)

domestic

fixed-line connections stand at about 15 per 100 persons; mobile cellular telephone subscribership is about 100 per 100 persons; competition among cellular service providers is resulting in falling local and international calling rates and contributing to the steep decline in the market share of fixed line services

general assessment

modern system in many respects with a nationwide microwave radio relay system, a domestic satellite system with 41 earth stations, and a fiber-optic network linking 50 cities; telecommunications sector liberalized during the 1990s; multiple providers of both fixed-line and mobile-cellular services

international

country code - 57; multiple submarine cable systems provide links to the US, parts of the Caribbean, and Central and South America; satellite earth stations - 10 (6 Intelsat, 1 Inmarsat, 3 fully digitalized international switching centers) (2011)

Telephones - main lines in use

6.291 million (2012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

49.066 million (2012)

Airports

836 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

18 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

39

2,438 to 3,047 m

9

914 to 1,523 m

53

over 3,047 m

2

total

121

under 914 m

18 (2013)

Airports - with unpaved runways

488 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

25

914 to 1,523 m

201

over 3,047 m

1

total

715

Heliports

3 (2013)

Merchant marine

cargo 9, chemical tanker 1, petroleum tanker 2 4 (Antigua and Barbuda 1, Panama 2, Portugal 1) (2010)

registered in other countries

4 (Antigua and Barbuda 1, Panama 2, Portugal 1) (2010)

total

12

Pipelines

gas 4,991 km; oil 6,796 km; refined products 3,429 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

Atlantic Ocean (Caribbean) - Cartagena, Santa Marta, Turbo; Pacific Ocean - Buenaventura Barranquilla (Rio Magdalena) Covenas offshore terminal Puerto Bolivar (coal)

dry bulk cargo port(s)

Puerto Bolivar (coal)

major seaport(s)

Atlantic Ocean (Caribbean) - Cartagena, Santa Marta, Turbo; Pacific Ocean - Buenaventura

oil/gas terminal(s)

Covenas offshore terminal

river port(s)

Barranquilla (Rio Magdalena)

Railways

874 km 150 km 1.435-m gauge 498 km 0.950-m gauge; 226 km 0.914-m gauge (2008)

narrow gauge

498 km 0.950-m gauge; 226 km 0.914-m gauge (2008)

total

874 km

Roadways

141,374 km (2010)

total

141,374 km (2010)

Waterways

24,725 km (18,300 km navigable; the most important waterway, the River Magdalena, of which 1,488 km is navigable, is dredged regularly to ensure the safe passage of cargo vessels and container barges) (2012)

Manpower available for military service

11,692,647 11,727,625 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

11,727,625 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

11,692,647

Manpower fit for military service

9,150,400 9,861,760 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

9,861,760 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

9,150,400

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

430,634 413,974 (2010 est.)

female

413,974 (2010 est.)

male

430,634

Military branches

National Army (Ejercito Nacional), Republic of Colombia Navy (Armada Republica de Colombia, ARC, includes Naval Aviation, Naval Infantry (Infanteria de Marina, IM), and Coast Guard), Colombian Air Force (Fuerza Aerea de Colombia, FAC) (2012)

Military expenditures

3.8% of GDP (2012)

Military service age and obligation

18-24 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; service obligation is 18 months (2012)

Disputes - international

in December 2007, ICJ allocated San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina islands to Colombia under 1928 Treaty but did not rule on 82 degrees W meridian as maritime boundary with Nicaragua; managed dispute with Venezuela over maritime boundary and Venezuelan-administered Los Monjes Islands near the Gulf of Venezuela; Colombian-organized illegal narcotics, guerrilla, and paramilitary activities penetrate all neighboring borders and have caused Colombian citizens to flee mostly into neighboring countries; Colombia, Honduras, Nicaragua, Jamaica, and the US assert various claims to Bajo Nuevo and Serranilla Bank

Illicit drugs

illicit producer of coca, opium poppy, and cannabis; world's leading coca cultivator with 83,000 hectares in coca cultivation in 2011, a 17% decrease over 2010, producing a potential of 195 mt of pure cocaine; the world's largest producer of coca derivatives; supplies cocaine to nearly all of the US market and the great majority of other international drug markets; in 2012, aerial eradication dispensed herbicide to treat over 100,549 hectares combined with manual eradication of 30,486 hectares; a significant portion of narcotics proceeds are either laundered or invested in Colombia through the black market peso exchange; important supplier of heroin to the US market; opium poppy cultivation is estimated to have fallen to 1,100 hectares in 2009 while pure heroin production declined to 2.1 mt; most Colombian heroin is destined for the US market (2013)

Refugees and internally displaced persons

3.9-5.5 million (conflict between government and illegal armed groups and drug traffickers since 1985) (2011) 12 (2012)

IDPs

3.9-5.5 million (conflict between government and illegal armed groups and drug traffickers since 1985) (2011)

stateless persons

12 (2012)