2016 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 five-decade-long conflict between government forces and antigovernment 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 November 2012, the Colombian Government started formal peace negotiations with the FARC aimed at reaching a definitive bilateral cease-fire 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

land

1,038,700 sq km

note

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

593 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Pico Cristobal Colon 5,775 m nearby Pico Simon Bolivar also has the same elevation

elevation extremes

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point

Pico Cristobal Colon 5,775 m

mean elevation

593 m

note

nearby Pico Simon Bolivar also has the same elevation

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

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

10,900 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

6,672 km Brazil 1,790 km, Ecuador 708 km, Panama 339 km, Peru 1,494 km, Venezuela 2,341 km

border countries (5)

Brazil 1,790 km, Ecuador 708 km, Panama 339 km, Peru 1,494 km, Venezuela 2,341 km

total

6,672 km

Land use

37.5% arable land 1.4%; permanent crops 1.6%; permanent pasture 34.5% 54.4% 8.1% (2011 est.)

agricultural land

37.5%

forest

54.4%

other

8.1% (2011 est.)

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 (mudflows) 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 (mudflows) 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

Population - distribution

the majority of people live in the north and west where agricultural opportunities and natural resources are found; the vast grasslands of the llanos to the south and east, which make up approximately 60% of the country, are sparsely populated

Terrain

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

Age structure

24.57% (male 5,940,903/female 5,659,594) 17.54% (male 4,216,437/female 4,066,079) 41.82% (male 9,788,057/female 9,958,982) 8.9% (male 1,973,215/female 2,230,609) 7.17% (male 1,412,209/female 1,974,771) (2016 est.)

0-14 years

24.57% (male 5,940,903/female 5,659,594)

15-24 years

17.54% (male 4,216,437/female 4,066,079)

25-54 years

41.82% (male 9,788,057/female 9,958,982)

55-64 years

8.9% (male 1,973,215/female 2,230,609)

65 years and over

7.17% (male 1,412,209/female 1,974,771) (2016 est.)

Birth rate

16.3 births/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Child labor - children ages 5-14

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

note

data represent 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% (2009/10)

Death rate

5.4 deaths/1,000 population (2016 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

45.6% 35.4% 10.2% 9.8% (2015 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

10.2%

potential support ratio

9.8% (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio

45.6%

youth dependency ratio

35.4%

Drinking water source

urban: 96.8% of population rural: 73.8% of population total: 91.4% of population urban: 3.2% of population rural: 26.2% of population total: 8.6% of population (2015 est.)

rural

26.2% of population

total

8.6% of population (2015 est.)

urban

3.2% of population

Education expenditures

4.7% of GDP (2014)

Ethnic groups

mestizo and white 84.2%, Afro-Colombian (includes multatto, Raizal, and Palenquero) 10.4%, Amerindian 3.4%, Roma

Health expenditures

7.2% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.48% (2015 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

2,300 (2015 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

146,000 (2015 est.)

Hospital bed density

1.5 beds/1,000 population (2012)

Infant mortality rate

14.1 deaths/1,000 live births 17.1 deaths/1,000 live births 10.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)

female

10.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)

male

17.1 deaths/1,000 live births

total

14.1 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Spanish (official)

Life expectancy at birth

75.7 years 72.6 years 79 years (2016 est.)

female

79 years (2016 est.)

male

72.6 years

total population

75.7 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 94.7% 94.6% 94.8% (2015 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

94.8% (2015 est.)

male

94.6%

total population

94.7%

Major infectious diseases

high bacterial diarrhea dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever active local transmission of Zika virus by Aedes species mosquitoes has been identified in this country (as of August 2016); it poses an important risk (a large number of cases possible) among US citizens if bitten by an infective mosquito; other less common ways to get Zika are through sex, via blood transfusion, or during pregnancy, in which the pregnant woman passes Zika virus to her fetus (2016)

degree of risk

high

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial diarrhea

note

active local transmission of Zika virus by Aedes species mosquitoes has been identified in this country (as of August 2016); it poses an important risk (a large number of cases possible) among US citizens if bitten by an infective mosquito; other less common ways to get Zika are through sex, via blood transfusion, or during pregnancy, in which the pregnant woman passes Zika virus to her fetus (2016)

vectorborne diseases

dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever

Major urban areas - population

BOGOTA (capital) 9.765 million; Medellin 3.911 million; Cali 2.646 million; Barranquilla 1.991 million; Bucaramanga 1.215 million; Cartagena 1.092 million (2015)

Maternal mortality rate

64 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

29.6 years 28.7 years 30.6 years (2016 est.)

female

30.6 years (2016 est.)

male

28.7 years

total

29.6 years

Mother's mean age at first birth

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

note

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

Nationality

Colombian(s) Colombian

adjective

Colombian

noun

Colombian(s)

Net migration rate

-0.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

20.7% (2014)

Physicians density

1.47 physicians/1,000 population (2010)

Population

47,220,856 (July 2016 est.)

Population distribution

the majority of people live in the north and west where agricultural opportunities and natural resources are found; the vast grasslands of the llanos to the south and east, which make up approximately 60% of the country, are sparsely populated

Population growth rate

1.02% (2016 est.)

Religions

Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%

Sanitation facility access

urban: 85.2% of population rural: 67.9% of population total: 81.1% of population urban: 14.8% of population rural: 32.1% of population total: 18.9% of population (2015 est.)

rural

32.1% of population

total

18.9% of population (2015 est.)

urban

14.8% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

14 years 14 years 15 years (2014)

female

15 years (2014)

male

14 years

total

14 years

Sex ratio

1.06 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female 0.88 male(s)/female 0.72 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

0-14 years

1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.04 male(s)/female

25-54 years

0.98 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.88 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 (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.02 children born/woman (2016 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

18.7% 14.6% 24.3% (2014 est.)

female

24.3% (2014 est.)

male

14.6%

total

18.7%

Urbanization

76.4% of total population (2015) 1.66% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

1.66% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

76.4% of total population (2015)

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)

Citizenship

no least one parent must be a citizen or permanent resident of Colombia yes 5 years

citizenship by birth

no

citizenship by descent only

least one parent must be a citizen or permanent resident of Colombia

dual citizenship recognized

yes

residency requirement for naturalization

5 years

Constitution

several previous; latest promulgated 5 July 1991; amended many times, last in 2015 (2016)

Country name

Republic of Colombia Colombia Republica de Colombia Colombia the country is named after explorer Christopher COLUMBUS

conventional long form

Republic of Colombia

conventional short form

Colombia

etymology

the country is named after explorer Christopher COLUMBUS

local long form

Republica de Colombia

local short form

Colombia

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Kevin WHITAKER (since 11 June 2014) 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 Kevin WHITAKER (since 11 June 2014)

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 Juan Carlos PINZON Bueno (since 3 August 2015) 2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 387-8338 [1] (202) 232-8643 Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Newark (NJ), Orlando, San Juan (Puerto Rico) Boston, Chicago, San Francisco

chancery

2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Juan Carlos PINZON Bueno (since 3 August 2015)

consulate(s)

Boston, Chicago, San Francisco

consulate(s) general

Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Newark (NJ), Orlando, 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 German VARGAS Lleras (since 7 August 2014); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government President Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (since 7 August 2010); Vice President German VARGAS Lleras (since 7 August 2014) Cabinet appointed by the president president directly elected by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term; election last held on 25 May 2014 with a runoff election 15 on June 2014 (next to be held on 27 May 2018); note - recent political reform eliminated presidential reelection; beginning in 2018, presidents can only serve one 4-year term Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon reelected president in runoff; percent of vote - Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (U Party) 51.0%, Oscar Ivan ZULUAGA (CD) 45.0%, other 4.0%

cabinet

Cabinet appointed by the president

chief of state

President Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (since 7 August 2010); Vice President German VARGAS Lleras (since 7 August 2014); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

election results

Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon reelected president in runoff; percent of vote - Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (U Party) 51.0%, Oscar Ivan ZULUAGA (CD) 45.0%, other 4.0%

elections/appointments

president directly elected by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term; election last held on 25 May 2014 with a runoff election 15 on June 2014 (next to be held on 27 May 2018); note - recent political reform eliminated presidential reelection; beginning in 2018, presidents can only serve one 4-year term

head of government

President Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (since 7 August 2010); Vice President German VARGAS Lleras (since 7 August 2014)

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

note

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

presidential republic

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, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-3, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, 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, Pacific Alliance, PCA, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, 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 31 members); Superior Judiciary Council (consists of 13 magistrates) Supreme Court judges appointed by the Supreme Court members from candidates submitted by the Superior Judiciary Council; judges elected for individual 8-year terms; Constitutional Court magistrates - nominated by the president, by the Supreme Court, and elected by the Senate; judges elected for individual 8-year terms; Council of State members appointed by the State Council plenary from lists nominated by the Superior Judiciary Council 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 31 members); Superior Judiciary Council (consists of 13 magistrates)

judge selection and term of office

Supreme Court judges appointed by the Supreme Court members from candidates submitted by the Superior Judiciary Council; judges elected for individual 8-year terms; Constitutional Court magistrates - nominated by the president, by the Supreme Court, and elected by the Senate; judges elected for individual 8-year terms; Council of State members appointed by the State Council plenary from lists nominated by the Superior Judiciary Council

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; 100 members elected nationally - not by district or state - and two elected on a special ballot for indigenous communities to serve 4-year terms) and the Chamber of Representatives or Camara de Representantes (166 seats; members elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms) Senate - last held on 9 March 2014 (next to be held in March 2018); Chamber of Representatives - last held on 9 March 2014 (next to be held in March 2018) Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - U Party 21, CD 20, PC 18, PL 17, CR 9, PDA 5, Green Party 5, other 7; Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PL 39, U Party 37, PC 27, CD 19, CR 16, Green Party 6, PDA 3, other 19

description

bicameral Congress or Congreso consists of the Senate or Senado (102 seats; 100 members elected nationally - not by district or state - and two elected on a special ballot for indigenous communities to serve 4-year terms) and the Chamber of Representatives or Camara de Representantes (166 seats; members elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms)

election results

Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - U Party 21, CD 20, PC 18, PL 17, CR 9, PDA 5, Green Party 5, other 7; Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PL 39, U Party 37, PC 27, CD 19, CR 16, Green Party 6, PDA 3, other 19

elections

Senate - last held on 9 March 2014 (next to be held in March 2018); Chamber of Representatives - last held on 9 March 2014 (next to be held in March 2018)

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)

note

adopted 1920; the anthem was created from an inspirational poem written by President Rafael NUNEZ

National holiday

Independence Day, 20 July (1810)

National symbol(s)

Andean condor; national colors: yellow, blue, red

Andean condor; national colors

yellow, blue, red

Political parties and leaders

Alternative Democratic Pole or PDA [Clara LOPEZ] Conservative Party or PC [David BARGUIL] Democratic Center Party or CD [Alvaro URIBE Velez, Oscar Ivan ZULUAGA] Green Alliance [Jorge LONDONO, Antonio SANGUINO, Luis AVELLANEDA, Camilo ROMERO] Liberal Party or PL [Horacio SERPA] Citizens Option (Opcion Ciudadana) or OC (formerly known as the National Integration Party or PIN) [Angel ALIRIO Moreno] Radical Change or CR [Carlos Fernando GALAN] Social National Unity Party or U Party [Roy BARRERAS, Jose David NAME] Colombia has eight major political parties, and numerous smaller movements

note

Colombia has eight 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

note

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

$82.45 billion $92.49 billion (2015 est.)

expenditures

$92.49 billion (2015 est.)

revenues

$82.45 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-3.4% of GDP (2015 est.)

Central bank discount rate

5.75% (18 December 2015) 4.75% (31 December 2011)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

11.45% (31 December 2015 est.) 10.87% (31 December 2014 est.)

Current account balance

-$19.04 billion (2015 est.) -$19.57 billion (2014 est.)

Debt - external

$107.3 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $102.3 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

53.5 (2012) 56.9 (1996)

Economy - overview

Colombia's consistently sound economic policies and aggressive promotion of free trade agreements in recent years have bolstered its ability to weather external shocks. Colombia depends heavily on energy and mining exports, making it vulnerable to a drop in commodity prices. Colombia is the world's fourth largest coal exporter and Latin America's fourth largest oil producer. Economic development is stymied by inadequate infrastructure, inequality, poverty, narcotrafficking and an uncertain security situation. Declining oil prices have resulted in a drop in government revenues. In 2014, Colombia passed a tax reform bill to offset the lost revenue from the global drop in oil prices. The SANTOS administration is also using tax reform to help finance implementation of a peace deal between FARC and the government. Colombian officials estimate a peace deal may bolster economic growth by up to 2%. Despite austerity measures put in place by the SANTOS administration, GDP and foreign direct investment fell in 2015, while the El Nino weather phenomenon caused food and energy prices to rise, with inflation spiking to 6.8%. In order to combat inflation, the Central Bank raised interest rates four times during the last four months of 2015, ending the year with a 25 basis point increase to 5.75%. Unemployment has continued to decrease and hit a record low of 8.9% in 2015, but the rate is still one of Latin America's highest. Nevertheless, Colombia’s GDP growth rate makes it the region’s best performer among large economies in 2015. Real GDP growth averaged 4.8% per year from 2010-2014, continuing a decade of strong economic performance, before dropping in 2015. All three major ratings agencies upgraded Colombia's government debt to investment grade in 2013 and 2014, which helped to attract record levels of investment, mostly in the hydrocarbons sector. However, Standard & Poor’s downgraded its long-term outlook from stable to negative in early 2016. The change, due largely to falling government revenues, could cause Colombia to lose its investment-grade bond status. The SANTOS Administration's foreign policy has focused on bolstering Colombia's commercial ties and boosting investment at home. Colombia has signed or is negotiating Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with more than a dozen countries; the US-Colombia FTA went into force in May 2012. The US and Colombia have benefitted from the FTA, but Colombia’s ability to take full advantage of its enhanced access to American markets continues to be constrained by lack of export diversification. Nontariff measures remain a point of contention for bilateral trade relations. Truck scrappage regulation, and restrictions on liquor, pharmaceutical, and ethanol imports are top irritants in the bilateral trade relationship. Colombia is a founding member of the Pacific Alliance - a regional trade block formed in 2012 by Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru to promote regional trade and economic integration. In 2013, Colombia began its accession process to the OECD.

Exchange rates

Colombian pesos (COP) per US dollar - 2,741.8 (2015 est.) 2,001.1 (2014 est.) 2,001.1 (2013 est.) 1,798 (2012 est.) 1,848 (2011 est.)

Exports

$38.12 billion (2015 est.) $56.92 billion (2014 est.)

Exports - commodities

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

Exports - partners

US 27.5%, Panama 7.2%, China 5.2%, Spain 4.4%, Ecuador 4% (2015)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

63.5% 18.2% 26.7% 1% 14.7% -24.2% (2015 est.)

exports of goods and services

14.7%

government consumption

18.2%

household consumption

63.5%

imports of goods and services

-24.2% (2015 est.)

investment in fixed capital

26.7%

investment in inventories

1%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

6.8% 34% 59.2% (2015 est.)

agriculture

6.8%

industry

34%

services

59.2% (2015 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$13,800 (2015 est.) $13,600 (2014 est.) $13,200 (2013 est.) data are in 2015 US dollars

note

data are in 2015 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

3.1% (2015 est.) 4.4% (2014 est.) 4.9% (2013 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$293.2 billion (2015 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$667.4 billion (2015 est.) $647.5 billion (2014 est.) $620.3 billion (2013 est.) data are in 2015 US dollars

note

data are in 2015 US dollars

Gross national saving

21.3% of GDP (2015 est.) 21.1% of GDP (2014 est.) 21.1% of GDP (2013 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

1.1% 42% (2012 est.)

highest 10%

42% (2012 est.)

lowest 10%

1.1%

Imports

$52.04 billion (2015 est.) $61.55 billion (2014 est.)

Imports - commodities

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

Imports - partners

US 28.8%, China 18.6%, Mexico 7.1%, Germany 4.2% (2015)

Industrial production growth rate

2% (2015 est.)

Industries

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

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

5% (2015 est.) 2.9% (2014 est.)

Labor force

24.17 million (2015 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

17% 21% 62% (2011 est.)

agriculture

17%

industry

21%

services

62% (2011 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$262.1 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $201.3 billion (31 December 2014 est.) $208.5 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

Population below poverty line

27.8% (2015 est.)

Public debt

49.6% of GDP (2015 est.) 46% of GDP (2014 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

note

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

$46.22 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $46.81 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of broad money

$177.5 billion (31 December 2014 est.) $161.7 billion (31 December 2013 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$47.3 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $43.08 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$149.7 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $141.9 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$133.8 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $150.6 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$32.82 billion (31 December 2015 est.) $39.13 billion (31 December 2014 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

28.1% of GDP (2015 est.)

Unemployment rate

8.9% (2015 est.) 9.1% (2014 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

74 million Mt (2013 est.)

Crude oil - exports

711,900 bbl/day (2013 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2013 est.)

Crude oil - production

1.006 million bbl/day (2015 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

2.3 billion bbl (1 January 2016 es)

Electricity - consumption

60 billion kWh (2014 est.)

Electricity - exports

800 million kWh (2014 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

32.1% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

67.2% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0.7% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)

Electricity - imports

47 million kWh (2014 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

16 million kW (2014 est.)

Electricity - production

68 billion kWh (2014 est.)

Electricity access

1,200,000 97% 100% 88% (2013)

electrification - rural areas

88% (2013)

electrification - total population

97%

electrification - urban areas

100%

population without electricity

1,200,000

Natural gas - consumption

11.73 billion cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - exports

950 million cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2013 est.)

Natural gas - production

12.68 billion cu m (2014 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

134.7 billion cu m (1 January 2016 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

299,000 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

97,820 bbl/day (2013 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

76,180 bbl/day (2013 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

323,700 bbl/day (2013 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 users

26.128 million 55.9% (July 2015 est.)

percent of population

55.9% (July 2015 est.)

total

26.128 million

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 120 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 120 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 - fixed lines

7,109,254 15 (July 2015 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

15 (July 2015 est.)

total subscriptions

7,109,254

Telephones - mobile cellular

57.327 million 123 (July 2015 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

123 (July 2015 est.)

total

57.327 million

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

under 914 m

488 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

HJ, HK (2016)

Heliports

3 (2013)

Merchant marine

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

by type

cargo 9, chemical tanker 1, petroleum tanker 2

registered in other countries

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

total

12

National air transport system

30,742,928 1,317,562,271 mt-km (2015)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers

1,317,562,271 mt-km (2015)

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers

30,742,928

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers

157

number of registered air carriers

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) Cartagena (1,853,342)

container port(s) (TEUs)

Cartagena (1,853,342)

dry bulk cargo port(s)

Puerto Bolivar (coal)

major seaport(s)

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

oil terminal(s)

Covenas offshore terminal

river port(s)

Barranquilla (Rio Magdalena)

Railways

2,141 km 150 km 1.435-m gauge 1,991 km 0.914-m gauge (2015)

narrow gauge

1,991 km 0.914-m gauge (2015)

standard gauge

150 km 1.435-m gauge

total

2,141 km

Roadways

204,855 km (2015)

total

204,855 km (2015)

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 safe passage of cargo vessels and container barges) (2012)

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

3.28% of GDP (2012) 3.06% of GDP (2011) 3.63% of GDP (2010)

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

6.3 million (conflict between government and illegal armed groups and drug traffickers since 1985; about 300,000 new IDPs each year since 2000) (2015) 12 (2015)

IDPs

6.3 million (conflict between government and illegal armed groups and drug traffickers since 1985; about 300,000 new IDPs each year since 2000) (2015)

stateless persons

12 (2015)