Colombia
Republic of Colombia
South America Bogotá
Population
49.84M
Area
1,138,910 km²
GDP
$418.54B
GDP Per Capita
$18,500
Pop. Density
44/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
$Colombian peso(COP)
Calling Code
+57
Timezone
UTC-05:00
Languages
Spanish
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Colombian
Background
Colombia was one of three countries that emerged after the dissolution of Gran Colombia in 1830 -- the others are Ecuador and Venezuela. A decades-long conflict among government forces, paramilitaries, and antigovernment insurgent groups heavily funded by the drug trade -- principally the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) -- escalated during the 1990s. In the wake of the paramilitary demobilization in the 2000s, new criminal groups arose that included some former paramilitaries. After four years of formal peace negotiations, the Colombian Government signed a final accord with the FARC in 2016 that called for its members to demobilize, disarm, and reincorporate into society and politics. The accord also committed the Colombian Government to create three new institutions to form a 'comprehensive system for truth, justice, reparation, and non-repetition,' including a truth commission, a special unit to coordinate the search for those who disappeared during the conflict, and a 'Special Jurisdiction for Peace' to administer justice for conflict-related crimes. Despite decades of internal conflict and drug-trade-related security challenges, Colombia maintains relatively strong and independent democratic institutions characterized by peaceful, transparent elections and the protection of civil liberties.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑158.9% since 2006$162B (2006)$419B (2024)
Population
↑23.9% since 200642.7M (2006)52.9M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 77.7 years2006: 73.5 years2023: 77.7 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography20
Location
Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama
Geographic coordinates
4 00 N, 72 00 W
Map references
South America
Area
total : 1,138,910 sq km
land: 1,038,700 sq km
water: 100,210 sq km
land: 1,038,700 sq km
water: 100,210 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Land boundaries
total: 6,672 km
border countries: Brazil 1,790 km; Ecuador 708 km; Panama 339 km; Peru 1,494 km; Venezuela 2,341 km
border countries: Brazil 1,790 km; Ecuador 708 km; Panama 339 km; Peru 1,494 km; Venezuela 2,341 km
Coastline
3,208 km (Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448 km)
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate
tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands
Terrain
flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes Mountains, eastern lowland plains (Llanos)
Elevation
highest point: Pico Cristobal Colon 5,730 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 593 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 593 m
Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds, hydropower
Land use
agricultural land
36.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 2.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 2.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 32% (2023 est.)
forest
53.8% (2023 est.)
other
9.7% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
6,506 sq km (2013)
Major rivers (by length in km)
Rio Negro river source (shared with Venezuela and Brazil [m]) - 2,250 km; Orinoco (shared with Venezuela [s]) - 2,101 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km), Orinoco (953,675 sq km)
Major aquifers
Amazon Basin
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
Natural hazards
highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; occasional earthquakes; periodic droughts
volcanism: Galeras (4,276 m) is one of Colombia's most active volcanoes; 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 (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; 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 (4,276 m) is one of Colombia's most active volcanoes; 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 (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; 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
Geography - note
only South American country with coastlines on both the North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea
People & Society36
Population
total: 49,842,298 (2025 est.)
male: 24,320,959
female: 25,521,339
male: 24,320,959
female: 25,521,339
Nationality
noun: Colombian(s)
adjective: Colombian
adjective: Colombian
Ethnic groups
Mestizo and White 87.6%, Afro-Colombian (includes Mulatto, Raizal, and Palenquero) 6.8%, Indigenous 4.3%, unspecified 1.4% (2018 est.)
Languages
Languages: Spanish (official) 98.9%, indigenous 1%, Portuguese 0.1%; 65 indigenous languages exist (2023 est.)
major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Roman Catholic 63.6%, Protestant 17.2% (Evangelical 16.7%, Adventist 0.3%, other Protestant 0.2%), Jehovah's Witness 0.6%, Church of Jesus Christ 0.1%, other 0.3%, believer, 0.2%. agnostic 1%, atheist 1%, none 14.2%, unspecified 1.8% (2023 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years: 22.3% (male 5,643,995/female 5,394,147)
15-64 years: 66.5% (male 16,127,377/female 16,859,161)
65 years and over: 11.2% (2024 est.) (male 2,434,999/female 3,128,678)
15-64 years: 66.5% (male 16,127,377/female 16,859,161)
65 years and over: 11.2% (2024 est.) (male 2,434,999/female 3,128,678)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 50.7 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 33.2 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 17.5 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 5.7 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 33.2 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 17.5 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 5.7 (2025 est.)
Median age
total: 33.1 years (2025 est.)
male: 31.5 years
female: 34 years
male: 31.5 years
female: 34 years
Population growth rate
0.54% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
14.73 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
6.96 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-2.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 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
Urbanization
urban population: 82.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.01% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 1.01% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
11.508 million BOGOTA (capital), 4.102 million Medellin, 2.864 million Cali, 2.349 million Barranquilla, 1.381 million Bucaramanga, 1.088 million Cartagena (2023)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
21.7 years (2015 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
59 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 11.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 13.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 10.2 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 13.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 10.2 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 74.9 years (2024 est.)
male: 71.3 years
female: 78.7 years
male: 71.3 years
female: 78.7 years
Total fertility rate
1.94 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.94 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: urban
urban: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 86.7% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 97.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 13.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 2.5% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.54 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
1.7 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban
urban: 98.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 88.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 97% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 1.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 11.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 3% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
22.3% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 4.09 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 3.09 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.92 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 3.09 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.92 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 7.6% (2025 est.)
male: 11.2% (2025 est.)
female: 4.1% (2025 est.)
male: 11.2% (2025 est.)
female: 4.1% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
3.7% (2016 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
50.9% (2018 est.)
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 4.9% (2015)
women married by age 18: 23.4% (2015)
men married by age 18: 6.7% (2015)
women married by age 18: 23.4% (2015)
men married by age 18: 6.7% (2015)
Education expenditure
5.3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Literacy
total population: 95.3% (2024 est.)
male: 95% (2024 est.)
female: 95.7% (2024 est.)
male: 95% (2024 est.)
female: 95.7% (2024 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years (2022 est.)
male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Government25
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Colombia
conventional short form: Colombia
local long form: República de Colombia
local short form: Colombia
etymology: named after explorer Christopher COLUMBUS
conventional short form: Colombia
local long form: República de Colombia
local short form: Colombia
etymology: named after explorer Christopher COLUMBUS
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: Bogotá
geographic coordinates: 4 36 N, 74 05 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: originally named Santa Fe de Bacatá in 1538, after the Chibcha people's nearby settlement of Bacatá; the name was later corrupted to Bogotá
geographic coordinates: 4 36 N, 74 05 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: originally named Santa Fe de Bacatá in 1538, after the Chibcha people's nearby settlement of Bacatá; the name was later corrupted to Bogotá
Administrative divisions
32 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital district* (distrito capital); Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Atlántico, Bogota*, Bolivar, Boyacá, Caldas, Caquetá, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainía, Guaviare, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Nariño, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Quindío, Risaralda, Archipiélago de San Andres, Providencia y Santa Catalina (colloquially San Andres y Providencia), Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes, Vichada
Legal system
civil law system influenced by the Spanish and French civil codes
Constitution
history: several previous; latest promulgated 4 July 1991
amendment process: proposed by the government, by Congress, by a constituent assembly, or by public petition; passage requires a majority vote by Congress in each of two consecutive sessions; passage of amendments to constitutional articles on citizen rights, guarantees, and duties also require approval in a referendum by over one half of voters and participation of over one fourth of citizens registered to vote
amendment process: proposed by the government, by Congress, by a constituent assembly, or by public petition; passage requires a majority vote by Congress in each of two consecutive sessions; passage of amendments to constitutional articles on citizen rights, guarantees, and duties also require approval in a referendum by over one half of voters and participation of over one fourth of citizens registered to vote
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
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
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
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state
President Gustavo Francisco PETRO Urrego (since 7 August 2022)
head of government
President Gustavo Francisco PETRO Urrego (since 7 August 2022)
cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the president
election/appointment process
president directly elected by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a single 4-year term
most recent election date
29 May 2022, with a runoff held on 19 June 2022
election results
2022: Gustavo Francisco PETRO Urrego elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Gustavo Francisco PETRO Urrego (PHxC) 40.3%, Rodolfo HERNÁNDEZ Suárez (LIGA) 28.2%, Federico GUTIÉRREZ Zuluaga (Team for Colombia / CREEMOS) 23.9%, other 7.6%; percent of vote in second round - Gustavo Francisco PETRO Urrego 50.4%, Rodolfo HERNÁNDEZ Suarez 47.3%, blank 2.3%
2018: Iván DUQUE Márquez elected president in second round; percent of vote - Iván DUQUE Márquez (CD) 54%, Gustavo Francisco PETRO Urrego (Humane Colombia) 41.8%, other/blank/invalid 4.2%
expected date of next election
31 May 2026
Legislative branch
legislature name: Congress (Congreso)
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name
House of Representatives (Cámara de Representantes)
number of seats
187 (all directly elected)
electoral system
proportional representation
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
4 years
most recent election date
3/13/2022
parties elected and seats per party
Liberal Party (PL) (32); Historic Pact (27); Conservative Party (CP) (25); Democratic Centre (CD) (16); Radical Change (CR) (16); Union Party for the People “Partido de la U” (15); Green Alliance - Hope Centre coalition (11); Other (14)
percentage of women in chamber
29.4%
expected date of next election
March 2026
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name
Senate (Senado de la República)
number of seats
108 (all directly elected)
electoral system
proportional representation
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
4 years
most recent election date
3/13/2022
parties elected and seats per party
Historic Pact (20); Conservative Party (CP) (15); Liberal Party (PL) (14); Green Alliance - Hope Centre coalition (13); Democratic Centre (CD) (13); Radical Change (CR) (11); Union Party for the People “Partido de la U” (10); Other (4)
percentage of women in chamber
31.4%
expected date of next election
March 2026
Judicial branch
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 judges); 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
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
Political parties
Alternative Democratic Pole or PDA
Citizens Option (Opcion Ciudadana) or OC (formerly known as the National Integration Party or PIN)
The Commons (formerly People's Alternative Revolutionary Force or FARC)
Conservative Party or PC
Democratic Center Party or CD
Fair and Free Colombia (Colombia Justa Libres)
Green Alliance
Historic Pact for Colombia or PHxC (coalition composed of several left-leaning political parties and social movements)
Humane Colombia
Independent Movement of Absolute Renovation or MIRA
League of Anti-Corruption Rulers or LIGA
Liberal Party or PL
People's Alternative Revolutionary Force or FARC
Radical Change or CR
Team for Colombia - also known as the Experience Coalition or Coalition of the Regions (coalition composed of center-right and right-wing parties)
Union Party for the People or U Party
We Believe Colombia or CREEMOS
Citizens Option (Opcion Ciudadana) or OC (formerly known as the National Integration Party or PIN)
The Commons (formerly People's Alternative Revolutionary Force or FARC)
Conservative Party or PC
Democratic Center Party or CD
Fair and Free Colombia (Colombia Justa Libres)
Green Alliance
Historic Pact for Colombia or PHxC (coalition composed of several left-leaning political parties and social movements)
Humane Colombia
Independent Movement of Absolute Renovation or MIRA
League of Anti-Corruption Rulers or LIGA
Liberal Party or PL
People's Alternative Revolutionary Force or FARC
Radical Change or CR
Team for Colombia - also known as the Experience Coalition or Coalition of the Regions (coalition composed of center-right and right-wing parties)
Union Party for the People or U Party
We Believe Colombia or CREEMOS
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission
Ambassador Daniel GARCÍA-PEÑA JARAMILLO (since 18 September 2024)
chancery
1724 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
telephone
[1] (202) 387-8338
FAX
[1] (202) 232-8643
email address and website
eestadosunidos@cancilleria.gov.co
https://www.colombiaemb.org/
consulate(s) general
Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Newark (NJ), Orlando, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires John McNAMARA (since 1 February 2025)
embassy
Carrera 45, No. 24B-27, Bogota
mailing address
3030 Bogota Place, Washington DC 20521-3030
telephone
[57] (601) 275-2000
FAX
[57] (601) 275-4600
email address and website
ACSBogota@state.gov
https://co.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACS, BCIE, BIS, CABEI, 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, PROSUR, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
20 July 1810 (from Spain)
National holiday
Independence Day, 20 July (1810)
Flag
description: three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue, and red
meaning: various interpretations of the colors exist; one has yellow for the gold in Colombia's land, blue for the sea, and red for the blood spilled in attaining freedom; another describes them as representing sovereignty and justice (yellow), loyalty and vigilance (blue), and valor and generosity (red); another has the colors standing for liberty, equality, and fraternity
meaning: various interpretations of the colors exist; one has yellow for the gold in Colombia's land, blue for the sea, and red for the blood spilled in attaining freedom; another describes them as representing sovereignty and justice (yellow), loyalty and vigilance (blue), and valor and generosity (red); another has the colors standing for liberty, equality, and fraternity
National symbol(s)
Andean condor
National color(s)
yellow, blue, red
National anthem(s)
title: "Himno Nacional de la Republica de Colombia" (National Anthem of the Republic of Colombia)
lyrics/music: Rafael NUNEZ/Oreste SINDICI
history: adopted 1920; the anthem comes from an inspirational poem written by President Rafael NUNEZ; the anthem always starts with the chorus
lyrics/music: Rafael NUNEZ/Oreste SINDICI
history: adopted 1920; the anthem comes from an inspirational poem written by President Rafael NUNEZ; the anthem always starts with the chorus
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 9 (6 cultural, 2 natural, 1 mixed)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Chiribiquete National Park (m); Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia (c); Historic Center of Santa Cruz de Mompox (c); Los Katíos National Park (n); Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary (n); Tierradentro National Archeological Park (c); San Agustín Archaeological Park (c); Colonial Cartagena (c); Qhapaq Ñan/Andean Road System (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Chiribiquete National Park (m); Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia (c); Historic Center of Santa Cruz de Mompox (c); Los Katíos National Park (n); Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary (n); Tierradentro National Archeological Park (c); San Agustín Archaeological Park (c); Colonial Cartagena (c); Qhapaq Ñan/Andean Road System (c)
Economy32
Economic overview
prior to COVID-19, one of the most consistent growth economies; declining poverty; large stimulus package has mitigated economic fallout, but delayed key infrastructure investments; successful inflation management; sound flexible exchange rate regime; domestic economy suffers from lack of trade integration and infrastructure
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $978.592 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $961.82 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $955.016 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $961.82 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $955.016 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 1.7% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 0.7% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 7.3% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 0.7% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 7.3% (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $18,500 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $18,400 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $18,500 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $18,400 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $18,500 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$418.542 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 6.6% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 11.7% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 10.2% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 11.7% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 10.2% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 9.3% (2024 est.)
industry: 23.1% (2024 est.)
services: 58.2% (2024 est.)
industry: 23.1% (2024 est.)
services: 58.2% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
73.1% (2024 est.)
government consumption
14.7% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
16.5% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
0.6% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
16% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-20.9% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
sugarcane, oil palm fruit, milk, rice, plantains, potatoes, bananas, maize, chicken, avocados (2023)
Industries
textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages, chemicals, cement; gold, coal, emeralds
Industrial production growth rate
-1.3% (2024 est.)
Labor force
26.822 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 9.7% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 9.6% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 10.6% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 9.6% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 10.6% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 19.8% (2024 est.)
male: 16.5% (2024 est.)
female: 24.3% (2024 est.)
male: 16.5% (2024 est.)
female: 24.3% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
33% (2023 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2023: 53.9 (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 20.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 3.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 3.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 1.1% (2023 est.)
highest 10%: 42.7% (2023 est.)
highest 10%: 42.7% (2023 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 2.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 2.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 2.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023: 2.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 2.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Budget
revenues: $116.49 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $123.966 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $123.966 billion (2023 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 71.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
17.6% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$7.412 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$8.285 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$20.879 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$8.285 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$20.879 billion (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2024: $68.866 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $68.674 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $73.514 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023: $68.674 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $73.514 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - partners
USA 27%, Panama 9%, India 5%, China 5%, Netherlands 4% (2023)
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, coal, gold, coffee, refined petroleum (2023)
Imports
Imports 2024: $78.633 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $76.449 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $89.608 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023: $76.449 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $89.608 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - partners
USA 26%, China 22%, Brazil 6%, Mexico 5%, Germany 4% (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, broadcasting equipment, aircraft, packaged medicine (2023)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $61.898 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $59.041 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $56.704 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $59.041 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $56.704 billion (2022 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $108.027 billion (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
Colombian pesos (COP) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024
4,074.434 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
4,325.955 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
4,256.194 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
3,744.244 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
3,693.276 (2020 est.)
Energy7
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 21.053 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 82.309 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 1.293 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 407.788 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 7.232 billion kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 82.309 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 1.293 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 407.788 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 7.232 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 34% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 62.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 2.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 62.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 2.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
production: 52.376 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 9.72 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 46.425 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 1,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 4.554 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 9.72 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 46.425 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 1,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 4.554 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 800,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 374,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 2.036 billion barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 374,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 2.036 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 10.927 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 11.885 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 958.724 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 87.782 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
consumption: 11.885 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 958.724 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 87.782 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 29.305 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 6.32 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 92.1 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 174 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 174 (2024 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 (2019)
Internet country code
.co
Internet users
percent of population: 77% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 8.91 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2023 est.)
Transportation6
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
HJ, HK
Airports
661 (2025)
Heliports
57 (2025)
Railways
total: 2,141 km (2019)
standard gauge: 150 km (2019) 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 1,991 km (2019) 0.914-m gauge
standard gauge: 150 km (2019) 1.435-m gauge
narrow gauge: 1,991 km (2019) 0.914-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 153 (2023)
by type: general cargo 28, oil tanker 13, other 112
by type: general cargo 28, oil tanker 13, other 112
Ports
total ports
14 (2024)
large
0
medium
2
small
8
very small
3
size unknown
1
ports with oil terminals
10
key ports
Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Covenas, El Bosque, Mamonal, Pozos Colorados, Puerto Bolivar, Puerto Prodeco, Santa Marta
Military & Security7
Military and security forces
Military Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Militares de Colombia): National Army (Ejercito Nacional), Colombian Aerospace Force (Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana, FAC), Colombian Navy (Armada de Colombia; includes Coast Guard); National Police of Colombia (Policia Nacional de Colombia, PNC) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 3.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 3.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 3.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 3.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 3.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 260,000 active Military Forces; approximately 150,000 National Police (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory includes a mix of domestically produced and imported armaments from a variety of suppliers, including Brazil, Canada, Germany, Israel, South Korea, and the US; Colombia's defense industry is active in producing air, land, and naval platforms (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-24 years of age for compulsory (men) and voluntary (men and women) military (and police) service; conscript service obligation is 18 months or 12 months for those with a college degree; conscripted soldiers reportedly include regular soldiers (conscripts without a high school degree), drafted high school graduates (bachilleres), and rural (campesino) soldiers who serve in their home regions (2025)
Military deployments
275 Egypt (MFO) (2025)
Military - note
the Colombian military is responsible for defending and maintaining the country’s independence, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity but also has a considerable internal security role, which includes protecting the civilian population, as well as private and state-owned assets, and ensuring a secure environment; the military’s primary focus is the conduct of counterinsurgency and counter-narcotics operations against domestic illegal armed groups, including drug traffickers, several factions of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) terrorist group, and the insurgent/terrorist group National Liberation Army (ELN)
border security is also a focus, particularly with Venezuela where economic and political instability has brought refugees and attracted narcotics trafficking and other cross-border crime; both the ELN and FARC dissidents operate openly in the border region; ELN and FARC insurgents have also used neighboring Ecuador to rest, resupply, and shelter
Colombia has close security ties with the US, including joint training, military assistance, and designation in 2022 as a Major Non-NATO Ally, which provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense, trade, and security cooperation; it also has close security ties with regional neighbors, such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru; Colombian military and security forces have training programs with their counterparts from a variety of countries, mostly those from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean (2025)
border security is also a focus, particularly with Venezuela where economic and political instability has brought refugees and attracted narcotics trafficking and other cross-border crime; both the ELN and FARC dissidents operate openly in the border region; ELN and FARC insurgents have also used neighboring Ecuador to rest, resupply, and shelter
Colombia has close security ties with the US, including joint training, military assistance, and designation in 2022 as a Major Non-NATO Ally, which provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense, trade, and security cooperation; it also has close security ties with regional neighbors, such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru; Colombian military and security forces have training programs with their counterparts from a variety of countries, mostly those from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean (2025)
Transnational Issues2
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 30,611 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 7,264,767 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 5 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 7,264,767 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 5 (2024 est.)
Illicit drugs
USG identification:
major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)