Introduction
Background
Colombia was one of three countries that emerged after the dissolution of Gran Colombia in 1830 -- the others are Ecuador and Venezuela. Despite decades of internal conflict and drug-trade-related challenges, Colombia maintains relatively strong democratic institutions characterized by peaceful, transparent elections and the protection of civil liberties.
Geography
Area
total : 1,138,910 sq km
land: 1,038,700 sq km
water: 100,210 sq km
Climate
tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands
Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds, hydropower
People and Society
Population
total: 49,588,357
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
Spanish (official) 98.9%, indigenous 1%, Portuguese 0.1%; 65 indigenous languages exist (2023 est.)
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.)
Population growth rate
0.48% (2024 est.)
Government
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: Bogotá
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)
Legislative branch
summary: bicameral Congress consists of the Senate (108 seats) and the Chamber of Representatives (188 seats)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Appointed Ambassador Daniel GARCIA PEÑA (since 21 May 2024)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Francisco L. PALMIERI (since 1 June 2022)
Economy
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)
$978.024 billion (2023 est.)
$972.073 billion (2022 est.)
$906.034 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$18,800 (2023 est.)
$18,700 (2022 est.)
$17,600 (2021 est.)
Exports
$67.762 billion (2023 est.)
$73.06 billion (2022 est.)
$50.907 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - partners
US 26%, Panama 10%, Netherlands 6%, India 4%, Brazil 4% (2022)
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, coal, coffee, refined petroleum, gold (2022)
Imports
$75.983 billion (2023 est.)
$89.649 billion (2022 est.)
$70.914 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - partners
US 26%, China 25%, Brazil 7%, Mexico 5%, Germany 3% (2022)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, broadcasting equipment, corn, packaged medicine (2022)
Page last updated: Tuesday, September 24, 2024
