Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Colombia
Republic of Colombia
CapitalBogotá
Population53,425,635
GDP$457.4bn
Area1,141,748 km²
RegionLatin America & Caribbean
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
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.
Reference: 2016Geography
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
Area
total: 1,138,910 sq km
land: 1,038,700 sq km
water: 100,210 sq km
note: note: includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, and Serrana Bank
land: 1,038,700 sq km
water: 100,210 sq km
note: note: includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, and Serrana Bank
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.)
Reference: 2023agricultural 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)
Reference: 2013Major 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
Reference: 2007, 1991, 1985volcanism: 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
Population & Society
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.)
Reference: 2018Languages
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.
Reference: 2023major-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.)
Reference: 2023Age 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)
Reference: 202415-64 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: 50.3 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 33.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 16.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 5.9 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 33.5 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 16.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 5.9 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 32.7 years (2024 est.)
male: 31.5 years
female: 34 years
Reference: 2024male: 31.5 years
female: 34 years
Population growth rate
0.48% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
14.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
8 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population 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
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)
Reference: 2023Sex 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.)
Reference: 20240-14 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.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Reference: 2015note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio
59 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.95 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking 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.)
Reference: 2022improved: 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.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.54 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
1.7 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Sanitation 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.)
Reference: 2022improved: 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)
Reference: 2016Alcohol 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.)
Reference: 2019beer: 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.)
Reference: 2016Currently married women (ages 15-49)
55.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child 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)
Reference: 2015women married by age 18: 23.4% (2015)
men married by age 18: 6.7% (2015)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years (2022 est.)
male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 30,611 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 7,264,767 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 5 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 7,264,767 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 5 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Abelardo de la Espriella | — | 2026-08-07 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Abelardo de la Espriella | — | 2026-08-07 | Current | Reported |
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
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
Reference: 1991amendment 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
note: note 1: the president is both chief of state and head of government
note 2: reforms in 2015 eliminated presidential reelection
Reference: 2026, 2022, 2018, 2015head 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
note: note 1: the president is both chief of state and head of government
note 2: reforms in 2015 eliminated presidential reelection
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
Reference: 2026, 2022number 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
Reference: 2026, 2022number 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
note: note: Colombia has numerous smaller political parties and movements
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
note: note: Colombia has numerous smaller political parties and movements
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)
Reference: 2024chancery: 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/
Reference: 2025, 2000embassy: 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
note: note: similar to the flag of Ecuador, which is wider and has the Ecuadorian coat of arms in the center
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
note: note: similar to the flag of Ecuador, which is wider and has the Ecuadorian coat of arms in the center
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
Reference: 1920lyrics/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)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Congress of Colombia | — | — | — |
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)
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.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $961.82 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $955.016 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
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.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $18,400 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $18,500 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 9.3% (2024 est.)
industry: 23.1% (2024 est.)
services: 58.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 23.1% (2024 est.)
services: 58.2% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
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.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government 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.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
sugarcane, oil palm fruit, milk, rice, plantains, potatoes, bananas, maize, chicken, avocados (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages, chemicals, cement; gold, coal, emeralds
Industrial production growth rate
-1.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
26.822 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 19.8% (2024 est.)
male: 16.5% (2024 est.)
female: 24.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 16.5% (2024 est.)
female: 24.3% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
33% (2023 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2023note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2023: 53.9 (2023 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2023note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 20.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 3.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on 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.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2023highest 10%: 42.7% (2023 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
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.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 2.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 2.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $116.49 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $123.966 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $123.966 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 71.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
17.6% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
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.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$8.285 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$20.879 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $68.866 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $68.674 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $73.514 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $68.674 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $73.514 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 27%, Panama 9%, India 5%, China 5%, Netherlands 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, coal, gold, coffee, refined petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $78.633 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $76.449 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $89.608 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $76.449 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $89.608 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 26%, China 22%, Brazil 6%, Mexico 5%, Germany 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, broadcasting equipment, aircraft, packaged medicine (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
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.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $59.041 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $56.704 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $108.027 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
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.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange 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.)
Trade
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.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$8.285 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$20.879 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $68.866 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $68.674 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $73.514 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $68.674 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $73.514 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 27%, Panama 9%, India 5%, China 5%, Netherlands 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, coal, gold, coffee, refined petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $78.633 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $76.449 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $89.608 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $76.449 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $89.608 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 26%, China 22%, Brazil 6%, Mexico 5%, Germany 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, broadcasting equipment, aircraft, packaged medicine (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
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.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 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.)
Reference: 2023solar: 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.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 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.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined 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.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 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.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 7.277 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
59 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 15.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.54 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
1.7 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
22.3% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco 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.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years (2022 est.)
male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022male: 14 years (2022 est.)
female: 15 years (2022 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system influenced by the Spanish and French civil codes
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
Military & Security
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)
note: note: the PNC is a civilian force under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense
note: note: the PNC is a civilian force under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense
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.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military 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
information varies; approximately 260,000 active Military Forces; approximately 150,000 National Police (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory includes a wide mix of equipment from a variety of suppliers, including Canada, Germany, Israel, South Korea, and especially the US; Colombia's defense industry is active in producing air, land, and naval platforms (2024)
Reference: 2024Military 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 (2024)
note: note: the Colombian military first incorporated women in 1976 in administrative positions; women were incorporated as non-commissioned officers in 1983 and officers in 2009; as of 2023, about 6,000 women served in the uniformed military while more than 30,000 served in the National Police
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2009, 1983note: note: the Colombian military first incorporated women in 1976 in administrative positions; women were incorporated as non-commissioned officers in 1983 and officers in 2009; as of 2023, about 6,000 women served in the uniformed military while more than 30,000 served in the National Police
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)
Reference: 2025, 2022border 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)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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)
Reference: 2024chancery: 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/
Reference: 2025, 2000embassy: 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
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| OECD (OECD) | member | 2020-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1945-11-05 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 30,611 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 7,264,767 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 5 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 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 precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Terrorist group(s)
National Liberation Army (ELN); Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People's Army (FARC-EP); Segunda Marquetalia (SM); Tren de Aragua (TdA)
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
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
Reference: 2019standard 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
Reference: 2023by 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
Reference: 2024large: 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
Environment
Environmental issues
deforestation from timber exploitation in the Amazon and the Chocó region; soil erosion; soil and water pollution from overuse of pesticides; air pollution, especially in Bogota, from vehicle emissions
International environmental agreements
party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
Reference: 2006signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
Climate
tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands
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.)
Reference: 2023agricultural 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.)
Urbanization
urban population: 82.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.01% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 1.01% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 85.878 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 15.463 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 49.727 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 20.688 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 15.463 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 49.727 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 20.688 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
13.1 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 814.5 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 1,791.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 600.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 18.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 1,791.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 600.8 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 18.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 12.15 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 28.5% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 28.5% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 3.405 billion cubic meters (2022)
industrial: 1.033 billion cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 20.46 billion cubic meters (2022)
Reference: 2022industrial: 1.033 billion cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 20.46 billion cubic meters (2022)
Total renewable water resources
2.36 trillion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 7.277 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2023 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)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.co
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 47,437,512 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 48,131,078 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 49,024,465 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 49,907,985 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 50,629,997 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 51,188,173 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 51,737,944 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 52,321,152 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 52,886,363 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 53,425,635 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $282,720,100,286 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $311,866,875,157 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $334,198,218,098 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $323,031,701,193 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $270,348,342,541 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $318,524,633,225 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $345,632,492,851 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $366,901,643,683 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $420,504,033,143 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $457,410,034,203 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,932,807 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 3,063,518 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 1,000,769 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 1,181,011 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 1,469,973 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 1,823,207 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 2,558,298 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 2,720,321 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 3,165,293 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 3,652,238 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 104,373 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 431,072 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 495,524 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 396,826 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 227,130 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 199,070 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 183,180 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 154,521 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 141,643 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 129,139 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 53,425,635 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 53,936,226 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 52,321,152 | 2023 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 3,063,518 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 5.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 3,652,238 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | 129,139 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 1,464 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 17,421 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 79,669 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 303,273 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.810 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 1.252 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 0.438 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 2.617 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.520 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.060 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 1.218 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1981; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | Yes De facto marital union since 2007 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | Yes Legal since 2016 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | Yes Stepchild adoption since 2014; joint adoption since 2015 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes Since 1999 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Since 2015, transgender persons can change their legal gender and name manifesting their solemn will before a notary, no surgeries or judicial order required | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $457,410,034,203 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $8,562 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 2.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 5.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 8.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Upper middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 77.9 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.6 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 78.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 79.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 15.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 20.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 35.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 95.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 101.6% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 5.3% | 2020 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 98.9% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 1,551 kWh/person | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 29.7% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 8.1% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 10.5 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 52.8% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 174.1 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 17.2 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 1,126 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 4.6099° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | -74.0820° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 4.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | -73.2500° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | America/Bogota | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | republic | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:13