Country Profile: Colombia

Colombia, located in Northern South America, is bordered by both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean. With a population of approximately 49.6 million, the nation possesses a diverse cultural tapestry and robust democratic institutions, despite a history marked by conflict and drug-related violence. Economically, Colombia has consistently been one of the region's fastest-growing markets, increasingly integrating into global trade networks, though challenges remain, particularly in infrastructure and poverty levels. The government is a presidential republic, led by President Gustavo Petro since 2022, continuing efforts to build peace and bolster civil rights.

Geography

Colombia is characterized by its diverse geography, featuring coastal lowlands, central highlands, and the Andes Mountains. It spans an area of approximately 1,138,910 square kilometers, making it slightly less than twice the size of Texas. The country is endowed with significant natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, and coal, while its climate varies from tropical along the coast to cooler highland regions.

3,208 km of coastline along the Caribbean Sea and North Pacific Ocean.
1,138,910 sq km total area, comprising 1,038,700 sq km land and 100,210 sq km water.
Rich in natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, coal, and gold.
53.8% of land is forested (2023 estimate).
Predominantly flat coastal lowlands and high Andes Mountains.

People and Society

Colombia has a population of approximately 49.6 million, predominantly urban, with around 82.4% living in cities as of 2023. The country is ethnically diverse, with a majority of Mestizo and White individuals, followed by Afro-Colombians and Indigenous populations. Spanish is the official language and Roman Catholicism is the prevalent religion, although a range of other beliefs is represented.

49,588,357 total population (2024 estimate).
95.3% literacy rate (2024 estimate).
22.3% of the population is aged 0-14 years (2024 estimate).
14.9 births per 1,000 population (2024 estimate).
74.9 years life expectancy at birth (2024 estimate).

Economy

Colombia's economy has demonstrated resilience and growth following challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. The country maintains a diversified economy with key sectors in services, industry, and agriculture. Despite economic progress, issues such as inequality and unemployment persist.

$978.592 billion GDP (purchasing power parity) for 2024.
9.7% unemployment rate (2024 estimate).
1.7% expected GDP growth rate for 2024.
3% of GDP for military expenditures (2024 estimate).
33% of the population living below the national poverty line (2023 estimate).

Government

Colombia operates as a presidential republic with a bicameral legislature. The nation has a history of democratic governance, characterized by regular elections and a commitment to civil liberties. The current political landscape reflects ongoing efforts for peace and stability, particularly following the peace accords with FARC in 2016.

President: Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego since 7 August 2022.
32 departments and 1 capital district.
Latest constitution promulgated on 4 July 1991.
Universal suffrage at 18 years of age.
Congress with 187 representatives and 108 senators.

Military and Security

Colombia possesses a substantial military force focused on national defense, counterinsurgency, and counter-narcotics operations. The military collaborates closely with international partners, particularly the United States, to address internal security challenges stemming from organized illegal activities.

Approximately 260,000 active military personnel (2025).
3.4% of GDP is allocated to military expenditures (2024 estimate).
Military service is compulsory for men aged 18-24.
Close security ties with the US, designated as a Major Non-NATO Ally in 2022.
Engaged in operations against groups like ELN and dissident FARC factions.

Energy

Colombia's energy sector is primarily driven by hydroelectric power, accounting for a significant portion of its installed capacity. The country achieved full electricity access for its population and continues to expand its renewable energy sources.

100% of the population has electricity access (2022 estimate).
21.053 million kW installed generating capacity (2023).
62.1% of electricity generated from hydroelectric sources (2023).
800,000 bbl/day of petroleum production (2023).
10.927 billion cubic meters of natural gas production (2023).

Environment

Colombia faces environmental challenges including deforestation and pollution, particularly from agricultural practices and urbanization. Efforts are underway to address these issues through international agreements and national initiatives.

28.5% of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 estimate).
Major environmental issues include deforestation in the Amazon and pesticide pollution.
Party to multiple international environmental agreements, including the Paris Agreement.
85.878 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023 estimate).
Approximately 36.5% of land is used for agriculture (2023).

Transportation

Colombia has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including a mix of air, sea, and land transport networks. The country features numerous airports and a growing merchant marine sector.

661 airports (2025).
Approximately 2,141 km of railway systems (2019).
153 ships in the merchant marine fleet (2023).
14 total ports, with several key facilities located on the Caribbean coast.
7.277 million fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).

Communications

Communications in Colombia are rapidly improving, with a high percentage of the population using mobile phones and access to the internet. The country is working on expanding broadband services to enhance connectivity.

77% of the population are internet users (2023).
87.4 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
7.277 million fixed telephone subscriptions (2023).
8.91 million fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
Internet country code: .co.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	49,588,357 (2024 est.)
Area	1,138,910 sq km
GDP	$978.592 billion	Purchasing power parity (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	9.7% (2024 est.)	% of labor force seeking employment
Birth Rate	14.9 births/1,000 people	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	74.9 years	(2024 est.)
Electricity Access	100% (2022 est.)
Gini Index	53.9 (2023 est.)	Income distribution index
Literacy Rate	95.3% (2024 est.)	Total population
Total Energy Consumption	29.305 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)