Colombia

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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.

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Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama

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4 00 N, 72 00 W

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South America

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<strong>note:</strong> includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, and Serrana Bank

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slightly less than twice the size of Texas

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3,208 km (Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448 km)

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tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands

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

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petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds, hydropower

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6,506 sq km (2013)

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Rio Negro river source (shared with Venezuela and Brazil [m]) - 2,250 km; Orinoco (shared with Venezuela [s]) - 2,101 km<br><br><strong>note:</strong> [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth

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Amazon Basin

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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

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highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; occasional earthquakes; periodic droughts <br><br><strong>volcanism:</strong> 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

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only South American country with coastlines on both the North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea

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Mestizo and White 87.6%, Afro-Colombian (includes Mulatto, Raizal, and Palenquero) 6.8%, Indigenous 4.3%, unspecified 1.4% (2018 est.)

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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.)

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0.54% (2025 est.)

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14.73 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)

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6.96 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)

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-2.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)

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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

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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)

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21.7 years (2015 est.)

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<strong>note:</strong> data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49

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59 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)

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1.94 children born/woman (2025 est.)

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0.94 (2025 est.)

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2.54 physicians/1,000 population (2023)

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1.7 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)

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22.3% (2016)

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3.7% (2016 est.)

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50.9% (2018 est.)

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5.3% of GDP (2020 est.)

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deforestation from timber exploitation in the Amazon and the Choc&oacute; region; soil erosion; soil and water pollution from overuse of pesticides; air pollution, especially in Bogota, from vehicle emissions

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tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands

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13.1 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

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2.36 trillion cubic meters (2022 est.)

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presidential republic

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32 departments (<em>departamentos</em>, singular - <em>departamento</em>) and 1 capital district* (<em>distrito capital</em>); 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

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civil law system influenced by the Spanish and French civil codes

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has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

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18 years of age; universal

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<strong>note 1: </strong>the president is both chief of state and head of government<br><br><strong>note 2:</strong> reforms in 2015 eliminated presidential reelection

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Alternative Democratic Pole or PDA<br>Citizens Option (Opcion Ciudadana) or OC (formerly known as the National Integration Party or PIN)<br>The Commons (formerly People's Alternative Revolutionary Force or FARC)<br>Conservative Party or PC<br>Democratic Center Party or CD<br>Fair and Free Colombia (Colombia Justa Libres)<br>Green Alliance <br>Historic Pact for Colombia or PHxC (coalition composed of several left-leaning political parties and social movements)<br>Humane Colombia<br>Independent Movement of Absolute Renovation or MIRA<br>League of Anti-Corruption Rulers or LIGA<br>Liberal Party or PL<br>People's Alternative Revolutionary Force or FARC<br>Radical Change or CR<br>Team for Colombia - also known as the Experience Coalition or Coalition of the Regions (coalition composed of center-right and right-wing parties)<br>Union Party for the People or U Party<br>We Believe Colombia or CREEMOS

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<strong>note:  </strong>Colombia has numerous smaller political parties and movements

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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

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20 July 1810 (from Spain)

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Independence Day, 20 July (1810)

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<strong>description:</strong> three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue, and red<br><br><strong>meaning:</strong> 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 

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<strong>note:</strong> similar to the flag of Ecuador, which is wider and has the Ecuadorian coat of arms in the center

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Andean condor

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yellow, blue, red

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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

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<b>note:</b> data in 2021 dollars

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<b>note:</b> annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

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<b>note:</b> data in 2021 dollars

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$418.542 billion (2024 est.)

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<b>note:</b> data in current dollars at official exchange rate

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<b>note:</b> annual % change based on consumer prices

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<b>note:</b> figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

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<b>note:</b> figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

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sugarcane, oil palm fruit, milk, rice, plantains, potatoes, bananas, maize, chicken, avocados (2023)

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<b>note:</b> top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

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

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-1.3% (2024 est.)

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<b>note:</b> annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

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26.822 million (2024 est.)

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<b>note:</b> number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

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<b>note:</b> % of labor force seeking employment

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<b>note:</b> % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

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33% (2023 est.)

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<b>note:</b> % of population with income below national poverty line

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<b>note:</b> index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality

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<b>note:</b> % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population

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<b>note:</b> personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

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<b>note:</b> central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated

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<b>note:</b> central government debt as a % of GDP

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17.6% (of GDP) (2023 est.)

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<b>note:</b> central government tax revenue as a % of GDP

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<b>note:</b> balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

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<b>note:</b> balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

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USA 27%, Panama 9%, India 5%, China 5%, Netherlands 4% (2023)

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<b>note:</b> top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

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crude petroleum, coal, gold, coffee, refined petroleum (2023)

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<b>note:</b> top five export commodities based on value in dollars

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<b>note:</b> balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

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USA 26%, China 22%, Brazil 6%, Mexico 5%, Germany 4% (2023)

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<b>note:</b> top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

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refined petroleum, cars, broadcasting equipment, aircraft, packaged medicine (2023)

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<b>note:</b> top five import commodities based on value in dollars

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<b>note:</b> holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

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<b>note:</b> present value of external debt in current US dollars

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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)

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.co

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HJ, HK

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661 (2025)

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57 (2025)

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Military Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Militares de Colombia<em lang="es">)</em>: 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)

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<strong>note:</strong> the PNC is a civilian force under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense

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approximately 260,000 active Military Forces; approximately 150,000 National Police (2025)

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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)

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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)

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<strong>note:</strong> women comprised a little more than 3% of the active military in 2024

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275 Egypt (MFO) (2025)

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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)<br><br>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<br><br>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)

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Colombian Space Commission (Comision Colombiana Del Espacio, CCE; established 2006) (2025)

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<strong>note 1:</strong> the Colombian military has an Air and Space Operations Command<br><br><strong>note 2:</strong> the Colombian Space Agency (Agencia Espacial Del Colombia, AEC) is a private, non-profit agency established in 2017

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has a small program focused on acquiring satellites, particularly remote sensing (RS) satellites; operates satellites and produces nanosatellites; researches other space technologies, including astronautics, satellite navigation, and telecommunications; works with a variety of foreign space agencies or commercial space industries, including those of Denmark, India, Russia, Sweden, the US, and some members of the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (2025)

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2007 - first domestically produced technology-demonstration/remote-sensing (RS) nanosatellite (Libertad I) launched by Russia<br><br>2014 - second experimental RS nanosatellite (UAPSAT) launched by US<br><br>2018 - first RS satellite (FACSAT-1) for military use purchased from Denmark and launched by India<br><br>2022 - signed US-led Artemis Accords for space exploration<br><br>2023 - second RS satellite (FACSAT-2 or Chibiriquete) launched by US

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National Liberation Army (ELN); Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People's Army (FARC-EP); Segunda Marquetalia (SM); Tren de Aragua (TdA)

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<strong>note:</strong> 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