Overview of Colombia

Profile

Colombia is located in northwestern South America and borders both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, giving it significant geopolitical importance. With tropical rainforests, high Andean plateaus, arid deserts, and vast savannas, the country boasts world-class biodiversity. Most of the population is concentrated in Andean highland cities and along the Caribbean coast, with culture reflecting indigenous, European, African, and Middle Eastern influences. After overcoming civil war and drug violence in the 1990s, security has significantly improved in recent years, with growth in tourism, IT, and renewable energy sectors. Coffee cultivation, flower exports, and resource industries such as oil, coal, and nickel form the pillars of the economy.

Official name: Republic of Colombia
Common name: Colombia
Numeric code: 170
Alpha-3 code: COL
Alpha-2 code: CO
Population: 51 million (2023)
Population density: 46
Primary languages: Spanish
Major religions: Christianity (Catholic)
National anthem: Himno Nacional de Colombia (Oh Gloria Inmarcesible)
Calling code: +57
Internet TLD: .co

History

Since the independence movement of 1810, Colombia has developed as a republic alternating between federalism and centralism.

Beginning as the Spanish colony of Nueva Granada in the 16th century, independence was declared in 1810. Gran Colombia was established in 1819 under Simón Bolívar but dissolved in less than 30 years. Following partisan conflicts in the late 19th century and "La Violencia" in the mid-20th century, guerrilla warfare between rebels and government forces persisted from the 1960s onward. Entering the 2000s, security measures and peace negotiations advanced, culminating in a historic peace agreement with FARC in 2016. Currently, Colombia is promoting economic diversification and social integration under democratic institutions.

Geography & climate

A varied topography featuring Caribbean coastal lowlands, three parallel Andean ranges, Pacific rainforest, Orinoco plains, and Amazon rainforest

Vertical climate zones ranging from tropical rainforest to alpine

Area: South America / 1138910 km²
Capital: Bogotá
Largest city: Bogotá
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Tota
Bordering countries: Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Panama

Natural resources

Petroleum, Coal, Natural gas, Nickel, Gold, Silver, Emeralds, Hydropower, Coffee, Tropical timber, Biodiversity

Politics

Government: Presidential republic

Economy

Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)

GDP (nominal): 343 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 948 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Spanish

Time zone: Colombia Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Mestizo, European descent, Afro-Colombian, Indigenous, Mulatto, San Andrés English speakers

Life expectancy

77.1

Literacy rate

95.1

National sports

Football (Soccer), Cycling, Baseball, Roller sports, Boxing, Basketball