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Colombia is the second most populous country in the northwestern part of South America, home to about 50 million people. The state was named in honor of Christopher Columbus, who discovered the American continent for the European part of the world. The country has access to the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Its neighbors on the continent are Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and Panama. The neighbors by sea are Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Haiti.
Colombia was discovered by Spanish navigators in early 1500. Until 1918, the state remained a colony of Spain, later began an independent path and was transformed into the United States of Colombia. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Panama separated from the States and the country acquired the status of a republic, which it retains to this day.
Climatic conditions
The country is characterized by a hot, humid equatorial and sub-equatorial climate. The temperature on the plateau and at the foot of the mountains is about +35 °C. That is, the cities of Colombia are hot all year round. But in mountainous areas it is cooler: when rising to 2000-3000 meters above sea level, the daytime temperature ranges from +13 to +15 °C.
On average, 2,600 mm of precipitation falls per year. However, they are not distributed evenly across the country. The main part falls in the western part – in the mountains and the coast. The north and southwest of Colombia is in a drier climate with an average annual volume of less than 500 mm.
The country's hot, humid climate promotes the cultivation of coffee, bananas, rice and a number of other crops. In 2024, Colombia ranks second in the world in the supply of coffee beans.
Demographics
According to the results of the 2005-2008 census, 50 million people live in the state. Of these, 74% are citizens. Almost half (48%) of Colombians are mestizos. The white population accounts for 39% of citizens, blacks make up 10.6%, and pure-blooded Indians – 2.4%.
The inhabitants of Colombia speak mainly Spanish, and English is considered the second official language in the country. 99.2% of citizens are Hispanic and do not speak other languages at the level of everyday communication. There are also 65 dialects preserved on the territory of the state, which were owned by native Indians. But the number of residents who speak vernacular languages is steadily decreasing.
Colombian schoolchildren are learning English. Nevertheless, a rare Colombian citizen can easily speak it in everyday life. For permanent residence and business in this country, it is necessary to speak Spanish fluently.
The majority of Colombians (79%) are Catholic Christians. Adherence to this religious trend is associated with the country's long dependence on Spain. Protestants account for 10-17% of citizens. About 305 thousand residents are supporters of ancient Indian religions, passing them on from generation to generation. Immigrants from the Arab world profess Islam. About 1.1 million Colombians identify themselves as non-religious.
The average life expectancy according to WHO data for 2020 is 76.7 years for men and 81.9 years for women. In the world ranking of countries according to this indicator, the state is ranked 34th.
Economy
There are many developed oil and coal deposits in Colombia, and there are a large number of operating hydroelectric power plants. The state actively earns money on the supply of coffee beans and coal. Other export products are nickel, gems, faceted emeralds, bananas, and sugar cane. The main importer is the USA (28.5%).
38% of the country's area is pasture for cattle. 5% of the territory is devoted to the cultivation of coffee, cotton, tobacco, bananas, rice, potatoes, sorghum.
Colombia's industrial enterprises are concentrated in Bogota, Medellin and Cali. Local companies produce sugar from cane, grind rice, sort vegetables and fruits. There are also workshops for the production of shoes, chemicals, and textiles in the industrial zones of the state.
18% of local residents work in the agricultural sector. According to 2020 data, the minimum wage in the country is $299, which is why almost half of the inhabitants (47%) are below the poverty level.
The country's GDP per capita is $7.75 thousand. According to this parameter, the state ranks 110th in the world ranking. Colombia's total GDP is $502 billion, which puts the state in 25th place in the world ranking. The inflation rate in 2024 is 6.86% compared to 7.18% in 2023.
The disadvantages of the Colombian economy are political instability and volatile relations with neighboring countries. Both problems are related to corruption and active drug trafficking in the south of the republic.
Freedom of movement
In 2024, Colombia's passport ranks 40th in the global ranking. Holders of a Colombian identity card of this State have the right to enter 148 countries without a visa, and they need a visa on arrival in 33 countries. To visit 37 countries, it is necessary to obtain an electronic visa (eVisa) in a timely manner. The length of stay depends on the specific country.
Citizens of a number of countries can travel to Colombia for 90 days without a visa. After this period, it is necessary to confirm the grounds for further residence.
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