Moving to Colombia: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

49,588,357

Population Growth Rate

0.48%

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

Urban Population

• population: 82.4% of total population rate of
• urbanization: 1.01% annual rate of change

Population in Major Urban Areas

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

Population: Male/Female

• male: 24,206,371
• female: 25,381,986

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Age Structure

• 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% (male 2,434,999/female 3,128,678)

Median Age

• total: 32.7 years
• male: 31.5 years
• female: 34 years

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

15

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

8

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

1.94

Gross reproduction rate

1

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

81%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

81%

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

55.3%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

21.7

Mother's mean age at first birth

21.7

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

• 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

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Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-2.1

Demographic profile

Colombia is in the midst of a demographic transition resulting from steady declines in its fertility, mortality, and population growth rates.

The birth rate has fallen from more than 6 children per woman in the 1960s to just below replacement level today as a result of increased literacy, family planning services, and urbanization.

However, income inequality is among the worst in the world, and almost one-third of the population lives below the poverty line.

Colombia experiences significant legal and illegal economic emigration and refugee outflows.

Large-scale labor emigration dates to the 1960s; the United States and, until recently, Venezuela have been the main host countries.

Emigration to Spain picked up in the 1990s because of its economic growth, but this flow has since diminished because of Spain’s ailing economy and high unemployment.

Venezuela’s political and economic crisis since 2015 has prompted many Colombians to return home.

Forced displacement continues to be prevalent because of violence among guerrillas, paramilitary groups, and Colombian security forces.

Afro-Colombian and indigenous populations are disproportionately affected.

Even with the Colombian Government’s December 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the risk of displacement remains as other rebel groups fill the void left by the FARC.

As of April 2023, almost 6.9 million people were internally displaced in Colombia.

This estimate may undercount actual numbers because many internally displaced persons are not registered.

Historically, Colombia also has one of the world’s highest levels of forced disappearances.

The Colombian Truth Commission estimated than nearly 122,000 people were the victims of forced disappearances during the countries five-decade-long armed conflict—including human rights activists, trade unionists, Afro-Colombians, indigenous people, and farmers in rural conflict zones.

Because of political violence and economic problems, Colombia received limited numbers of immigrants during the 19th and 20th centuries, mostly from the Middle East, Europe, and Japan.

More recently, growth in the oil, mining, and manufacturing sectors has attracted increased labor migration; the primary source countries are Venezuela, the US, Mexico, and Argentina.

Colombia has also become a transit area for illegal migrants from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean – especially Haiti and Cuba – who are en route to the US or Canada.

Between 2016 and October 2022, Colombia was host to the largest number of Venezuelan refugees and migrants, totaling almost 2.9 million.

Ecuadorian migrants also go to Colombia, most of them attempting to transit the dense and dangerous jungles of the Darien Gap to enter Panama and head onward to the US.

Ethnic Groups

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

Language Note

Spanish (official) 98.9%, indigenous 1%, Portuguese 0.1%; 65 indigenous languages exist

Nationality Noun

• noun: Colombian(s)
• adjective: Colombian

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Literacy - total population

95.6%

Literacy - male

95.4%

Literacy - female

95.9%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

4.9%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

• total: 14 years
• male: 14 years
• female: 15 years

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Life Expectancy at Birth

• population: 74.9 years
• male: 71.3 years
• female: 78.7 years

Infant Mortality Rate

• total: 11.7 deaths/1,000 live births
• male: 13.1 deaths/1,000 live births
• female: 10.2 deaths/1,000 live births

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

• total: 11.7 deaths/1,000 live births
• male: 13.1 deaths/1,000 live births
• female: 10.2 deaths/1,000 live births

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

75

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

2.33

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

1.7

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

9%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

• risk: high food or waterborne
• diseases: bacterial diarrhea vectorborne
• diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and sexually transmitted
• diseases: hepatitis B

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

22.3%

Tobacco Use

• total: 8.5%
• male: 12.4%
• female: 4.6%

Alcohol consumption per capita

• total: 4.09 liters of pure alcohol
• beer: 3.09 liters of pure alcohol
• wine: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol
• spirits: 0.92 liters of pure alcohol other
• alcohols: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

• improved: urban: 100% of population
• rural: 87.5% of population
• total: 97.7% of population
• unimproved: urban: 0% of population
• rural: 12.5% of population
• total: 2.3% of population

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

• improved: urban: 99.1% of population
• rural: 87.7% of population
• total: 97% of population
• unimproved: urban: 0.9% of population
• rural: 12.3% of population
• total: 3% of population

Underweight - percent of children under five years

3.7%

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Economic Overview

Colombia heavily depends on energy and mining exports, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices.

Colombia is Latin America’s fourth largest oil producer and the world’s fourth largest coal producer, third largest coffee exporter, and second largest cut flowers exporter.

Colombia’s economic development is hampered by inadequate infrastructure, poverty, narcotrafficking, and an uncertain security situation, in addition to dependence on primary commodities (goods that have little value-added from processing or labor inputs).

Colombia’s economy slowed in 2017 because of falling world market prices for oil and lower domestic oil production due to insurgent attacks on pipeline infrastructure.

Although real GDP growth averaged 4.7% during the past decade, it fell to an estimated 1.8% in 2017.

Declining oil prices also have contributed to reduced government revenues.

In 2016, oil revenue dropped below 4% of the federal budget and likely remained below 4% in 2017.

A Western credit rating agency in December 2017 downgraded Colombia’s sovereign credit rating to BBB-, because of weaker-than-expected growth and increasing external debt.

Colombia has struggled to address local referendums against foreign investment, which have slowed its expansion, especially in the oil and mining sectors.

Colombia’s FDI declined by 3% to $10.2 billion between January and September 2017.

Colombia has signed or is negotiating Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with more than a dozen countries; the US-Colombia FTA went into effect in May 2012.

Colombia is a founding member of the Pacific Alliance—a regional trade block formed in 2012 by Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru to promote regional trade and economic integration.

The Colombian government took steps in 2017 to address several bilateral trade irritants with the US, including those on truck scrappage, distilled spirits, pharmaceuticals, ethanol imports, and labor rights.

Colombia hopes to accede to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Industries

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

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$14,200.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

2.2%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$683,940,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$14,200.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

2.2%

GDP - official exchange rate

$274,100,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 63.3% government
• consumption: 18.8% investment in fixed
• capital: 26.3% investment in
• inventories: 0.9% exports of goods and
• services: 13.5% imports of goods and
• services: -22.8%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

6.9%

GDP by Sector- Industry

34%

GDP by Sector- services

59.1%

Industrial Growth Rate

1.9%

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Inflation Rate

7.8%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

3051.1

Currency Name and Code

Colombian pesos (COP)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

14.5%

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Labor Force

24,430,000

Unemployment Rate

9.5%

Major Industries

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

Agriculture Products

• coffee, cut flowers, bananas, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseed, vegetables
• shrimp
• forest products

Population Below Poverty Line

27.8%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

988,362

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

9%

Child Labor - note

note: data represents children ages 5-17

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

17%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

21%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

62%

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Annual Budget

$76,060,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

50.5%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-3%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

27.7%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Colombia

Country Name

Colombia

Local - Long

República de Colombia

Local - Short

Colombia

Etymology- history of name

the country is named after explorer Christopher COLUMBUS

Independence

20 July 1810 (from Spain)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 20 July (1810)

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Government Type

presidential republic

Constitution

• history: several previous; latest promulgated 4 July 1991
• amendments: 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; amended many times, last in 2020

Legal System:

civil law system influenced by the Spanish and French civil codes

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Gustavo Francisco PETRO Urrego (since 7 August 2022); Vice President Francia Elena MÁRQUEZ Mina (since 7 August 2022); the president is both chief of state and head of government
• head of government: President Gustavo Francisco PETRO Urrego (since 7 August 2022); Vice President Francia Elena MÁRQUEZ Mina (since 7 August 2022)
• cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
• elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a single 4-year term; election last held on 29 May 2022 with a runoff held on 19 June 2022 (next to be held on 31 May 2026); note - political reform in 2015 eliminated presidential reelection
• 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%

Legislative Branch:

• Description: bicameral Congress or Congreso consists of: Senate or Senado (108 seats; 100 members elected in a single nationwide constituency by party-list proportional representation vote, 2 members elected in a special nationwide constituency for indigenous communities, 5 members of the Commons political party, formerly the People's Alternative Revolutionary Force (FARC), for 2 legislative terms only: 2018-2022 and 2022-2026 as per the 2016 peace accord, and 1 seat reserved for the runner-up presidential candidate in the recent election; all members serve 4-year terms) Chamber of Representatives or Camara de Representantes (188 seats; 162 members elected in multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote, 2 members elected in a special nationwide constituency for Afro-Colombians, 1 member elected by Colombians residing abroad, 1 member elected in a special nationwide constituency for the indigenous communities, 5 members of the Commons political party for two legislative terms only: 2018-2022 and 2022-2026 as per the 2016 peace accord, 16 seats for rural conflict victims for two legislative terms only: 2022-2026 and 2026-2030, and 1 seat reserved for the runner-up vice presidential candidate in the recent election; all members serve 4-year terms)
• Elections: - Senate - last held on 13 March 2022 (next to be held in March 2026) Chamber of Representatives - last held on 13 March 2022 (next to be held in March 2026)
• Election Results: - Senate - percent of vote by party/coalition- PHxC 16.9%, PC 13.1%, PL 12.4%, Green Alliance and Center Hope Coalition 11.5%, CD 11.4%, CR 9.4%, U Party 8.8%, MIRA–Colombia Free and Just Coalition 3.4%, other 13.1%; seats by party/coalition
• Composition: PHxC- 20, PC 15, PL 14, Green Alliance and Center Hope Coalition 13, CD 13, CR 11, U Party 10, MIRA–Colombia Free and Just Coalition 4; men 71, women 29, percent of women 29.9% Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by party/coalition- PHxC 17.6%, PL 14%, PC 12.4%, CD 10.2% U Party 8.6%, CR 7.9%, Green Alliance 6.5%, others 22.4%; seats by party/coalition - PL 32, PHxC 27, CP 25, CD 16, CR 16, U Party 15, Green Alliance and Center Hope Coalition 11, others 24; composition as of January 2024 - men 115, women 50, percent of women 30.3%; total Congress percent of women 29.2%
• Description: bicameral Congress or Congreso consists of: Senate or Senado (108 seats; 100 members elected in a single nationwide constituency by party-list proportional representation vote, 2 members elected in a special nationwide constituency for indigenous communities, 5 members of the Commons political party, formerly the People's Alternative Revolutionary Force (FARC), for 2 legislative terms only: 2018-2022 and 2022-2026 as per the 2016 peace accord, and 1 seat reserved for the runner-up presidential candidate in the recent election; all members serve 4-year terms) Chamber of Representatives or Camara de Representantes (188 seats; 162 members elected in multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote, 2 members elected in a special nationwide constituency for Afro-Colombians, 1 member elected by Colombians residing abroad, 1 member elected in a special nationwide constituency for the indigenous communities, 5 members of the Commons political party for two legislative terms only: 2018-2022 and 2022-2026 as per the 2016 peace accord, 16 seats for rural conflict victims for two legislative terms only: 2022-2026 and 2026-2030, and 1 seat reserved for the runner-up vice presidential candidate in the recent election; all members serve 4-year terms)
• Elections: - Senate - last held on 13 March 2022 (next to be held in March 2026) Chamber of Representatives - last held on 13 March 2022 (next to be held in March 2026)
• Election Results: - Senate - percent of vote by party/coalition- PHxC 16.9%, PC 13.1%, PL 12.4%, Green Alliance and Center Hope Coalition 11.5%, CD 11.4%, CR 9.4%, U Party 8.8%, MIRA–Colombia Free and Just Coalition 3.4%, other 13.1%; seats by party/coalition
• Composition: PHxC- 20, PC 15, PL 14, Green Alliance and Center Hope Coalition 13, CD 13, CR 11, U Party 10, MIRA–Colombia Free and Just Coalition 4; men 71, women 29, percent of women 29.9% Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by party/coalition- PHxC 17.6%, PL 14%, PC 12.4%, CD 10.2% U Party 8.6%, CR 7.9%, Green Alliance 6.5%, others 22.4%; seats by party/coalition - PL 32, PHxC 27, CP 25, CD 16, CR 16, U Party 15, Green Alliance and Center Hope Coalition 11, others 24; composition as of January 2024 - men 115, women 50, percent of women 30.3%; total Congress percent of women 29.2%

Judicial Branch:

• 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

Regions or States:

32 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital district* (distrito capital) Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Atlantico, Bogota*, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas, Caqueta, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia, Guaviare, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Quindio, Risaralda, Archipielago de San Andres, Providencia y Santa Catalina (colloquially San Andres y Providencia), Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes, Vichada

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Alternative Democratic Pole or PDA [Alexander LOPEZ Maya]
• Citizens Option (Opcion Ciudadana) or OC [Angel ALIRIO Moreno] (formerly known as the National Integration Party or PIN)
• The Commons (formerly People's Alternative Revolutionary Force or FARC) [Rodrigo LONDONO Echeverry]
• Conservative Party or PC [Carlos Andres TRUJILLO]
• Democratic Center Party or CD [Alvaro URIBE Velez]
• Fair and Free Colombia (Colombia Justa Libres) [Eduardo Canas Estrada and Ricardo Arias Mora]
• Green Alliance [Claudia LOPEZ Hernandez]
• Historic Pact for Colombia or PHxC (coalition composed of several left-leaning political parties and social movements)
• Humane Colombia [Gustavo PETRO]
• Independent Movement of Absolute Renovation or MIRA [Carlos Eduardo GUEVARA]
• League of Anti-Corruption Rulers or LIGA [Rodolfo HERNANDEZ Suarez]
• Liberal Party or PL [Cesar GAVIRIA]
• People's Alternative Revolutionary Force or FARC [Rodrigo LONDONO Echeverry]
• Radical Change or CR [German VARGAS Lleras]
• 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 [Dilian Francisca TORO]
• We Believe Colombia or CREEMOS [Federico GUTIERREZ]
• Note: Colombia has numerous smaller political parties and movements

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• 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

Capital Name

Bogota

Capital - geographic coordinate

4 36 N, 74 05 W

Capital Time Difference

UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• BCIE
• BIS
• 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
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Francisco L. PALMIERI (since 1 June 2022)
• Embassy: Carrera 45, No. 24B-27, Bogota
• Mailing Address: 3030 Bogota Place, Washington DC 20521-3030
• Telephone: [57] (1) 275-2000
• FAX: [57] (1) 275-4600
• Email: ACSBogota@state.gov
• Website: https://co.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Luis Gilberto MURILLO URRUTIA (since 16 September 2022)
• Chancery: 1724 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
• Telephone: [1] (202) 387-8338
• FAX: [1] (202) 232-8643
• Email: eestadosunidos@cancilleria.gov.co
• Website: https://www.colombiaemb.org/
• Consulate(s) General: Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Newark (NJ), Orlando, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Washington, DC consulate(s): Boston, Chicago, San Francisco

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Geographic Location

South America

Geographic Coordinates

4 00 N, 72 00 W

Total Area

439,733 Square Miles 1,138,910 Square Kilometers

Land Area

401,042 Square Miles 1,038,700 Square Kilometers

Water Area

38,691 Square Miles 100,210 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

3,920 Miles 6,309 Kilometers

Border Countries

Brazil 1,644 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km, Peru 1,800 km, Venezuela 2,050 km

Coastline

1,993 Miles 3,208 Kilometers

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Terrain

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

Highest Point

5,775 Meters

Highest Point Location

Pico Cristobal Colon 5,775 m

Lowest Point Location

Pacific Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

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

Irrigated Land

4,197 Square Miles 10,870 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

Colombia's climate varies with its different altitudes.

Its three climatic zones are called: "hot country," "temperate country," and "cold country." Columbia is tropical along the coast and eastern plains; cooler in the highlands.

Terrain

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

Location

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

Total Area

439,733 Square Miles 1,138,910 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Brazil 1,644 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km, Peru 1,800 km, Venezuela 2,050 km

Environment - Current Issues

• deforestation
• soil and water quality damage from overuse of pesticides
• air pollution, especially in Bogota, from vehicle emissions

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

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Exports

$33,640,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$47,150,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

petroleum, coal, emeralds, coffee, nickel, cut flowers, bananas, apparel

Major Imports

industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer goods, chemicals, paper products, fuels, electricity

Top Export Partners

US 27.5%, Panama 7.2%, China 5.2%, Spain 4.4%, Ecuador 4%

Top Import Partners

US 28.8%, China 18.6%, Mexico 7.1%, Germany 4.2%

Export Partners

US 27.5%, Panama 7.2%, China 5.2%, Spain 4.4%, Ecuador 4%

Import Partners

US 28.8%, China 18.6%, Mexico 7.1%, Germany 4.2%

Country Description

Colombia is a medium-income nation of 46 millionpersons.

Its geography is very diverse, ranging from tropical coastal areas and rainforests to rugged mountainous terrain.

Tourist facilities in Colombia vary in quality and safety, according to price and location.

Based on Colombian statistics, an estimated 60,000 U.S. citizens reside in Colombia and 280,000 U.S. citizens travel, study and do business in Colombia each year.

Safety & Security

Security in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years, including in tourist and business travel destinations such as Cartagena and Bogota, but violence linked to narco-trafficking continues to affect some rural areas and parts of large cities.

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Crime

• below: ATMs: People are sometimes robbed after using automatic teller machines (ATMs) on the street. In some cases, robbers use motorcycles to approach their victims and then flee the scene. For your safety, only use ATMs inside shopping malls or other protected locations. Driving to and from the location – rather than walking – provides added protection. When using an ATM, you should be on the lookout for anyone watching or following you and be extremely cautious about displaying cash.
• Taxis: Robbery of taxi passengers is a serious problem in Bogota, as well as in Cali and Medellin. Typically, the driver – who may be one of the conspirators – will pick up the passenger and then stop to pick up one or more armed cohorts, who enter the cab, overpower the passenger, and take his/her belongings. If the passenger has an ATM card, the perpetrators may force the passenger to withdraw money from various ATM locations. Such ordeals can last for hours. In most taxi-related crimes, the victims have been riding alone and have hailed taxis off the street. Rather than hailing a taxi, you should use the telephone dispatch service that most taxi companies offer. Many hotels, restaurants, and stores will call a taxi for you. When a taxi is dispatched by telephone, the dispatcher creates a record of the call and the responding taxi. The taxi company provides the caller with the license plate numbers and a security code to present to the taxi driver before departing. When taking a taxi, note of the license plate, company and other ID for the car and driver. Also, the Colombian Tourist Police recommend checking to make sure that your taxi has inside handles and latches before committing to the ride.
• Airports: U.S. citizens arriving at major Colombian airports have occasionally been victimized by armed robbers and rogue taxi drivers while en route from the airport to their hotel or home. There are taxi booths both in El Dorado (international) and Puente Aereo (domestic) airports. You may go to the booth, request a taxi, and provide the address of your destination. The person in the booth will give you a ticket indicating the amount of money you will pay for the service. Dispatchers are right outside the exit to organize the waiting line. Authorized taxis are located in the designated area, close to the booth. Give one part of your ticket to the driver and retain one for your records. Criminals also sometimes identify potential victims at the airport and then follow their vehicles before robbing the occupants at a stoplight. Remain vigilant at airports and inform the local airport police if you suspect you may be under surveillance. Hiking
• Trails: Several U.S. citizens have been robbed in recent years while hiking on nature trails in and around Bogota. Hike in groups for safety, especially in isolated areas.
• Hostels: The Tourist Police in Bogota specifically caution about crimes in backpacker hostels in the Candelaria area of Bogota, noting many attacks in recent years, including a sexual assault of a U.S. citizen. Be careful when selecting a hostel- consider not just

Criminal Penalties

• prison: Colombian law requires that serious offenders remain in the country to serve a lengthy period of parole, during which the offender is given no housing and may lack permission to work. As a result, family members must often support the offender, sometimes for more than a year, until the parole period expires. Arrest
• Notification: Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Colombia, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the U.S.

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Medical Facilities

• Surgery: The Department of State regularly receives reports of U.S. citizens who have died or suffered complications from liposuction and other elective surgeries overseas. Before undergoing such a procedure in Colombia, consult with your personal physician, research the credentials of the provider in Colombia, and carefully consider your ability to access emergency medical care if complications arise. It is important to confirm that your medical insurance provides coverage in Colombia, including treatment of complications from elective procedures or medical evacuation if necessary. If you suffer complications as a result of medical malpractice, collecting damages from your surgeon may be difficult. Unregulated
• Drugs: Colombia has seen a recent increase in the use of unregulated drugs that purport to enhance sexual performance. Some tourists have died after using these substances, which come in liquid, powder, or tablet form. You are urged to seek guidance from a physician before ingesting such substances in Colombia. Altitude
• Sickness: Travelers to the capital city of Bogota may need time to adjust to the altitude of 8,600 feet, which can affect blood pressure, digestion, and energy level, and cause mild dyspnea with exercise, headaches, sleeplessness, and other discomfort. Drink plenty of fluids to maintain hydration, and avoid strenuous exercise until you have acclimated to the altitude. If you have circulatory or respiratory problems, consult a physician before traveling to Bogota or other high-altitude locations.

Traffic Safety

While in Colombia, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

Due to the security environment in Colombia, U.S. government officials and their families are not permitted to travel by road between most major cities.

They also cannot use inter- or intra-city bus transportation, or travel by road outside urban areas at night.

You are encouraged to follow these same precautions.

Traffic laws in Colombia, including speed limits, are often ignored and rarely enforced, creating dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians in major cities.

Under Colombian law, seat belts are mandatory for front-seat passengers in a private vehicle.

Car seats are mandatory for children, and a child under ten is not permitted to ride in a front seat.

It is against the law to talk on a cellular phone while driving in Colombia, and violators may be fined.

While driving outside major cities, you must drive with your lights on.

If you are involved in an accident, you MUST remain at the scene without moving your vehicle until the authorities arrive; this rule is strictly enforced, and moving a vehicle or leaving the scene of an accident may constitute an admission of guilt under Colombian law.

If you want to import your own vehicle into Colombia, consult with the nearest Colombian consulate for information on Colombian taxes and licensing rules, which can be complicated and bureaucratic.

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Airports - total

836

Airports with Paved Runways

121

Heliports

3

Railways

543 Miles 874 Kilometers

Roadways- total

87,846 Miles 141,374 Kilometers

Waterways

15,363 Miles 24,725 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Puerto Bolivar, Santa Marta, Turbo oil terminals: Covenas offshore terminal

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Pipelines: Gas

3,101 Miles 4,991 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

4,223 Miles 6,796 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

2,131 Miles 3,429 Kilometers

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Telephones

7,127,000

Cell Phones

46,200,000

Internet Users

22,538,000

Internet Country Code

.co

Internet Hosts

4,410,000

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

Telephone System

• assessment: modern system in many respects with a nationwide microwave radio relay system, a domestic satellite system with 41 earth stations, and a fiber-optic network linking 50 cities; telecommunications sector liberalized during the 1990s; multiple providers of both fixed-line and mobile-cellular services
• domestic: fixed-line connections stand at about 15 per 100 persons; mobile cellular telephone subscribership is about 100 per 100 persons; competition among cellular service providers is resulting in falling local and international calling rates and contributing to the steep decline in the market share of fixed line services
• international: country code - 57; multiple submarine cable systems provide links to the US, parts of the Caribbean, and Central and South America; satellite earth stations - 10 (6 Intelsat, 1 Inmarsat, 3 fully digitalized international switching centers)

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

46,870,000,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

1,294,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

8,220,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

56,280,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

9,080,000,000

Natural Gas Exports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

2,110,000,000

Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

40,290

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

10,950,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

169,900,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

287,000

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

77,900

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

10

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

944,000

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

2,200,000,000

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Anthem History

The words to Colombia's anthem were written by a four-time president of the nation.

President Rafael Nú ñez and the music was composed by Oreste Sindici.

The anthem was first performed on November 11 1887 and was officially adopted on July 4, 1946.

On TV broadcasts and all events, the chorus, first verse and chorus once again are sung

Anthem Lyrics

• Coro: Oh gloria inmarcesible ! Oh Júbilo inmortal ! En surcos de dolores El bien germina ya ! I Cesó la horrible noche ! la libertad sublime derrama las auroras de su invencible luz. La humanidad entera, que entre cadenas gime, comprende las palabras del que murió en la cruz. II Independencia grita el mundo americano; se baña en sangre de héroes la tierra de Colón. Pero este gran
• principio: el Rey no es soberano, resuena, y los que sufren bendicen su pasión. III Del Orinoco el cauce se colma de despojos; de sangre y llanto un río se mira allí correr. En Bárbula no saben las almas ni los ojos, si admiración o espanto sentir o padecer. IV A orillas del caribe hambriento un pueblo lucha, Horrores prefiriendo a pérfida salud. Oh, sí de Cartagena la abnegación es mucha, y escombros de la muerte desprecia su virtud. V De Boyacá en los campos el genio de la gloria con cada espiga un héroe invicto coronó. Soldados sin coraza ganaron la victoria; su varonil aliento de escudo les sirvió. VI Bolivar cruza el Ande que riega dos océanos; espadas cual centellas fulguran en junín. Centauros indomables descienden a los llanos, y empieza a presentirse de la epopeya el fin. VII La trompa victoriosa en Ayacucho truena; y en cada triunfo crece su formidable son. En su expansivo empuje la libertad se estrena, del cielo americano formando un pabellón. VIII La virgen sus cabellos arranca en agonía y de su amor viuda los cuelga del ciprés. Lamenta su esperanza que cubre loza fría, pero glorioso orgullo circunda su alba tez. IX La patria así se forma termópilas brotando; constelación de cíclopes su noche iluminó. La flor estremecida, mortal el viento hallando, debajo los laureles seguridad buscó. X Mas no es completa gloria vencer en la batalla, que el brazo que combate lo anima la verdad. La independencia sola al gran clamor no acalla; si el sol alumbra a todos, justicia es libertad. XI Del hombre los derechos Nariño predicando, el alma de la lucha profético enseñó. Ricaurte en San Mateo en átomos volando, deber antes que vida con llamas escribió.

Anthem Lyrics English

• CHORUS: Oh unfading glory! Oh immortal joy! In burrows of pain Good germinates now Good germinates now Oh unfading glory! Oh immortal joy! In burrows of pain Good germinates now I The horrible night has ended! the sublime liberty pours the dawns of its invincible light. The whole humanity, crying in its chain, understands the words of the One that died in the Cross. 2. "Independence" cries The American world; In heroes' blood is bathing The Land of Columbus. But this great
• principle: "The King is not sovereign", Resounds, and those who suffer Praise the passion in it.