Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$8,800 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate

7% (2008 est.)

Population

45,644,023 (July 2009 est.)

Country Risk Ratings

A4

Ease of Doing Business

53/181

Global Competitiveness

74/134

Country Map

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gE Network

There are 47 members in the
gE Network for this country.

Colombia : Introduction

Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Ecuador and Venezuela). A four-decade long conflict between government forces and anti-government insurgent groups, principally the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) heavily funded by the drug trade, escalated during the 1990s. The insurgents lack the military or popular support necessary to overthrow the government and violence has been decreasing since about 2002, but insurgents continue attacks against civilians and large areas of the countryside are under guerrilla influence or are contested by security forces. More than 31,000 former paramilitaries had demobilized by the end of 2006 and the United Self Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) as a formal organization had ceased to function. In the wake of the paramilitary demobilization, emerging criminal groups arose, whose members include some former paramilitaries. The Colombian Government has stepped up efforts to reassert government control throughout the country, and now has a presence in every one of its administrative departments. However, neighboring countries worry about the violence spilling over their borders.

Colombia: Banco de la Republica Colombia

While managing the Colombian economy and controlling the issue of legal tender, this bank also acts as the promoter of scientific, social, and cultural development. Further, it formulates the monetary exchange policy by effecting transfers of currency with other countries. Available in English and Spanish.

Colombia: Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica

The site for the National Department of Statistics provides information of diverse statistical indexes (Spanish Only).

Colombia: Colombian Government Trade Bureau

The Trade Bureau’s function is to promote trade between Colombia and the United States and provide investment opportunities in Columbia. Information includes general and economic information, export and import guidelines and international trade agreements.

Colombia: Getting Through Customs

Getting Through Customs uses Colombia as a sample cultural guide from their book "Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands: the Expanded Edition." This guide covers business practices, cognitive styles, political conditions, the effect of religion/society on business, cultural tips etc. in Colombia.

Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (May 2009)