Overview of Colombia

Quick Overview

Colombia can be divided into three distinct regions: the Caribbean coast to the north with Cartagena as the main city, the Andes in the west, which cover a third of the country and where the capital Bogotá is located, and finally the Amazon, which represents almost half of the territory.

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location: at the northern tip of South America, on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, extending from Panama.

• Latitude/longitude: 4°36' N, 74°04' W.

• Local time: Heure : 3347

• Capital: Bogotá.

• Nature of the state: semi-presidential republic.

• Official language: Spanish.

• Currency: Colombian peso.

• Population: 48,168,996 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 1,141,748 km².

• Density: 42 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Cristóbal Colón Peak (5,775 m).

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 3,200 km.

• Driving: on the right.

Tourism

Between myth and reality, including in terms of safety (even if...), Colombia is one of the most complete and fascinating countries on the continent, with its coasts, mountain range, and Amazon region. Nature, adventure, ecotourism, historical heritage, local cultures, or even relaxation under the coconut trees—everything is on offer...

Since the country has regained a "degree of stability," its visitor numbers have logically increased, now reaching around 3.5 to 4 million entries per year (3.898 million in 2018). However, tourism in Colombia remains largely targeted at Latin American visitors. European travelers are still not very present. In the Top 10 countries of origin (led, as always, by the USA), only Spain appears, with 100,000 visitors—twice as many as France.

Essentials for Travel

• Destination: for somewhat experienced travelers.

• By air: France-Bogotá.

• Entry requirements: passport + return/onward ticket.

• Currency to bring:

• Exchange rate:

• Daily "backpacker" budget:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks:

• Best period for climate/crowds/prices:

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★★; Adventure ★★★★; Culture ★★★; Relaxation/Holidays ★★★

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 90/188 (rank in 2018)

• GDP per capita: $14,400 (2017)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: +4.3% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 9.3% (2017)

• Population below the poverty line: 28% (2017)

• Life expectancy: 76.2 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -0.6 (2017)

• Population growth: +0.97% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 94.7% (2015)

• Urban population: 80.8% (2018)

• Press freedom: 130/180 (rank in 2018)

• Political regime: flawed democracy (51/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook