BizCLIR

Rich in natural resources and with a long history of democracy, Colombia’s development challenges are exacerbated by decades of violence fueled by widespread illicit crop production and narco-trafficking. Numerous rural municipalities, isolated by poor infrastructure and fragile institutions, remain prone to aggression from illegal armed groups, illicit crop cultivation, forced displacement, and human rights abuses. Approximately half of Colombia’s citizens live below the poverty line, suffering from severe income disparities, poverty, and inadequate social services. The Government of Colombia (GOC) is exerting significant pressure on the illegal armed groups, but their presence and propensity to violence continue to pose a threat. The GOC is working hard to consolidate a legitimate state presence throughout the country, revitalizing the Colombian economy and combating corruption.

As a partner in Colombia, the U.S. Government (USG), through USAID, supports GOC efforts to achieve peace, promote economic prosperity, improve the living conditions of Colombia’s most vulnerable groups, develop economic and social alternatives to illicit crop production, and strengthen the presence and effectiveness of the state.

Source: World Bank Group 2009, CIA World Factbook 2009 

For additional economic indicators, please visit the World Bank's "Private Sector at a Glance."