Society in Colombia
An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.
Explore Social Domains
Demographics
Public Health
Education & Human Capital
Living Standards & Connectivity
Current Snapshot Overview
A summary of key social and demographic indicators for Colombia
- Colombia has an estimated population of 52.3M2023A steady annual growth rate of 1.1%2023supports sustained population expansion, providing a stable base for economic development. A below-replacement fertility rate of 1.6 births per woman2023suggests gradual population aging and potential future workforce shortages. Positive net migration of approximately 142K individuals annually (or 2.7 per 1,000 inhabitants)2024contributes to population stability and growth.
- Regarding public health, the country maintains a reasonable health standard with a life expectancy of 77.7 years2023, though there is scope for further improvements to achieve higher global benchmarks. Concurrently, maternal and child health indicators show solid progress, with child mortality (under 5 years) at 12.0 per 1,000 live births2023and maternal mortality at 59 per 100,000 live births2023, indicating improving but still developing services. These outcomes are supported by a moderate commitment to health system development, with 7.7% of GDP directed to healthcare expenditure2023.
- Strong educational foundations are evident in the high adult literacy rate of 96%2020, which significantly contributes to human capital development. Complementing this, educational access shows solid progress through 93% primary enrollment2018and 102% secondary participation rates2022. This educational framework is supported by limited educational investment, at 3.7% of GDP2001, which may constrain the scale and quality of future human capital development initiatives.
- In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, as a highly urbanized society with 82% of the population residing in urban areas2023, the country benefits from concentrated economic activity, efficient service delivery, and innovation potential. Furthermore, infrastructure development shows strong progress with 99% electricity access2023and 77% internet penetration2023, supporting ongoing modernization efforts and enhancing quality of life.
Key Development Insights
Population Dynamics
Immigration is a key factor in stabilizing the population and offsetting low native birth rates, supporting economic continuity.
Public Health System
Public health outcomes are a core indicator of national development and quality of life. Access to healthcare is essential for sustainable growth.
Human Capital Formation
A highly educated populace positions the nation for success in the global knowledge economy. Keeping talent is a vital strength.
Infrastructure & Connectivity
Infrastructure shapes economic efficiency, urbanization patterns, and digital integration, being critical for modern economies.
Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.