Bogotá

Capital Bogotá (9.770.000 inhabitants)

Other major cities Medellín (3,934,000 inhabitants) and Cartagena (1,047,000 inhabitants)

Average age 28.9 years (55% are younger than 30)

Surface area 1,141,749 km² – 2017

Population 48.700.000 inhabitants – 2016

Time difference -7 hours on Dutch summer time and -6 hours on Dutch winter time

Currency Colombian peso (COP)

Head of State President Ivan Duque Marquez

Language Spanish

Agriculture and Agrifood The agricultural sector provides employment to almost 5 million people and is considered to be the engine for the future growth of the Colombian economy.

Life Science & Health Colombia has a Managed Competition health care system, just like the Netherlands. Most hospitals are private in Colombia and many private hospitals are now planning to expand / build new hospitals and are looking for innovative advanced technology and design from countries such as the Netherlands.
 

Infrastructure, transport & logistics Colombia is lagging behind in the field of infrastructure, such as roads, highways and railways. The lack of modern infrastructure costs the country one to two growth points per year and depresses the competitiveness of the economy. According to DNP figures, substantial infrastructure investments will be made between 2010 and 2020.

Water and environmental technology Colombia has a problem in the water sector due to the high degree of fragmentation. It is one of the richest countries in the field of water resources, but due to the lack of infrastructure they have not been able to manage the economic water scarcity. The country is urgently looking for innovative solutions.

Food processing Colombia is a net importer of food processing ingredients, hence there are plentiful export opportunities. There is a growing domestic demand for higher quality confectionery products and ingredients for the country’s growing chocolate industry.

Food retail In recent years, foreign retail chains have developed a significant presence in Colombia, opening more stores in the country. This offers ample of opportunities for Western companies.