Colombia Country Report

Colombia has long been known for its decades of civil strife but has in recent years emerged from conflict as one of Latin America's economic success stories. A de-escalation of its conflict with leftist insurgencies has seen a boom in growth fueled by the country's strong service sectors and centrist governance. However, challenges remain in the form of neo-paramilitary groups as well as the more general prominence that narco-production still has in less urbanized areas of the country.

Because of its particularly heterogeneous nature, Colombia presents a diverse threat matrix that allows for few generalizations. Those in urban areas will find that the principal risk is opportunistic crime with some criminal organizations also posing a violent crime risk, while many - but far from all - rural areas suffer from the presence of neo-paramilitary groups and a general lack of infrastructure. Weather-related events, ranging from earthquakes to mudslides to hurricanes, can also affect the country to differing degrees.

Conflict in Colombia varies greatly by region and also by the parameters within which “conflict” is conceptualized. Crime in the country ranges from principally opportunistic incidents in cities like Bogota to oftentimes violent occurrences in cities like Cali, Buenaventura as well as more rural areas controlled by neo-paramilitary groups. Similar to its conflict threat, Colombia faces a varied terrorism threat by region and according to how “terrorism” is defined. Colombia has a strong protest culture, particularly by various labor sectors.

Air travel is considered safe to and from Colombia.

Apart from certain more heavily forested areas, the Colombian road network is rather comprehensive. However, road quality will vary.

Port Cartagena in Colombia ranks highest in Latin America and the Caribbean in efficiency.

Basic services such as water, electricity, and fuel availability are highly reliable in urban areas as well as rural areas traditionally under full government control; previous and current insurgent- or paramilitary-controlled areas are more variable.

The country is considered a mildly attractive target for cyberattacks. Its defenses against such an attack are in all probability moderate, as it does receive significant resources from the US and OAS.

Colombia's climate varies immensely due to its diversity of geography. Extractive industries, both legal and otherwise, bring some risk of environmental hazards. Mine contamination is also a continued problem. Earthquakes are a fairly common occurrence in Colombia; while most are moderate, some can be severe. The country also has a number of volcanoes that are prone to activity every few years.

The Caribbean coast and the Archipelago of San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina are somewhat vulnerable to organized tropical systems during hurricane season from June through November, with activity peaking by September. The rest of the country can see some flooding from sometimes heavy rainfall, with the highest risk of flooding and landslides in the Colombian Andes as well as the lower basins and valleys of the country's major rivers. Snowstorms can occur at high altitudes.

Mosquito-borne diseases, including yellow fever, are the country's major non-routine epidemiological concern. Vaccines before travel are also required, for example, for yellow fever. High-quality medical facilities can be found in all major cities. Access to quality healthcare outside of major cities is generally very limited, and services offered are usually basic. Most cities offer all major medications, but the availability of medicines in less populated areas will vary. Tap water is not considered safe for drinking unless otherwise directed.

Despite an anti-corruption drive by the national government, corruption remains a significant problem. Rule of law in Colombia can be limited in certain departments due to insurgencies or criminal activity but is overall improving. Notwithstanding decades of civil strife, Colombia’s system of governance is remarkably stable. Sanctions are not a major concern for the country.