ABSTRACT
Colombia had a population of 41 million in 1998, and an annual growth rate of 2.2%. The average Colombian household included 5.2 persons, and population density reached 31 inhabitants per square kilometer. The nation’s literacy rate was 87%. Per capita income averaged U.S.$1,400 annually, and purchasing power was one fourth that of the United States. Sustained economic growth from 1987 to 1997 surpassed 4% annually. The gross domestic product (GDP) is based on services (51%), industry (28%), and agriculture (20.5%). Foreign trade totals U.S.$23 billion annually and is carried out mainly with the United States (36%), Europe (20%), and the Andean Group (13%). Major exports include petroleum and its derivatives; coffee, coal, and the illegal exportation of cocaine to the major consumption centers. Industrial output is made up of agricultural and food products (30%), textiles and clothing (16%), and transportation and machinery (8%).
