History of Colombia in Timeline
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, is a South American country with territories in North America. It is bordered by the Caribbean Sea, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, the Pacific Ocean, and Panama. Covering 1,141,748 square kilometers, Colombia has a population of approximately 52 million. Its capital and largest city is Bogotá, a major financial and cultural center. Colombia boasts a rich cultural heritage shaped by its colonial past, European and Middle Eastern immigration, the African diaspora, and Indigenous influences. While Spanish is the official language, over 64 other languages, including Creole and English, are recognized regionally.
1903: Panama Canal Separation
With backing from the United States, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903, leading to the establishment of Panama as a separate nation and the subsequent construction of the Panama Canal.
1903: Panama Canal Separation
With backing from the United States, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903, leading to the establishment of Panama as a separate nation and the subsequent construction of the Panama Canal.
1921: Compensation for Panama Canal
In 1921, the United States paid Colombia $25,000,000 as compensation for President Roosevelt's role in Panama's separation seven years prior. This payment was part of the Thomson-Urrutia Treaty, in which Colombia officially recognized Panama.
June 1934: Resolution of Territorial Dispute with Peru
A territorial dispute between Colombia and Peru over land in the Amazon basin was resolved in June 1934. The League of Nations mediated the peace deal and ultimately awarded the disputed territory to Colombia.
1938: Urbanization Trend Begins
In 1938, Colombia's urban population was 31% of the total, marking the beginning of a significant urbanization trend.
1939: Stone and Sky Poetry Movement
The years 1939 and 1940 saw the publication of seven poetry books in Bogotá under the collective title "Stone and Sky." Edited by poet Jorge Rojas, these works significantly influenced Colombian literature.
April 1948: Assassination of Jorge Eliécer Gaitán and "La Violencia"
The assassination of Liberal presidential candidate Jorge Eliécer Gaitán on April 9, 1948, sparked riots in Bogotá known as "El Bogotazo." These events led to a period of intense political violence across Colombia, known as "La Violencia," which resulted in the deaths of at least 180,000 Colombians.
1970: Steady Economic Growth Begins
Beginning in 1970, Colombia's market economy experienced a period of steady growth.
1973: Rapid Urbanization
By 1973, Colombia's urban population had surged to nearly 60%, highlighting a rapid urbanization process.
1982: Establishment of ONIC
The first National Indigenous Congress in 1982 led to the formation of the Organización Nacional Indígena de Colombia (ONIC), an organization advocating for the rights and representation of Colombia's indigenous communities.
1989: Adoption of the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention
The Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, adopted in 1989, marked a significant step in international law, recognizing and safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities globally.
1989: Beginning of Peace Negotiations and Demobilization
Between 1989 and 1994, Colombia engaged in peace negotiations with several guerrilla organizations, leading to their demobilization. This marked a period of attempted peace and reconciliation.
July 1991: New Colombian Constitution
On July 4, 1991, a new Colombian Constitution was enacted. The changes introduced by this constitution were generally well-received by Colombian society.
1991: Ratification of Indigenous Rights Convention
Colombia demonstrated its commitment to protecting indigenous rights by signing and ratifying the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989, in 1991.
1991: Constitution of 1991 Establishes Political Framework
In 1991, Colombia adopted a new constitution which established a framework for a presidential participatory democratic republic and the principle of separation of powers, dividing the government into the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
1991: Adversarial System Implemented in Judicial System
Starting in 1991, Colombia transitioned to an adversarial system within its civil law framework, marking a significant change in the country's judicial proceedings.
1991: Constitutional Guarantee of Religious Freedom
The 1991 Colombian constitution marked a pivotal moment for religious freedom in the country, as it enshrined the right to freedom of religion, ensuring that all faiths and churches are treated equally under the law.
1993: Expansion of Healthcare Coverage
Since the 1980s, Colombia has made significant strides in improving its healthcare systems. Reforms implemented in 1993 expanded population coverage by the social and health security system from a previous 21%.
1994: End of Peace Negotiations and Demobilization
Between 1989 and 1994, Colombia engaged in peace negotiations with several guerrilla organizations, leading to their demobilization. This marked a period of attempted peace and reconciliation.
1997: Édgar Rentería's First World Series Win
Colombian baseball player Édgar Rentería celebrated his first World Series championship win in 1997, marking a significant achievement in his Major League Baseball career.
1998: Economic Expansion Continues
Colombia's gross domestic product (GDP) continued to increase at an average rate exceeding 4% per year until 1998.
1999: Recession Hits Colombian Economy
In 1999, Colombia experienced a recession, marking the first full year of negative economic growth since the Great Depression, leading to a challenging and lengthy recovery period.
2001: Colombia Wins Copa América
In a historic victory, Colombia clinched the championship title in the 2001 Copa América football tournament. The team achieved this feat undefeated, without conceding a single goal throughout the competition.
2002: Presidency of Álvaro Uribe and Democratic Security Policy
Álvaro Uribe assumed the presidency of Colombia, serving from 2002 to 2010. His administration implemented the "democratic security policy," a multifaceted strategy aimed at combating terrorism and insurgency.
2003: Film Act Boosts Colombian Cinema
The passage of the Film Act in 2003 provided significant support to the burgeoning Colombian film industry, contributing to its growth and development.
2004: Two-Term Limit for Presidents Introduced
Colombia adopted a constitutional amendment in 2004 that changed the presidential term limit from a single term to a maximum of two terms.
2005: Improved Security and Economic Growth
Starting in 2005, Colombia experienced notable improvements in security, stability, and the rule of law. This period also saw unprecedented economic growth and development for the country.
2005: Piloto Public Library Photo Archive
The Piloto public library in Colombia houses a vast collection of 1.7 million antique photographs, representing the largest such archive in Latin America. This collection provides a photographic record of Colombia spanning from 1848 to 2005.
2006: Colombia's Gold Production Remains Steady
Between 2006 and 2017, Colombia's annual gold production averaged around 15 tons, highlighting a period of relative stability in the country's gold mining sector.
2006: Ethnic Composition and Ancestry in Colombia
In 2006, research estimated that 86% of Colombia's population did not identify with specific ethnic groups listed in the census. It highlighted the prevalence of Spanish ancestry among white Colombians, with notable populations of Middle Eastern, German, and Italian descent in certain areas.
2007: Foreign Tourist Arrivals Begin to Rise
Colombia witnessed a surge in foreign tourist arrivals starting in 2007, with numbers projected to reach 4 million by 2017, up from 0.6 million.
2007: Strong Economic Recovery
Colombia's economy rebounded strongly in 2007, achieving a growth rate of 7%, one of the highest in Latin America, demonstrating resilience and effective economic policies.
2007: Gold Production Experiences Upward Trend
Starting in 2007, Colombia's gold production began to rise significantly, marking a shift towards increased mining activity and exploration.
February 2008: Demonstrations Against FARC
In February 2008, millions of Colombians participated in demonstrations against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and other illegal armed groups, signifying public discontent with the ongoing conflict.
2009: President Uribe Enjoys High Approval Rating
In 2009, a poll revealed that former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe maintained a high approval rating, peaking at 76%, despite facing various controversies during his time in office.
June 2010: Juan Manuel Santos Elected President
Juan Manuel Santos, former Minister of Defense, won the Colombian presidential election on June 20, 2010, with 69% of the vote in a runoff election against Antanas Mockus.
2010: End of Presidency of Álvaro Uribe
Álvaro Uribe assumed the presidency of Colombia, serving from 2002 to 2010. His administration implemented the "democratic security policy," a multifaceted strategy aimed at combating terrorism and insurgency.
2010: Édgar Rentería's Second World Series Win
Édgar Rentería achieved his second World Series victory in 2010, further solidifying his legacy as a prominent Colombian baseball player in Major League Baseball.
2011: Borders for Prosperity Plan Launched
In 2011, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos introduced the "Borders for Prosperity" plan, aiming to reduce poverty and curb violence stemming from illegal armed groups in border regions through social and economic development. The plan was lauded by the International Crisis Group.
2012: Record-Breaking Gold Production
Colombia achieved a record-breaking gold production of 66.1 tons in 2012, driven by favorable market conditions and increased investment in the mining sector.
2012: Significant Increase in Healthcare Coverage
Colombia's healthcare reforms continued to yield positive results, as evidenced by the substantial increase in population coverage by the social and health security system to 96% in 2012.
2012: Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Crisis
In 2012, Colombia faced a significant humanitarian challenge with the world's largest population of internally displaced persons (IDPs), estimated to be up to 4.9 million people.
June 2014: Santos Secures Second Term
President Juan Manuel Santos was re-elected for a second term in June 2014, winning nearly 51% of the vote against right-wing candidate Óscar Iván Zuluaga.
2014: Colombia's Commitment to Renewable Energy Recognized
Colombia's dedication to promoting renewable energy sources was acknowledged in 2014 when it was ranked among the top 10 nations globally in the Global Green Economy Index (GGEI) for its efforts in greening efficiency sectors.
2014: Colombia's Urbanization Rate Reaches 76%
In 2014, Colombia's urban population reached 76%, solidifying its position as one of the most urbanized countries in Latin America.
2015: Congress Reinstates Single-Term Limit for President
In 2015, the Colombian Congress voted to repeal a 2004 constitutional amendment, thereby reverting to a single four-year term limit for presidents.
2015: Education Spending and Literacy Rates
In 2015, Colombia dedicated 4.49% of its gross domestic product to public spending on education, reflecting the country's commitment to investing in its human capital. This investment translated into high gross enrollment ratios for primary and secondary education, standing at 113.56% and 98.09%, respectively.
2015: Life Expectancy and Literacy Rates in Colombia
In 2015, Colombia's life expectancy was 74.8 years. Additionally, the country achieved high literacy rates, with 94.58% of adults and 98.66% of youth being literate.
2015: Growth of Major Cities
As of 2015, Colombia had 72 cities with populations of 100,000 or more, indicating the continued growth of urban centers.
November 2016: Colombian Peace Deal
In November 2016, the Colombian government, led by President Juan Manuel Santos, and the FARC-EP guerrillas signed a revised peace agreement aimed at ending the long-standing armed conflict. This deal was approved by the Colombian Congress and earned President Santos the Nobel Peace Prize.
2016: Colombian Hospitals Ranked Among the Best in Latin America
In 2016, a study by América Economía magazine highlighted the quality of healthcare in Colombia, with 21 Colombian health care institutions ranking among the top 44 in Latin America.
2016: Tourism's Significant Contribution to GDP
The tourism sector in Colombia played a crucial role in 2016, contributing US$5,880.3 billion to the GDP, representing 2.0% of the total GDP, and providing employment to 556,135 individuals, accounting for 2.5% of total employment.
2016: Infant Mortality Rate
In 2016, the infant mortality rate in Colombia was 13.1 per thousand, indicating progress in healthcare and child health.
2016: Population Growth and Demographics
In 2016, Colombia's population growth rate was estimated at 0.9%, with a notable increase in the proportion of older persons.
2016: Ambitious Road Construction Plan
In 2016, Colombia's government set a target to build 7,000 km of roads by 2020, reflecting a commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and reducing travel times and costs.
2016: Inflation Rate Remains Elevated
In 2016, Colombia's annual inflation rate stood at 5.75% year-on-year, reflecting the country's ongoing efforts to control inflation and promote economic stability.
2016: Colombia's Military Expenditure
In 2016, Colombia allocated 3.4% of its GDP to military spending, ranking it 24th globally in terms of military expenditure, a testament to the country's focus on defense and security in the region.
2016: Record Low Homicide Rate
Colombia achieved its lowest homicide rate since 1974 in 2016, recording 24.4 homicides per 100,000 people. This coincided with the signing of a peace agreement between the government and the FARC rebel group.
2017: Tourism Sector Growth Continues
By 2017, foreign tourist visits to Colombia were projected to have increased significantly to 4 million, highlighting the country's growing popularity as a tourist destination and the positive impact on the tourism industry.
2017: Highway Infrastructure in Colombia
By the end of 2017, Colombia had approximately 2,100 km of duplicated highways, indicating ongoing efforts to improve connectivity and reduce travel times.
2017: Inflation Rate Decreases
Colombia's annual inflation rate decreased to 4.09% year-on-year in 2017, compared to 5.75% in 2016, indicating a positive trend in managing inflation and stabilizing prices.
2017: Colombia's Gold Production Surges
Colombia's gold production witnessed a significant increase in 2017, with the country extracting 52.2 tons, securing its place among the top 25 gold producers globally.
2017: Poverty and Financial Inclusion in Focus
In 2017, Colombia's National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) reported that 26.9% of the population lived below the poverty line, with 7.4% experiencing extreme poverty, highlighting ongoing challenges despite the government's focus on financial inclusion for vulnerable populations.
2017: Cancer Research and Treatment Center Designated as National Strategic Interest
Recognizing the importance of cancer research and treatment, the Colombian government declared a cancer research and treatment center as a Project of National Strategic Interest in 2017.
June 2018: Election of Iván Duque
Iván Duque, the candidate representing the right-wing Democratic Center party, won the presidential election in June 2018.
August 2018: Inauguration of Iván Duque
Iván Duque was sworn in as the new President of Colombia on August 7, 2018, succeeding Juan Manuel Santos.
August 2018: Iván Duque Assumes Presidency
Iván Duque assumed office as the President of Colombia on August 7, 2018, after securing a victory in the second round of the election with 54% of the vote.
2018: Colombia Joins Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
Colombia demonstrated its commitment to nuclear disarmament in 2018 by signing the UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
2018: Colombia's Forest Landscape Integrity Assessed
In 2018, Colombia achieved a mean score of 8.26 out of 10 on the Forest Landscape Integrity Index, demonstrating the country's relatively low deforestation rates compared to its neighbors and earning it a global ranking of 25th out of 172 nations.
2018: Colombia: A Major Coal Exporter
In 2018, Colombia solidified its position as a leading coal exporter globally, ranking as the 5th largest, reflecting the country's abundant coal reserves and its role in meeting global energy demands.
2018: Census Reveals Ethnic Composition
The 2018 census in Colombia provided valuable insights into the country's ethnic makeup, revealing the proportions of different ethnic groups within the population.
2018: Ethnic Composition According to the 2018 Census
According to the 2018 census, the "non-ethnic population" (whites and mestizos) made up 87.6% of Colombia's population. Afro-Colombians constituted 6.7%, Indigenous Amerindians 4.3%, Raizal people 0.06%, Palenquero people 0.02%, and Roma 0.01%.
February 2019: Severance of Diplomatic Relations with Venezuela
Nicolás Maduro, the president of Venezuela, severed diplomatic relations with Colombia in February 2019. This followed Colombian President Iván Duque's support of Venezuelan opposition figures delivering humanitarian aid to their country.
August 2019: Citizenship Offer to Venezuelan Refugee Children
In a compassionate act of solidarity, Colombia offered citizenship to over 24,000 children of Venezuelan refugees born in Colombia in August 2019, providing them with a more secure future.
2019: Colombia: A Significant Oil Producer
Colombia's oil production reached 791,000 barrels per day in 2019, ranking it as the 20th largest petroleum producer globally, demonstrating the country's substantial oil reserves and its contribution to the global oil supply.
January 2020: Rejection of Restoration of Diplomatic Relations with Venezuela
Colombia, under President Iván Duque, rejected a proposal by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to restore diplomatic relations in January 2020.
2020: Target Year for Road Construction and Infrastructure Investments
The year 2020 marked the target year for Colombia's ambitious road construction plan, aiming to enhance connectivity and boost economic growth.
2020: Continued Decline in Homicide Rate
The homicide rate in Colombia continued its downward trend in 2020, reaching 22.6 per 100,000 people. Although still relatively high globally, this represented a significant decrease of 73% from the rate in 1991.
2020: Colombia's Population Reaches 50 Million
Colombia's population reached an estimated 50 million in 2020, making it the third-most populous country in Latin America.
2020: Coal and Petroleum Dominate Exports
Coal and petroleum emerged as Colombia's primary export products in 2020, accounting for over 40% of the country's total exports, underscoring their significance in the global market.
April 2021: Protests Erupt Over Tax Bill
In April 2021 widespread protests began in Colombia in response to a government-proposed tax bill that aimed to expand the 19 percent value-added tax.
2021: Roads and Transportation in Colombia
In 2021, Colombia had a significant road network with 204,389 km of roads, including 32,280 km of paved roads. This highlights the country's investment in transportation infrastructure.
June 2022: Gustavo Petro Elected President
On June 19, 2022, Gustavo Petro, a former guerrilla, won the Colombian presidential election with 50.47% of the vote, defeating independent candidate Rodolfo Hernández.
August 2022: Petro's Inauguration Marks Historic Moment
On August 7, 2022, Gustavo Petro was sworn in as Colombia's president, making history as the country's first leftist president.
2022: Continued Recognition for Colombian Hospitals
Colombia's healthcare institutions continued to garner recognition for their quality, with 26 Colombian hospitals ranked among the top 61 in Latin America in 2022, further solidifying the country's reputation for providing excellent healthcare.
2022: Historic Election: Petro as President, Marquez as Vice President
In a historic election in 2022, Colombia elected Gustavo Petro as its first leftist president and Francia Marquez as its first black vice president, marking a turning point in the country's political landscape.
2023: Colombia's GDP Reaches US$1 Trillion
According to the International Monetary Fund, Colombia's GDP (PPP) reached US$1 trillion in 2023, securing its position as the 32nd largest economy globally and the third largest in South America, trailing only Brazil and Argentina.
2023: Colombia's Ranking in the Global Innovation Index
In 2023, Colombia was ranked 66th in the Global Innovation Index, reflecting the country's efforts to promote innovation and technological advancement.
2023: Colombian Hospitals Achieve Global Recognition
In 2023, Colombian hospitals achieved a significant milestone with two institutions ranking among the top 75 hospitals worldwide, demonstrating the country's advancements in healthcare and its ability to provide world-class medical care.
2023: Latinobarómetro Survey on Ethnic Composition
In 2023, a study by Latinobarómetro estimated that 50.3% of Colombia's population identified as Mestizo, 26.4% as White, 9.5% as Indigenous, 9.0% as Black, 4.4% as Mulatto, and 0.4% as Asian.
2023: Ethnic Groups of Colombia
In 2023, data on Colombia's ethnic groups provided insights into the country's diverse population and the distribution of different ethnicities.
2050: Projected Population Growth
Colombia's population is projected to reach 55.3 million by 2050, indicating continued but slowing population growth.