Colombia is the fourth largest country in South America. The government system in itself is a republic whereby the chief of state and head of government is the president.
For many decades, Colombia has been ravaged by long violent conflict involving outlawed armed groups, drug cartels and gross violations of human rights although since 2002, the country has been making significant progress towards improving security (BBC World 2013). This essay is a white paper on the state of Colombia alongside a few recommendations on the best way forward for this country.
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Despite Colombia known to be the most violent places in the world, it has one of the longest standing democratic political systems on the continent. The national culture of Colombia normally reflects Colombia’s Spanish origins, conservative values and the church moral guidance (Department of Defense 2013). The bank of republic of Columbia supports the world-renowned Museum of Gold. It has buoyant oil reserves and it’s a major producer of gold, silver, emeralds, platinum and coal. However, it is also the largest exporter of illegal drugs in Latin America, estimated at US$5 billion per year.
Colombia heavily depends on energy and mining exports, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices. It is the fourth largest oil producer and the world’s fourth largest coal producer, third largest coffee exporter, and second largest cut flowers exporter. Colombia’s economic development is hampered by inadequate infrastructure, poverty, narcotics trafficking, and an uncertain security situation. Dependence on Colombia’s oil production resulted in slowed economic growth in 2017 because of falling global oil prices coupled with lower oil production due to insurgent attacks on pipeline infrastructure. Although real GDP growth averaged 4.7% during the past decade; it fell to an estimated 1.8% in 2017. Declining oil prices also have contributed to reduced government revenues (Central Intelligence Agency 2018). Some of the two main obstacles to development in Colombia include: long violent conflict by outlawed armed groups that has led to insecurity. Guerillas destroy oil pipelines and steal oil (Department of Defense 2013). Also lack of transportation infrastructure has been a hindrance to economic development. Throughout Colombia’s history, road transportation has been a problem due to the rough topography and the wet weather that dominates several months each year. The rail road system is also underdeveloped (Rosen 2014).
Chief among the recommendations for a bright future in the country is the development of necessary infrastructure. The Fiscal Sustainability and Growth Resilient Development Policy Loan series supported a strong program of reforms to strengthen Colombia’s fiscal position. The loan has supported measures to mitigate expanding government costs arising from natural disasters and a complex health system. This means that real reforms are in the pipeline, making the country to develop the necessary infrastructure required for successful futures. The country has vibrant mining and production industry, which requires the support of necessary infrastructure for the well-being of the Colombian people.
Another major concern is the security issue. Of necessity, the country requires active participation towards ensuring law and order, thereby bringing the large country under unified control systems (Cock 2006). Where peace and security are assured, there could be sustainable growth, which will be boosted by existing systems. Providing security will enhance operation of businesses, thus enabling the country to take advantage of its rich resources and forge forward.
Colombia has experienced longstanding political issues. Nevertheless, where these issues are ironed out through security and economic development, there is a high likelihood that the poverty predicament facing the country since its inception could be averted. Of necessity, issues on infighting, high crime and unemployment must be tackled to consider a long-term peaceful and prosperous country.
Bibliography
BBC World. 2013. Q&A: Colombia's civil conflict. Accessed February 19, 2018. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-12447532.
Central Intelligence Agency. 2018. World Factbook Title: South America Colombia. Accessed February 19, 2018. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/co.html.
Cock, Vanessa Suelt. 2006. "The relation between human security and peace in Colombia." Human Security Perspectives 1, no. 3 16-21.
Department of Defense. 2013. MCIA Colombia Handbook. Accessed February 19, 2018. https://info.publicintelligence.net/MCIA-ColombiaHandbook.pdf.
Rosen, J. D. 2014. The Losing War: Plan Colombia and Beyond. SUNY Press.
