Population Growth Trends in Colombia (1990-2023)
Colombia’s population grew from 32.6 million in 1990 to 52.1 million in 2023, reflecting a substantial increase over three decades. In the 1990s, growth was fueled by a high birth rate and urban migration as people sought better opportunities in cities. The pace of growth during the early 2000s remained steady, supported by an improving healthcare system, which reduced child mortality rates and increased life expectancy. Colombia's economic shifts, including urbanization and industrialization, attracted a significant labor force, driving demographic changes. However, the growth rate started slowing in the 2010s, influenced by a declining fertility rate and evolving social norms. Improved education and increased access to family planning contributed to this trend. From 2018 onwards, growth stabilized as the population crossed the 50-million mark, with migration dynamics playing a notable role. Recent years have also seen Colombia grappling with the challenges of urban overcrowding and resource management, as well as an aging population, signaling a new demographic phase.
For additional information, visit statistics on Colombia’s changing median age trajectory, Colombia’s agriculture share in GDP, Colombia’s population density.
