Expats In Colombia

Colombia is one of those countries which has for many years been ignored by the expat community purely and simply because of economic and political turmoil not to mention the drug cartels, violence and alleged corruption. However, the Colombia which we see today is very different to that of 10 or 20 years ago and finally the historic stigma which stopped significant overseas investment for many years is beginning to lift.

Economic growth

We have seen significant economic growth in the short to medium term with regards to Colombia and indeed if anything the authorities are struggling to stop the economy from overheating even though the worldwide economy is struggling. Exports to the US, which account for 42% of exports from Colombia, continue to grow which is something of a surprise when you bear in mind the economic turmoil currently being experienced in America. This economic growth is expected to continue in the medium to longer term with much of the future inward investment by the authorities set to be funded by the growing oil industry.

Culture

The culture of Colombia has long been a major attraction for the expat market and the very fact that the authorities are able to maintain the original and historic Colombian culture while also taking in various European and American ideals has led to something of a rainbow effect. It is the energetic lifestyle and lively lifestyle which is often associated with South America that continues to attract major tourist numbers to the region - many of whom appear more than willing to come back in future years to set up home.

Climate

The climate across Colombia may well surprise many people and rather than split into individual areas many of the local population describe the climate in the region in relation to the height above sea level. There are three basic climatic groups in Colombia which are the hot zones, temperate zones and the cold zones. Therefore, while the majority of us may well associate the hot and humid weather of "traditional South America" with Colombia there are many different areas and different climates to choose from.

The future of Colombia

As bizarre as this may have sounded 10 or 20 years ago there is no doubt that sensible investment by the Colombian authorities, an ongoing crackdown on violence and drugs and a willingness to look forward to the future has certainly paid dividends in the short to medium term. Indeed many economic groups around the world have cited Colombia as one of the strongest economies in the world after many years of being in the shadows of neighbouring South American countries.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a new country in which to set up a new home then Colombia may well be something to look at for the future. The stigma of years gone by still appears to be very much in play even though the authorities have reduced the influence over recent years. However, if you do your homework on the Colombia of today and compare that to the Colombia of 10 or 20 years ago you will see some major changes and some major improvements. The economy is growing, the standard of living has improved dramatically and the government has made good use of significant overseas investment especially in the banking and the oil sectors.

Check out Colombia, you may well be surprised!