Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Colombia's sovereignty using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes.

The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index). To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a summary summary table and the main conclusions about the peculiarities of Colombian sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 57.2

There are no official foreign military bases in Colombia; the country allows the United States and other partners to conduct temporary joint exercises and operations at national bases, but foreign forces do not have permanent facilities.

Colombia harmonizes legislation with international norms, especially on human rights; sometimes legal disputes arise, for example, around the jurisdiction and procedures of the Special Jurisdiction of the world, when decisions can be appealed to international courts.

However, national law retains priority, except for direct obligations under international treaties. The domestic political situation remains unstable: armed groups persist, discontent with security and the courts has increased, and polarization has deepened ahead of the 2026 elections, but democratic institutions are keeping the situation from slipping back to authoritarianism.

The Government Efficiency Index (WGI) according to the World Bank is 48.1% (percentile) for 2023-2025, which means the average level among the countries of the region. Score: approximately -0.08 on a standard scale (from -2.5 to 2.5). In 2025, Colombia ranks 68th in the world according to the United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI) with a score of 0.7793, indicating a high level of digital services available to the public. The share of the population with a high or moderate degree of trust in the government is 32% (OECD data, below the average for the organization's countries).

Polls indicate a decrease in confidence due to economic and corruption problems. Colombia participates in the United Nations, NATO (as a global partner, not a member), the OAS, the IMF and other alliances; cooperates with the United States, the EU on security and development. The country strives to maintain sovereignty by regularly reviewing trade and investment agreements to protect national interests.

Colombia recognizes the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Inter-American Court, and is periodically invited to hear cases, but national courts often have an advantage if the investigation is deemed effective. Currently, there are no active trials in cases that could be transferred to the ICC. In 2024-2025, a law was passed on the expansion of decentralization, and additional powers were granted to the regions, especially in the economy and social policy.

However, a significant part of the power, especially in security, remains with the center. Control over the security services remains limited; external checks are difficult in practice.

Cooperation with Interpol, NATO and other international structures is conducted in certain aspects, but systematic transparency is not enough, and questions about abuse and corruption are periodically raised. Assessment of data completeness: the main indicators are available from international sources, the coverage is 95%.

Economic sovereignty—51.6

GDP per capita at purchasing power parity (PPP) in 2025 is about 22,420 international dollars, according to the IMF and the World Bank. Colombia's gold and foreign exchange reserves in February 2025 amount to 58.5 billion US dollars, which is equivalent to about 13.8% of the country's GDP. The national debt amounts to 55-62% of GDP at the end of 2024 — beginning of 2025.

There is an upward trend: Fitch's forecast is up to 63% in 2026. 25% of the country's population is in a state of food insecurity. In rural areas, this figure reaches 34.2%, and the proportion of people suffering from food shortages is increasing, especially among vulnerable groups. 69% of Colombia's electricity is provided by renewable sources (mainly hydroelectric power plants), the country remains an exporter of oil and coal, but its own proven reserves of natural gas are declining.

Dependence on imported gas is increasing, and the energy strategy is aimed at increasing the share of renewable energy sources and phasing out new oil and gas contracts. Large reserves of oil — 2.035 billion barrels (enough for about 7.2 years of production), coal, natural gas (reserves for 5.9 years of current consumption), gold, silver, emeralds, bioresources, developed agriculture and forestry.

Colombia belongs to the countries with the largest reserves of fresh water in the world, among the leaders of South America, the country provides for itself and exports water resources due to the mountain system and climate.

The largest role is played by the national payment system — SPEI Banco de la Republica, controlled by the Central Bank and national banks, all internal transfers and settlements in the banking and fintech sectors go through the local infrastructure.

Operations within the country are conducted mainly in the national currency (the Colombian peso), the share of foreign currencies is minimal in settlements between residents, except for large foreign trade contracts.

The Colombian central bank— Banco de la Republica— monopolizes monetary issuance, sets a key interest rate (9.25% as of July 2025), and pursues an independent monetary and credit policy focused on inflation targeting and the stability of the peso.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 91%.

Technological sovereignty — 43.8

Research and development expenditures amount to 0.29% of GDP (the latest official data for 2020, while the financing structure remains unchanged). High and medium—high technologies account for 24% of Colombia's industrial output. The share of localized industries is gradually increasing, especially in electronics, but the country is heavily dependent on foreign components. The rate of immediate transition to higher education is 37.4% of school graduates.

The coverage of high—quality programs of accredited universities is approximately 16.9% of young people. In January 2025, 41.1 million Internet users in the country are 77.3% of the population; mobile communications cover 147% of the population (taking into account several SIM cards per person).

The leading role is played by government systems: national e-Gov platforms, state registry storage systems, own electronic portal services "gov.co " and The SPEI platform (Banco de la Republica), which ensures sovereignty in personal and public services. Imports of high-tech products account for 16% of foreign trade, with the United States, China and Southeast Asia remaining the main source.

The degree of import dependence on chips, electronics, software, and equipment is very high. The national digital strategy 2023-2026 has been implemented, covering the entire country. Digital public services are presented in a single portal, the Internet is recognized as the most important social infrastructure, and the connectivity of districts is rapidly expanding. Colombia participates in its own and international projects in biotechnology (agro, pharma, and biodiversity), but almost all reagents, technologies, and some equipment are imported. The market is dominated by foreign patents and technologies.

Robotics is developing in the industrial sector (24% of production is based on high-tech), most nodes and systems are of foreign origin, local assembly and integration are gradually gaining momentum, but not critical for a national scale.

There is practically no proprietary microelectronics, and the entire element base is imported. There are no large—scale chip and chip production facilities, and the sector is dominated by foreign brands, local integrator companies, and assemblers.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which ensures 92% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 58.9

Colombia has a national computer Incident Response Center (ColCERT), the country actively participates in ITU regional cyber drills and industrial cybersecurity events, and has systematic response procedures and information exchange according to ITU standards. A network of independent IXPs (PIT Colombia) has been developed in key cities: Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga.

PIT Colombia has implemented 400G solutions, increasing the speed and resilience of the national internet and reducing delays for local traffic. Leading media outlets, digital portals, and TV channels operate primarily in Spanish. A system of regional and national media has been developed, supported by the state and independent editorial offices.

High technological integration with global platforms (Google, Meta, etc.), however, there are national platforms for public services and the media. The scale of BigTech's influence in the private sector is large, and the sovereign alternative is actively developing.

Colombia is initiating programs to support local publishers, and incentives for the export of literature, film, music, and digital content. A significant proportion of information and entertainment content is created by local authors, especially in book publishing and TV.

There is a growing IT development sector in the country, especially in fintech, govtech and educational platforms; the market is dominated by the introduction of foreign solutions, but local products and services are implemented through government digitalization programs and venture initiatives. The digital reach of public services is constantly expanding due to the introduction of the national digital strategy and digital platforms, the share of Internet-penetrating services reaches more than 75% of the population.

National data storage and processing services are managed by local data centers, some government data is stored in their own clouds under the control of the national regulator and the Bank of the Republic, and is used for public services and registries.

The mobile market is regulated by national authorities, part of the infrastructure is owned by foreign companies, however, frequencies and licensing are controlled by the state, the register and monitoring of subscribers is conducted by local structures.

The Law 1581/2012 on data protection and subsequent acts based on the principles of GDPR are in force: the consent of the subject to processing is required, and the national supervisory authority (Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio) is in force.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD, and specialized sources, with 95% coverage.

Cultural sovereignty — 82.1

Colombia has 9 UNESCO sites (6 cultural, 2 natural, 1 mixed). Examples: Cartagena, Coffee Landscape, Chiribiquete National Park, San Agustin and Tierradentro Archaeological Parks, as well as World Natural Heritage sites.

Colombia is known as one of the centers of Latin American literature (Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Nobel Prize), music (salsa, cumbia, vallenato), cinema, fine arts (Fernando Botero) and biocultural heritage; the country annually participates in hundreds of international projects and exhibitions, is recognized at world cultural forums.

The national prizes of the Colombian Ministry of Culture (Premios Nacionales de Cultura) are awarded annually, including for literature, music, theater, and visual arts; there are special scholarships and awards for indigenous peoples and Afro-Colombians. Colombia is famous for its diverse mix of Spanish, Afro- and indigenous traditions (Feria de Cali, Carnival in Barranquilla, folk dances, crafts, religious and calendar holidays), as well as a wealth of languages and identities.

Traditions are officially supported by the state at the level of the law. The State implements projects to preserve the identity, languages, cultural and material support of indigenous peoples, and fixes indigenous culture at the legislative level and through grants. There are more than 100 national museums, 30+ large theaters, 1,000+ architectural monuments, and thousands of intangible heritage sites listed in national and municipal registries.

Colombia participates in UNESCO programs on history, cinema, bioresources, creative alliances in Latin America, BRI, and major cultural dialogues with China, Spain, and France. There are long-term exchange programs with universities and theaters in Europe and the USA.

Key cultural brands — coffee, sombrero vueltiao, cumbia music — are protected at the national level by laws and international agreements on trademarks and geographical indications. Colombian cuisine combines Amazonian, Andean, Caribbean and African traditions, covers dozens of regional destinations, which is recognized as an object of the country's cultural heritage (arepa, bandeja paisa, soupa ahiaco, mollequia, local drinks).

More than 30% of the population annually attends cultural events and facilities, and the share of those involved in the participation and organization of traditional and modern cultural acts is estimated at 45-55% (according to expert estimates and surveys by the Ministry of Culture).

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 91%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 61.7

For 2023-2025, Colombia's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.788, which is a high level (closer to the average among Latin American countries). Government spending on education amounts to approximately 3.9% of GDP, according to the World Bank (data for 2021, the structure remains unchanged).

Adult literacy (15+) is 96% (data for 2020). PISA 2022:

• Mathematics: 383 (OECD MS. — 472)

• Reading: 409 (OECD Ms. — 476)

• Science: 411 (OECD Ms. — 485) This is below the average for the OECD countries, but the dynamics is slowly positive.

Recent data: Graduates of technical, engineering, exact sciences and ICT make up 20-23% of all university graduates in Colombia. It is estimated that more than 7% of undergraduate and graduate students study in joint or foreign educational programs (double degrees, exchange programs, branches of foreign universities), the share of foreign teachers is <5%. Colombia recognizes more than 60 indigenous peoples and as many languages; the Constitution guarantees cultural and linguistic autonomy.

State programs to support linguistic diversity (bilingual education, publications) are being implemented. According to the ACIC Association, there are 132 state—owned and accredited research centers in clinical research and related fundamental fields in the country, and 11 large university centers in basic sciences. Government and partner online platforms (for example, Colombia Aprende, platforms of the Ministry of Education) cover 60-70% of schools and universities, especially in the blended format.

More than 15 national programs to support young scientists, scholarships, grants and competitions, including Fondo para la Educación Superior, MinCiencias programs, mobility and government internships.

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 88%.

Military sovereignty — 49.4

Defense expenditures amount to 2.87% of GDP, which corresponds to $10.7–12 billion per year; the defense sector accounts for up to 12% of the state budget.

The total number of armed forces (army, Air Force, navy, police with military status) is 430,000-481,000 people; a gradual strengthening is underway, and the recruitment of another 16,000 soldiers has been announced.

The main military priority is the replacement of obsolete aircraft (Kfir) with the latest Saab Gripen E fighters, the purchase of modern KC-390 military transport aircraft, the introduction of drones and updated equipment for the ground forces. Most of the armored vehicles and the fleet are middle-aged and partially undergoing modernization.

The share of its own samples is small: Colombia has several assembly and licensed small arms production facilities; heavy weapons, aircraft and air defense systems are fully imported, and major localization programs are carried out in cooperation with international partners. The borders are considered controlled; the army is actively fighting drug cartels and armed groups, and is massively using drones, patrols, and mobile units to stop illegal crossings.

Reservists form a mobilization and training reserve (estimated at 60-85 thousand people), there is mandatory military accounting, deployment in case of emergency is carried out at the request of the government.

Colombia cooperates with NATO (a global partner) and the United States, but decisions on key military actions are within national competence, partially coordinated within the framework of bilateral agreements on training, intelligence, and equipment. The military industry is limited: there are state-owned enterprises (Indumil, CIAC) that produce small arms, ammunition, aircraft and ship components. Innovations are mainly at the level of modernization or joint projects (drones, aircraft maintenance).

Colombia does not possess nuclear weapons and does not develop nuclear capabilities; the country has signed and is implementing the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Satellite information is used through civilian and military programs, which implies access to data through US alliances./The EU and commercial operators.

There is no national military satellite group, national intelligence mainly follows a hybrid model using radio and electric reconnaissance complexes. All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state—owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and industry databases of UN/NGO - 90% coverage.

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Rich natural resources include large reserves of oil, coal, biological resources, and some of the largest freshwater reserves in Latin America. The high level of digitalization of services includes significant Internet coverage, rapid growth of digital services, and the introduction of national platforms for public services and e-government.

Cultural and linguistic diversity — numerous small nations and dialects, state recognition and support of cultural brands, active participation in international cultural projects.

A well-developed banking and payment infrastructure - its own national payment system and an independent issuing center, a high proportion of transactions in national currency.

Independent monetary policy and high control over mobile communications, state security and borders — a sovereign financial system and national control over communications and defense.

Weaknesses. Moderate level of efficiency of public administration and high public debt — government spending on education and science is below average, public debt exceeds 55% of GDP.

High import dependence in high-tech, microelectronics, biotechnologies, and armaments — the national industry and the IT, biotechnology, and chip sectors are almost entirely dependent on external suppliers. Social challenges include a sufficient level of inequality, increased food insecurity, and relatively low PISA scores.

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Political instability and limited civilian control — internal conflicts persist, the special services and the army are controlled primarily by the state, and the transparency of their activities is limited. There is little autonomy in creating complex technologies — proprietary robotics, microelectronics, and space-based military systems are almost nonexistent; localization of innovation is low.

Overall score, Colombia's cumulative sovereignty Index is 404.7 out of 700 possible points (above the average of 57.8%), which places the country in the top 100 in the global top. Colombia's strengths provide a sustainable potential for development and external economic growth, but the country's weaknesses — import dependence, political and social risks — continue to limit its opportunities both for business and for improving the quality of life of the population.

The profile of Colombia's sovereignty indicates a combination of pronounced independence in traditional areas (laboratories, finance, culture, natural resources, basic public services) and significant dependence on external forces in the fields of high technology, weapons, science and a number of social challenges.

In general, Colombia's sovereignty is stable and comprehensively developed in the basic areas of natural resources, finance, governance, culture, but limited and fragmented in matters of advanced technology, military industry, social sustainability and scientific development.