Strong growth but unequal Colombian society

Strong and sustained economic growth over the past 15 years translated into significant improvements in labour market outcomes, especially among youth, women and older workers. Policies targeted at the most vulnerable groups further improved the living standards of most Colombians. Nevertheless, Colombia remains a very unequal country due to large regional differences and very little redistribution. In addition, deep structural problems in the labour market are visible through the unusually high share of self-employment and widespread informality. With the global economic downturn and the overall improvement in living conditions in Colombia, the emigration flow has declined and immigration from neighbouring countries is gradually increasing. Finally, half a century of internal conflict and violence has displaced a significant proportion of the Colombian population, many of whom live in extreme poverty.