Colombia: Colombia is a standing middle power with the fourth largest economy in South America. Colombia is experiencing strong economic growth as foreign investment climbs due to better security under President Alvaro Uribe, who has led a U.S.-backed campaign to crack down on rebels fighting a four-decade-old conflict. Colombia's economy grew steadily in the latter part of the twentieth century, with gross domestic product (GDP) increasing at an average rate of over 4% per year between 1970 and 1998.

History: Historically an agrarian economy, Colombia urbanised rapidly in the twentieth century, by the end of which just 22.7% of the workforce were employed in agriculture, generating just 11.5% of GDP. 18.7% of the workforce are employed in industry and 58.5% in services, responsible for 36% and 52.5% of GDP respectively.

All imports, exports, and the overall balance of trade are at record levels, and the inflow of export dollars has resulted in a substantial re-valuation of the Colombian peso.

The improvements in security resulting from President Uribe's "democratic security" strategy have engendered an increased sense of confidence in the economy.