Overview of Colombia's Government Structure and Politics

Colombia is a unitary presidential constitutional republic with a multi-party system.

• Executive: President (head of state & government, 4-year term, one re-election). Current: Gustavo Petro.
• Legislative: Bicameral Congress – Senate (108 seats) & Chamber of Representatives (172 seats), elected by proportional representation for 4-year terms.
• Judicial: Four high courts – Supreme Court (civil/criminal), Constitutional Court (constitutionality), Council of State (admin law), Superior Council of Judiciary (discipline).
• Local: 32 departments (governors) > municipalities (mayors), elected every 4 years.
• Key Parties: Liberal, Conservative, Democratic Center, Alternative Democratic Pole, plus many smaller parties.
• Finances: 2023 budget ~405.6 trillion COP; revenue from taxes, oil, foreign aid; spending on education, health, social security.
• Foreign Relations: UN, OAS, Andean Community member; close ties with US, EU, China.