Colombia’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth and death rates, excluding migration—has been steadily declining over recent decades, reflecting broader demographic transitions in Latin America. As of 2023, Colombia’s RNI is approximately 0.8% per year, indicating moderate population growth driven mainly by a decreasing but still positive birth rate and a relatively low death rate. Compared to its neighbors, Colombia’s RNI is similar to that of Peru and Brazil, both of which also exhibit declining fertility rates and aging populations. However, Colombia’s RNI is higher than that of Venezuela, which has experienced significant out-migration and economic challenges, leading to a lower or even negative population growth rate in recent years. In contrast, Ecuador’s RNI remains slightly higher than Colombia’s, due to a somewhat higher fertility rate. Overall, Colombia’s demographic trends mirror those of much of South America, with slowing natural increase as the region undergoes social and economic modernization.
| Year | Rate of Natural Increase | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | 2.492 | 24,224,991 |
| 1980 | 2.233 | 27,020,987 |
| 1985 | 2.265 | 30,494,674 |
| 1990 | 2.139 | 34,328,774 |
| 1995 | 1.919 | 38,076,297 |
| 2000 | 1.622 | 40,319,332 |
| 2005 | 1.39 | 42,482,621 |
| 2010 | 1.197 | 43,821,154 |
| 2015 | 1.091 | 45,166,122 |
| 2020 | 0.909 | 48,419,737 |
| 2024 | 0.693 | 49,588,357 |
| 2025 | 0.777 | 49,842,298 |
| 2026 | 0.759 | 50,100,671 |
| 2030 | 0.67 | 50,907,944 |
| 2035 | 0.543 | 51,529,656 |
| 2040 | 0.413 | 51,828,130 |
| 2045 | 0.294 | 51,807,055 |
| 2050 | 0.188 | 51,491,975 |
| 2055 | 0.093 | 50,914,010 |
| 2060 | 0.001 | 50,096,784 |
| 2065 | -0.096 | 49,044,329 |
| 2070 | -0.203 | 47,747,851 |
| 2075 | -0.319 | 46,200,234 |
| 2080 | -0.435 | 44,409,665 |
| 2085 | -0.54 | 42,413,125 |
| 2090 | -0.621 | 40,273,345 |
| 2095 | -0.684 | 38,057,050 |
| 2100 | -0.738 | 35,809,510 |
Data from US Census International Database