Colombia’s Diaspora Now Earns More Dollars Than Its Oil Fields

2026-02-04 - 13:25

Key Points Remittances reached a record $13.1 billion in 2025, surpassing petroleum ($12.5 billion) and exceeding coffee and coal exports combined Some 1.3 million Colombians emigrated between 2022-2024—the largest exodus in modern history—driven by 55% labor informality and limited opportunities The shift sparks fierce debate: progressives call it economic diversification, conservatives warn of “artificial prosperity”