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Putumayo: population, the economy and jobs

Putumayo is a department of Colombia, number 26 of 33 by population. DANE projects the population of Putumayo at 395,590 in 2026 (196,960 men and 198,630 women), 0.7% of Colombia's 53.40 million; 8th smallest of the 32 departments and Bogota. The projections are based on the 2018 census and were updated in July 2025.

Population (DANE projection)
395,590
2026
GDP, current prices (2025 preliminary)
6.4 trillion pesos
2025
GDP per person (2025 preliminary)
16,272,788 pesos
2025
Unemployment rate, Mocoa (GEIH, 2025)
18.8%
2025
People in multidimensional poverty
13.6%
2025
Infant deaths per 1,000 births registered
8.4
2025
Net enrolment rate, transition to upper secondary
80.0%
2024
Average Saber 11 score (0-500)
239.7
2022

In depth

Is the population of Putumayo growing?

The projected population of Putumayo grew by 47,423 people, or 13.6%, between the 2018 census year and 2026 (Colombia: 10.7%); 11th fastest growth of the 32 departments and Bogota.

Source: Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica (DANE) · saved copy

How urban is Putumayo?

51.5% of people in Putumayo are projected to live in municipal seats (cabeceras) in 2026 and 48.5% in smaller settlements and rural areas (Colombia: 75.9% in municipal seats); 9th least urban of the 32 departments and Bogota.

Source: Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica (DANE) · saved copy

How old is the population of Putumayo?

Children under 15 make up 25.8% of the projected 2026 population of Putumayo and people aged 65 and over 7.0% (Colombia: 21.7% and 10.7%). The share aged 65+ is 10th lowest of the 32 departments and Bogota.

Source: Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica (DANE) · saved copy

Is the population of Putumayo ageing?

The share of people aged 65 and over in Putumayo rises from 6.2% in 2018 to 7.0% in 2026 and 12.5% by 2050 in DANE's projections.

Source: Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica (DANE) · saved copy

What will the population of Putumayo be in 2050?

DANE projects 428,545 people in Putumayo in 2035 and 447,432 in 2050, up 13.1% on 2026 (Colombia: up 4.2%, to 55.65 million).

Source: Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica (DANE) · saved copy

How departments are governed in Colombia

Departments (32). Governor and departmental assembly directly elected for four years. Co-ordinate municipalities, regional roads, health and education networks.

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Sources

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