Several Colombian cities show excellent signs of development and prosperity and could serve as models for struggling cities, according to an economic study.
The study conducted by the Caribbean Colombian Conservatory documented development levels in 22 Colombian cities by looking at human capital, science and technology, infrastructure, and environment. According to economic magazine Portafolio, although several cities excel in particular aspects of development, all of them lack in other areas.
Bogota received the highest score (98%) in infrastructure because of its exceptional water supply system, sewage management, and electricity. San Andres, Monteria, and Riohacha ranked at the bottom of this developmental indicator.
Medellin scored very highly in levels of fiscal management, largely because it generates more tax revenues from industry and trade than every other city. The city of San Andres failed in this indicator as well.
The southwest city of Pasto, capital of the Nariño department, ranked as one the most competitive cities in higher education. The study showed that Pasto schools utilize new technologies to keep students interested and perform oustandingly in mathematics, languages, and literacy.
Although tourism in Cartagena has boosted economic prosperity, the Caribbean city received the lowest score of all 22 cities in banking, due to an informal financial sector.
Ibague scored highly in reducing infant mortality rates by creating programs to educate vulnerable communities about common childhood illnesses. The city has also instituted a network of midwives to provide pre-natal assistance to pregnant women as well as an in-home post-natal nursing program to care for new mothers and their babies.
The study suggests that struggling cities use these success stories as models for development.