Between Sport and Economy: Colombia Vs New Zealand

While the excitement and passion for the matches of the Colombian women's football team increases, the Colombia vs New Zealand friendly matches represent significance beyond the field of sports.

With the first leg at the Nemisio Camacho El Camp last Saturday, December 2nd ending in a 0-0 draw, expectations are high for the second leg today, December 5th at the Metropolitano de Deco where the Colombian left off. Daniela Montoya scored in the 71st minute to make it 1-0.

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Led by Leicy Santos, Daniela Montoya, Catalina Usme, Catalina Pérez, Jorelyn Carabali, Manuela Vanegas, the Colombian team reached the quarter-finals of the recent World Cup and left an indelible mark in the history of Colombian women's football.

However, this conflict goes beyond the field, providing a unique opportunity to reflect on the economic and social disparities and similarities between Colombia and New Zealand.

The diversity of development approaches, differences in living standards, unemployment, political participation, among other key indicators, highlight the complexity and richness of the realities these players represent.

When analyzing some socioeconomic data from Colombia and New Zealand, a significant difference is evident: both countries exhibit unique economic dynamics, which complicates the task of objectively determining a “winner” because the results largely depend on it. Criteria considered most relevant.

Below are highlighted aspects that shed light on the economic situation of the two countries based on statistics. World Bank And Macro data.

Colombia excels in resources but loses in social matters

Colombia has ten times the population and four times the land area of ​​New Zealand. However, this size difference is reflected in life expectancy, where New Zealand outstrips Colombia with 82 years compared to 73 years.

Comparing the World Bank Human Capital Index, Colombia (0.6) is 2 basis points lower than New Zealand (0.8).

The disparity in living standards is evident when looking at the ratio of intentional homicides per 1,000 citizens: Colombia records 27, nine times more than New Zealand's 3.

Internet access varies significantly, with 96% of the New Zealand population connected in 2021, compared to 73% in Colombia.

In terms of unemployment, the difference between Colombia and New Zealand persists. By 2022, Colombia has an unemployment rate of 10.75% and New Zealand at 3.3%.

The gender gap in political participation is significant, with women holding 50% of the seats in New Zealand's parliament, compared to 29% in Colombia.

Net migration reflects Colombia's preference for 211,978 people in 2021, with 38,220 from New Zealand. This translates into significant differences in remittances and employee compensation as a percentage of GDP, with Colombia reaching 2.7% and New Zealand barely reaching 0.3% in 2022.

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Colombia vs New Zealand: The distance is wide on the economic front

In terms of GDP, while the Colombian economy is 1.39 times larger than New Zealand's, the story is different on a per capita basis, where New Zealand outstrips Colombia by 7.26 times.

Inflation in Colombia is 10.2% in 2022, favoring New Zealand at 7.2%.

Government funding presents significant differences. Federal debt as a percentage of GDP in New Zealand in 2021 was 51%, while Colombia's was even higher at 70.4%.

The average debt per citizen in New Zealand is USD $14,405, significantly higher than USD $3,996 in Colombia.

New Zealand is highly connected to international markets. In terms of foreign trade, New Zealand's exports account for 18% of its GDP, compared to Colombia's 12.7%.

Checks and balances in the environmental sector

In the environmental sector, New Zealand emits almost four times more CO2 per person and discharges three times more fresh water per year, although it reaches 24.6% compared to Colombia, which produces more electricity from renewable sources at a modest 3.3%. However, Colombia's electricity matrix, supported mostly by hydropower and a high proportion of forested land (53.1%), contrasts with New Zealand's 37.6%.

As of 2018, Colombia, through the Pacific Alliance, attempted to negotiate a free trade agreement with New Zealand, which did not proceed. In a recent report on trade deals for 2023, the Colombian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism did not mention the country.

Both countries exhibit unique strengths and challenges in their economies. Colombia stands out for its large population and rich natural resources, leading New Zealand in per capita income, job stability and credit ratings.

As Colombian stadiums are filled with fans eager to watch these matches, it is clear that understanding the economic and social context of the opposing players adds a significant layer to the soccer experience.

These competitions are not just sporting events, but opportunities to celebrate diversity, recognize shared challenges and appreciate the fundamental role that the economic and social environment plays in the development of these talented athletes.