Gustavo Petro sworn in as Colombia's first leftist President

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Gustavo Petro was sworn in as the first leftist president of Colombia on 7 August.

Important facts

• He has promised to fight inequality in the country and bring about a significant change in the history of a country ravaged by a prolonged war between the government and guerrilla groups.

• Petro (62) has promised to address Colombia's social and economic inequalities by increasing spending money on poverty alleviation programs and investing in rural areas.

• Gustavo Petro, a former member of Colombia's M-19 guerrilla group, won the presidential election in June by defeating conservative parties by a huge margin.

• The victory of former rebel Petro was an extraordinary event for the country Colombia, as voters in the country did not support leftist leaders.

• Left leaders are often accused of being soft on crimes or sympathising with the guerrillas.

• He has described US-led anti narcotics policies, such as the forced elimination of illegal coca crops, as a major failure.

About Colombia

• Capital - Bogota

• Name - Republic of Colombia

• Official Language - Spanish

• Currency - Colombian peso