FACTBOX: What is at stake in Andean crisis?

(Reuters) - Venezuela and Ecuador sent troops to their borders with Colombia over the weekend, raising fears the dispute could interrupt trade or even break into war.

Debt prices fell in all three countries on Monday. Here are some details on what is at stake in the dispute:

THE ECONOMY

* Trade between the three countries is vital to their economies. Colombia has about $6 billion in trade with Venezuela and about $2 billion with Ecuador.

Colombia has had strong economic growth under conservative President Alvaro Uribe, helped by exports to neighboring countries. Tensions with the leftist leaders of Venezuela and Ecuador could restrain Colombian growth if trade is squeezed off and more government spending is directed toward defense.

Venezuela's economy has grown rapidly in recent years but a shut-down of the border with Colombia could exacerbate food shortages, a politically sensitive issue that has hurt leftist President Hugo Chavez's support in recent months.

FREE TRADE

The crisis could cement Colombia's status as the most reliable ally of the United States in Latin America and improve chances that the U.S. Congress will approve a free trade deal with the country. The pact has until now been blocked by Democrats concerned about Colombia's human rights record.

SECURITY