Bolivia
Plurinational State of Bolivia
South America La Paz
Population
12.44M
Area
1,098,581 km²
GDP
$49.67B
GDP Per Capita
$9,800
Pop. Density
11/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
Bs.Bolivian boliviano(BOB)
Calling Code
+591
Timezone
UTC-04:00
Languages
Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua +1
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Bolivian
Background
Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simón BOLÍVAR, broke away from Spanish rule in 1825. Much of its subsequent history has consisted of a series of coups and countercoups, with the last coup occurring in 1980. Democratic civilian rule was established in 1982, but leaders have faced problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and illegal drug production.
In 2005, Bolivians elected Movement Toward Socialism leader Evo MORALES as president -- by the widest margin of any leader since 1982 -- after he ran on a promise to change the country's traditional political class and empower the poor and indigenous majority. In 2009 and 2014, MORALES easily won reelection, and his party maintained control of the legislative branch. In 2016, MORALES narrowly lost a referendum to approve a constitutional amendment that would have allowed him to compete in the 2019 presidential election. A subsequent Supreme Court ruling stating that term limits violate human rights provided the justification for MORALES to run despite the referendum, but rising violence, pressure from the military, and widespread allegations of electoral fraud ultimately forced him to flee the country. An interim government, led by President Jeanine AÑEZ Chávez, held new elections in 2020, and Luis Alberto ARCE Catacora was elected president.
In 2005, Bolivians elected Movement Toward Socialism leader Evo MORALES as president -- by the widest margin of any leader since 1982 -- after he ran on a promise to change the country's traditional political class and empower the poor and indigenous majority. In 2009 and 2014, MORALES easily won reelection, and his party maintained control of the legislative branch. In 2016, MORALES narrowly lost a referendum to approve a constitutional amendment that would have allowed him to compete in the 2019 presidential election. A subsequent Supreme Court ruling stating that term limits violate human rights provided the justification for MORALES to run despite the referendum, but rising violence, pressure from the military, and widespread allegations of electoral fraud ultimately forced him to flee the country. An interim government, led by President Jeanine AÑEZ Chávez, held new elections in 2020, and Luis Alberto ARCE Catacora was elected president.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑379.2% since 2006$11B (2006)$55B (2024)
Population
↑30.4% since 20069.5M (2006)12.4M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 68.6 years2006: 64.5 years2023: 68.6 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography20
Location
Central South America, southwest of Brazil
Geographic coordinates
17 00 S, 65 00 W
Map references
South America
Area
total : 1,098,581 sq km
land: 1,083,301 sq km
water: 15,280 sq km
land: 1,083,301 sq km
water: 15,280 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly less than three times the size of Montana
Land boundaries
total: 7,252 km
border countries: Argentina 942 km; Brazil 3,403 km; Chile 942 km; Paraguay 753 km; Peru 1,212 km
border countries: Argentina 942 km; Brazil 3,403 km; Chile 942 km; Paraguay 753 km; Peru 1,212 km
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid
Terrain
rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowland plains of the Amazon Basin
Elevation
highest point: Nevado Sajama 6,542 m
lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 m
mean elevation: 1,192 m
lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 m
mean elevation: 1,192 m
Natural resources
lithium, tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower
Land use
agricultural land
35.8% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 5.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 30.5% (2023 est.)
forest
50.6% (2023 est.)
other
13.5% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
2,972 sq km (2017)
Major lakes (area sq km)
fresh water lake(s): Lago Titicaca (shared with Peru) - 8,030 sq km
salt water lake(s): Lago Poopo - 1,340 sq km
salt water lake(s): Lago Poopo - 1,340 sq km
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km), Paraná (2,582,704 sq km)
Major aquifers
Amazon Basin
Population distribution
a high-altitude plain in the west between two cordillera of the Andes, known as the Altiplano, is the focal area for most of the population; a dense settlement pattern is also found in and around the city of Santa Cruz, located on the eastern side of the Andes
Natural hazards
flooding in the northeast (March to April)
volcanism: volcanic activity in Andes Mountains on the border with Chile; historically active volcanoes in this region are Irruputuncu (5,163 m), which last erupted in 1995, and the Olca-Paruma volcanic complex (5,762 m to 5,167 m)
volcanism: volcanic activity in Andes Mountains on the border with Chile; historically active volcanoes in this region are Irruputuncu (5,163 m), which last erupted in 1995, and the Olca-Paruma volcanic complex (5,762 m to 5,167 m)
Geography - note
landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru
People & Society35
Population
total: 12,436,103 (2025 est.)
male: 6,257,914
female: 6,178,189
male: 6,257,914
female: 6,178,189
Nationality
noun: Bolivian(s)
adjective: Bolivian
adjective: Bolivian
Ethnic groups
Mestizo (mixed White and Indigenous ancestry) 68%, Indigenous 20%, White 5%, Cholo/Chola 2%, African descent 1%, other 1%, unspecified 3%; 44% other Indigenous group, predominantly Quechua or Aymara (2009 est.)
Languages
Languages: Spanish (official) 68.1%, Quechua (official) 17.2%, Aymara (official) 10.5%, Guarani (official) 0.6%, other 1.5%, unspecified 2.1%; note - Spanish and all Indigenous languages are official (2012 est.)
major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s):
La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Roman Catholic 65%, Protestant 19.6% (Evangelical (non-specific) 11.9%, Evangelical Baptist 2.1%, Evangelical Pentecostal 1.8%, Evangelical Methodist 0.7%, Adventist 2.8%, Protestant (non-specific) 0.3%), Believer (not belonging to the church) 0.9%, other 4.8%, atheist 1.7%, agnostic 0.6%, none 6.1%, unspecified 1.3% (2023 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years: 28.5% (male 1,792,803/female 1,718,081)
15-64 years: 64.5% (male 4,002,587/female 3,937,953)
65 years and over: 7% (2024 est.) (male 397,384/female 463,166)
15-64 years: 64.5% (male 4,002,587/female 3,937,953)
65 years and over: 7% (2024 est.) (male 397,384/female 463,166)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 54 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 42.9 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 11 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 9.1 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 42.9 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 11 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 9.1 (2025 est.)
Median age
total: 27 years (2025 est.)
male: 26.2 years
female: 27 years
male: 26.2 years
female: 27 years
Population growth rate
1.01% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
17.02 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
5.99 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-0.95 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
a high-altitude plain in the west between two cordillera of the Andes, known as the Altiplano, is the focal area for most of the population; a dense settlement pattern is also found in and around the city of Santa Cruz, located on the eastern side of the Andes
Urbanization
urban population: 71.2% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 1.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
1.936 million LA PAZ (capital), 1.820 million Santa Cruz, 1.400 million Cochabamba (2022); 278,000 Sucre (constitutional capital) (2018)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
21.1 years (2008 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
146 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 22.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 24.5 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 20 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 24.5 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 20 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 72.5 years (2024 est.)
male: 71 years
female: 74 years
male: 71 years
female: 74 years
Total fertility rate
2.13 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.04 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: urban
urban: 99.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 81% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 94.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 19% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 5.9% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 8.2% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 16.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 16.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.28 physicians/1,000 population (2021)
Hospital bed density
1.4 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban
urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 51.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 85.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 48.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 14.2% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
20.2% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 2.98 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 2.22 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.14 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.54 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.08 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 2.22 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.14 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.54 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.08 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 11% (2025 est.)
male: 18.9% (2025 est.)
female: 3.2% (2025 est.)
male: 18.9% (2025 est.)
female: 3.2% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
3.4% (2016 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
50.2% (2022 est.)
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 3.4% (2016)
women married by age 18: 19.7% (2016)
men married by age 18: 5.2% (2016)
women married by age 18: 19.7% (2016)
men married by age 18: 5.2% (2016)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 8.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 10.8% national budget (2024 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 10.8% national budget (2024 est.)
Literacy
total population: 95.6% (2023 est.)
male: 97.8% (2023 est.)
female: 93.5% (2023 est.)
male: 97.8% (2023 est.)
female: 93.5% (2023 est.)
Government25
Country name
conventional long form
Plurinational State of Bolivia
conventional short form
Bolivia
local long form
Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia
local short form
Bolivia
former
Upper Peru
etymology
the country is named in honor of Simón BOLÍVAR, a 19th-century leader in the South American wars for independence
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: La Paz (administrative capital); Sucre (constitutional [legislative and judicial] capital)
geographic coordinates: 16 30 S, 68 09 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: La Paz is a shortening of the original name of the city, Pueblo Nuevo de Nuestra Señora de La Paz (New Town of Our Lady of Peace); Sucre is named after Antonio José de SUCRE (1795-1830), the second president of Bolivia
geographic coordinates: 16 30 S, 68 09 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: La Paz is a shortening of the original name of the city, Pueblo Nuevo de Nuestra Señora de La Paz (New Town of Our Lady of Peace); Sucre is named after Antonio José de SUCRE (1795-1830), the second president of Bolivia
Administrative divisions
9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Beni, Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija
Legal system
civil law system with influences from Roman, Spanish, canon (religious), French, and ethnic groups' pre-colonial law
Constitution
history: many previous; latest drafted 6 August 2006 to 9 December 2008, approved by referendum 25 January 2009, effective 7 February 2009
amendment process: proposed through public petition by at least 20% of voters or by the Plurinational Legislative Assembly; passage requires approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the total membership of the Assembly and approval in a referendum
amendment process: proposed through public petition by at least 20% of voters or by the Plurinational Legislative Assembly; passage requires approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the total membership of the Assembly and approval in a referendum
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 3 years
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 3 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch
chief of state
President Rodrigo PAZ Pereira (since 8 November 2025)
head of government
President Rodrigo PAZ Pereira (since 8 November 2025)
cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the president
election/appointment process
president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot one of 3 ways: candidate wins at least 50% of the vote, or at least 40% of the vote and 10% more than the next highest candidate; otherwise, a second round is held and the winner determined by simple majority vote; president and vice president are elected by majority vote to serve a 5-year term; no term limits
most recent election date
17 August 2025
election results
2025: Rodrigo PAZ Pereira elected president in second round; percent vote in first round - Rodrigo PAZ Pereira (PDC) 32.1%, Jorge Fernando QUIROGA Ramírez (LIBRE) 26.7%, Samuel DORIA MEDINA Auza (UN) 19.7%, Andrónico RODRÌGUEZ Ledezma (AP) 8.5%, Manfred REYES Villa (APB Súmate) 6.8%, Eduardo DEL CASTILLO (MAS) 3.2%, other 3%; percent of vote in second round - Rodrigo PAZ Pereira 55%, Jorge Fernando QUIROGA Ramírez 45%
2020: Luis Alberto ARCE Catacora elected president; percent of vote - Luis Alberto ARCE Catacora (MAS) 55.1%; Carlos Diego MESA Gisbert (CC) 28.8%; Luis Fernando CAMACHO Vaca (Creemos) 14%; other 2.1%
2019: Juan Evo MORALES Ayma reelected president; percent of vote - Juan Evo MORALES Ayma (MAS) 61%; Samuel DORIA MEDINA Arana (UN) 24.5%; Jorge QUIROGA Ramirez (POC) 9.1%; other 5.4%
expected date of next election
2030
Legislative branch
legislature name: Plurinational Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa Plurinacional)
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name
Chamber of Deputies (Cámara de Diputados)
number of seats
130 (all directly elected)
electoral system
mixed system
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
5 years
most recent election date
8/17/2025
parties elected and seats per party
Christian Democratic Party (PDC) (49); LIBRE (39); Unity (26); Popular Alliance (8); Other (8)
percentage of women in chamber
50.8%
expected date of next election
August 2030
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name
Chamber of Senators (Cámara de Senadores)
number of seats
36 (all directly elected)
electoral system
proportional representation
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
5 years
most recent election date
8/17/2025
parties elected and seats per party
Christian Democratic Party (PDC) (16); LIBRE (12); Unity (7); Other (1)
percentage of women in chamber
58.3%
expected date of next election
August 2030
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (consists of 12 judges organized into civil, penal, social, and administrative chambers); Plurinational Constitutional Tribunal (consists of 7 primary and 7 alternate magistrates); Plurinational Electoral Organ (consists of 7 members and 6 alternates); National Agro-Environment Court (consists of 5 primary and 5 alternate judges; Council of the Judiciary (consists of 3 primary and 3 alternate judges)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court, Plurinational Constitutional Tribunal, National Agro-Environmental Court, and Council of the Judiciary candidates pre-selected by the Plurinational Legislative Assembly and elected by direct popular vote; judges elected for 6-year terms; Plurinational Electoral Organ judges appointed - 6 by the Legislative Assembly and 1 by the president of the republic; members serve single 6-year terms
subordinate courts: National Electoral Court; District Courts (in each of the 9 administrative departments); agro-environmental lower courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court, Plurinational Constitutional Tribunal, National Agro-Environmental Court, and Council of the Judiciary candidates pre-selected by the Plurinational Legislative Assembly and elected by direct popular vote; judges elected for 6-year terms; Plurinational Electoral Organ judges appointed - 6 by the Legislative Assembly and 1 by the president of the republic; members serve single 6-year terms
subordinate courts: National Electoral Court; District Courts (in each of the 9 administrative departments); agro-environmental lower courts
Political parties
Autonomy for Bolivia – Súmate or APB Súmate
Christian Democratic Party or PDC
Community Citizen Alliance or ACC
Freedom and Democracy or LIBRE
Front for Victory or FPV
Movement Toward Socialism or MAS
National Unity or UN
Popular Alliance or AP
Revolutionary Left Front or FRI
Revolutionary Nationalist Movement or MNR
Social Democrat Movement or MDS
Third System Movement or MTS
We Believe or Creemos
Christian Democratic Party or PDC
Community Citizen Alliance or ACC
Freedom and Democracy or LIBRE
Front for Victory or FPV
Movement Toward Socialism or MAS
National Unity or UN
Popular Alliance or AP
Revolutionary Left Front or FRI
Revolutionary Nationalist Movement or MNR
Social Democrat Movement or MDS
Third System Movement or MTS
We Believe or Creemos
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Henry BALDELOMAR CHÁVEZ (since 11 October 2023)
chancery
3014 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone
[1] (202) 483-4410
FAX
[1] (202) 328-3712
email address and website
embolivia.wdc@gmail.com
https://www.boliviawdc.org/en-us/
consulate(s) general
Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Debra HEVIA (since September 2023)
embassy
Avenida Arce 2780, Casilla 425, La Paz
mailing address
3220 La Paz Place, Washington DC 20512-3220
telephone
[591] (2) 216-8000
FAX
[591] (2) 216-8111
email address and website
ConsularLaPazACS@state.gov
https://bo.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
CAN, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMID, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
6 August 1825 (from Spain)
National holiday
Independence Day, 6 August (1825)
Flag
description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green, with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band
meaning: red stands for bravery and the blood of national heroes, yellow for the nation's mineral resources, and green for the land's fertility
history: in 2009, a presidential decree made it mandatory for a wiphala -- a square, multi-colored flag representing the country's ethnic groups -- to be used alongside the national flag
meaning: red stands for bravery and the blood of national heroes, yellow for the nation's mineral resources, and green for the land's fertility
history: in 2009, a presidential decree made it mandatory for a wiphala -- a square, multi-colored flag representing the country's ethnic groups -- to be used alongside the national flag
National symbol(s)
llama, Andean condor; two national flowers, the cantuta and the patuju
National color(s)
red, yellow, green
National anthem(s)
title: "Cancion Patriotica" (Patriotic Song)
lyrics/music: Jose Ignacio de SANJINES/Leopoldo Benedetto VINCENTI
history: adopted 1852
lyrics/music: Jose Ignacio de SANJINES/Leopoldo Benedetto VINCENTI
history: adopted 1852
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 7 (6 cultural, 1 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: City of Potosi (c); El Fuerte de Samaipata (c); Historic Sucre (c); Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos (c); Noel Kempff Mercado National Park (n); Tiahuanacu (c); Qhapaq Ñan/Andean Road System (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: City of Potosi (c); El Fuerte de Samaipata (c); Historic Sucre (c); Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos (c); Noel Kempff Mercado National Park (n); Tiahuanacu (c); Qhapaq Ñan/Andean Road System (c)
Economy31
Economic overview
resource-rich economy benefits during commodity booms; has bestowed juridical rights to Mother Earth, impacting extraction industries; increasing Chinese lithium mining trade relations; hard hit by COVID-19; increased fiscal spending amid poverty increases; rampant banking and finance corruption
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $122.2 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $120.531 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $116.927 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $120.531 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $116.927 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 1.4% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 3.1% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 3.6% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 3.1% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 3.6% (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $9,800 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $9,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $9,700 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $9,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $9,700 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$49.668 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 5.1% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 2.6% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 1.7% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 2.6% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 1.7% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 13.5% (2023 est.)
industry: 24.2% (2023 est.)
services: 51.1% (2023 est.)
industry: 24.2% (2023 est.)
services: 51.1% (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
68.5% (2023 est.)
government consumption
19.3% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital
17.5% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories
0.1% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services
25.5% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services
-30.9% (2023 est.)
Agricultural products
sugarcane, soybeans, maize, potatoes, sorghum, rice, milk, chicken, plantains, beef (2023)
Industries
mining, smelting, electricity, petroleum, food and beverages, handicrafts, clothing, jewelry
Industrial production growth rate
1.1% (2023 est.)
Labor force
6.859 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 3.1% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 3.1% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 3.6% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 3.1% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 3.6% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 5.2% (2024 est.)
male: 4.8% (2024 est.)
female: 5.8% (2024 est.)
male: 4.8% (2024 est.)
female: 5.8% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
37.7% (2022 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2023: 42.1 (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 29.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 2.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 2.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 1.8% (2023 est.)
highest 10%: 31.3% (2023 est.)
highest 10%: 31.3% (2023 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 3.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 3.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 3.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances 2022: 3.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 3.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Budget
revenues: $11.796 billion (2019 est.)
expenditures: $14.75 billion (2019 est.)
expenditures: $14.75 billion (2019 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2017: 49% of GDP (2017 est.)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: -$1.15 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $939.084 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $1.581 billion (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $939.084 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $1.581 billion (2021 est.)
Exports
Exports 2023: $11.905 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $14.465 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $11.594 billion (2021 est.)
Exports 2022: $14.465 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $11.594 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - partners
Brazil 15%, India 13%, China 11%, Argentina 11%, UAE 8% (2023)
Exports - commodities
gold, natural gas, precious metal ore, zinc ore, soybean meal (2023)
Imports
Imports 2023: $12.988 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $13.462 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $10.187 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2022: $13.462 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $10.187 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - partners
China 22%, Brazil 18%, Chile 13%, USA 7%, Peru 5% (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, pesticides, trucks, plastics (2023)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $1.977 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $1.8 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $3.752 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $1.8 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $3.752 billion (2022 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $11.174 billion (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
bolivianos (BOB) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024
6.91 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
6.91 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
6.91 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
6.91 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
6.91 (2020 est.)
Energy7
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 99.9% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas: 100%
electrification - rural areas: 95.6%
electrification - urban areas: 100%
electrification - rural areas: 95.6%
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 4.375 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 10.863 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.079 billion kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 10.863 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.079 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 65% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 2.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 3.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 24.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 3.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 2.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 3.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 24.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 3.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 9,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 7,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 1 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 7,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 1 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 58,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 100,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 240.9 million barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 100,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 240.9 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 12.302 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 4.025 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 7.816 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 302.99 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
consumption: 4.025 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 7.816 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 302.99 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 29.34 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 369,000 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 12.2 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 98 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 98 (2024 est.)
Broadcast media
large number of radio and TV stations broadcasting with private media outlets dominating; state-owned and private radio and TV stations generally operating freely, although both pro-government and anti-government groups have attacked media outlets in response to their reporting (2019)
Internet country code
.bo
Internet users
percent of population: 70% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 1.33 million (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2022 est.)
Transportation5
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
CP
Airports
201 (2025)
Heliports
3 (2025)
Railways
total: 3,960 km (2019)
narrow gauge: 3,960 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
narrow gauge: 3,960 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 50 (2023)
by type: general cargo 30, oil tanker 2, other 18
by type: general cargo 30, oil tanker 2, other 18
Military & Security6
Military and security forces
Bolivian Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas de Bolivia or FAB): Bolivian Army (Ejercito de Boliviano), Bolivian Navy (Armada Boliviana), Bolivian Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Boliviana)
Ministry of Government: National Police (Policía Nacional de Bolivia, PNB) (2025)
Ministry of Government: National Police (Policía Nacional de Bolivia, PNB) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.4% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 30-35,000 active-duty Armed Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military is equipped with a mix of mostly older Brazilian, Chinese, European, and US armaments (2025)
Military service age and obligation
voluntary service for men and women 18-22 years of age; selective 12-month compulsory service for men, 18-22 (24 months of search and rescue service can be substituted for military service) (2025)
Military - note
the Bolivian Armed Forces (FAB) are responsible for territorial defense but also have some internal security duties, particularly counternarcotics and border security; the FAB shares responsibility for border enforcement with the National Police (PNB), and it may be called out to assist the PNB with maintaining public order in critical situations
land-locked Bolivia has a naval force for patrolling some 5,000 miles of navigable rivers to combat narcotics trafficking and smuggling, provide disaster relief, and deliver supplies to remote rural areas, as well as for maintaining a presence on Lake Titicaca; the Navy also exists in part to cultivate a maritime tradition and as a reminder of Bolivia’s defeat at the hands of Chile in the War of the Pacific (1879-1883), and its desire to regain access to the Pacific Ocean; every year on 23 March, the Navy participates in parades and government ceremonies commemorating the Día Del Mar (Day of the Sea) holiday that remembers the loss (2025)
land-locked Bolivia has a naval force for patrolling some 5,000 miles of navigable rivers to combat narcotics trafficking and smuggling, provide disaster relief, and deliver supplies to remote rural areas, as well as for maintaining a presence on Lake Titicaca; the Navy also exists in part to cultivate a maritime tradition and as a reminder of Bolivia’s defeat at the hands of Chile in the War of the Pacific (1879-1883), and its desire to regain access to the Pacific Ocean; every year on 23 March, the Navy participates in parades and government ceremonies commemorating the Día Del Mar (Day of the Sea) holiday that remembers the loss (2025)
Transnational Issues3
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 1,163 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 12,070 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 12,070 (2024 est.)
Trafficking in persons
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Bolivia did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking compared with the previous reporting period and was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/bolivia/
Illicit drugs
USG identification:
major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)