Country Profile: Bolivia

Bolivia, a landlocked country in Central South America, is characterized by its rugged terrain, including the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Basin. With a population of over 12 million, Bolivia's diverse society consists primarily of Mestizo and Indigenous peoples, reflecting a rich cultural tapestry. Economically, the nation is resource-rich, primarily relying on agriculture, mining, and energy, yet it grapples with challenges such as poverty and political instability. Since establishing democratic governance in the early 1980s, Bolivia has seen various political changes, with recent elections emphasizing the ongoing evolution of its political landscape.

Geography

Bolivia is located in the heart of South America, bordered by Brazil to the east, Argentina and Paraguay to the south, and Peru to the west. Its terrain ranges from the high Andes mountains to the lowland plains of the Amazon Basin, providing a variety of ecosystems and climates. As a landlocked nation, Bolivia does not have access to the sea, yet it shares control over Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.

1,098,581 sq km total area, nearly three times the size of Montana.
7,252 km of land boundaries with five neighboring countries.
Home to Nevado Sajama, the highest point at 6,542 m.

People and Society

The population of Bolivia is estimated at 12,436,103 in 2025, with a diverse mix of ethnicities, including Mestizo (68%), Indigenous (20%), and White (5%). Spanish is the most widely spoken language, alongside Indigenous languages like Quechua and Aymara, both of which have official status. The country is predominantly Roman Catholic, with a notable Protestant presence.

71.2% of the population resides in urban areas (2023).
The median age is 27 years (2025).
95.6% literacy rate (2023).
Life expectancy at birth is 72.5 years (2024).

Economy

Bolivia's economy is rich in natural resources, heavily influenced by global commodity prices. The country has seen growth in its lithium mining sector, driven by international demand, especially from China. However, the economy has faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and persistent corruption issues.

Real GDP (PPP) estimated at $122.2 billion in 2024.
3.1% unemployment rate (2024).
37.7% of the population lives below the poverty line (2022).
$49.668 billion GDP at official exchange rate (2024).

Government

Bolivia operates as a presidential republic, with a bicameral legislature known as the Plurinational Legislative Assembly. The latest presidential election resulted in Rodrigo Paz Pereira taking office in November 2025. The country's governance structure allows for dual citizenship and mandates compulsory suffrage at 18 years of age.

Capital is La Paz (administrative) and Sucre (constitutional).
9 departments serve as administrative divisions.
The current constitution was approved in 2009.

Military and Security

The Bolivian Armed Forces consist of Army, Navy, and Air Force units, along with the National Police, which has responsibilities for border security and public order maintenance. Military service is voluntary, with compulsory service for males aged 18-22 years.

Active-duty personnel approximately 30-35,000 (2025).
Military expenditures represent 1.2% of GDP (2024).

Energy

Bolivia has a diverse energy sector, with a significant reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation. The country aims to increase its renewable energy capacity, including hydroelectric and solar power sources.

99.9% of the population has access to electricity (2022).
10.863 billion kWh electricity consumption (2023).
12.302 billion cubic meters of natural gas produced (2023).

Environment

Bolivia faces various environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

50.6% of the land is forested (2023).
21.552 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023).
Urbanization rate is 71.2% of the population (2023).

Transportation

Bolivia has a network of railways, airports, and roads, connecting its various regions and facilitating trade and travel.

201 airports as of 2025.
3,960 km of railways operate mostly on a narrow gauge.
50 vessels in the merchant marine (2023).

Communications

Bolivia's communication infrastructure includes widespread mobile coverage, internet access, and a growing number of broadcast media outlets.

12.2 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
70% of the population are internet users (2023).
Fixed broadband subscriptions total 1.33 million (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	12,436,103	2025 estimate
Total Area	1,098,581 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$122.2 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	3.1%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	17.02 births/1,000 population	2025 estimate
Literacy Rate	95.6%	2023 estimate
Life Expectancy at Birth	72.5 years	2024 estimate
Electricity Access	99.9%	2022 estimate
Urban Population	71.2%	2023 estimate
Military Expenditures	1.2% of GDP	2024 estimate