Country Profile: Bolivia

Bolivia, officially known as the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is located in central South America, bordered by Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru. The country has a population of approximately 12.3 million people, characterized by a rich ethnic diversity, primarily comprising Mestizo and Indigenous groups. Bolivia’s economy is resource-rich, with significant reliance on agriculture, mining, and energy sectors; however, it faces challenges such as poverty and political instability. The government is a presidential republic, having transitioned to civilian rule in the 1980s after a series of coups.

Geography

Bolivia is a landlocked country, featuring a diverse geography that ranges from the rugged Andes Mountains to the Amazon Basin's lowland plains. The country has an area of 1,098,581 square kilometers, making it slightly less than three times the size of Montana. The climate varies significantly with altitude, and the terrain includes highland plates and vast plains.

1,098,581 sq km: Total area
3,403 km: Boundary with Brazil
6,542 m: Highest point (Nevado Sajama)
3,805 m: Elevation of Lago Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake
35.8%: Percentage of agricultural land (2022)
46.5%: Forested area (2022)
7,252 km: Total land boundaries

People and Society

The population of Bolivia stands at approximately 12.3 million, with a median age of 26.6 years and a growth rate of 1% as of 2024. The country is ethnically diverse, with a high percentage of indigenous peoples and a notable urban population of 71.2% as of 2023. The official languages include Spanish and several indigenous languages, reflecting its cultural richness.

12,311,974: Estimated population (2024)
28.5%: Population aged 0-14 years
64.5%: Population aged 15-64 years
72.5 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024)
94%: Literacy rate (2020)
17.6 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024)
37.7%: Population living below the poverty line (2022)

Economy

Bolivia's economy is characterized by its rich natural resources, especially in mining and agriculture. The GDP (purchasing power parity) is estimated at $122.2 billion for 2024, with a significant portion attributed to the service sector. While the economy benefits from commodity booms, it faces challenges such as high poverty rates and corruption in the banking sector.

$122.2 billion: GDP (PPP, 2024 est.)
3.1%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
3.5%: Remittances as a percentage of GDP (2023)
51.1%: Services sector contribution to GDP (2023)
1.4%: Projected GDP growth rate (2024)
37.7%: Population below the poverty line (2022)
$9,800: GDP per capita (PPP, 2024 est.)

Government

Bolivia is a presidential republic, with a history of political upheaval including military coups and transitions to democracy. The current constitution was adopted in 2009, and Luis Alberto Arce Catacora has been the president since November 2020. The government structure includes a bicameral legislative body and various administrative divisions, reflecting the country’s commitment to a participative democracy.

Luis Alberto Arce Catacora: Current president (since 2020)
9: Administrative divisions (departamentos)
18: Minimum voting age
46.2%: Women in the Chamber of Deputies
55.6%: Women in the Senate
2009: Current constitution adopted
1.1%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)

Military and Security

The Bolivian Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, alongside the National Police. Military service is compulsory for men between 18 and 22 years, and the armed forces share responsibilities relating to border security and internal order. The country's military expenditures are around 1.2% of GDP.

30-35,000: Active-duty personnel (2025)
1.2%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024)
12 months: Duration of compulsory military service
3: Heliports (2025)
50: Total ships in the merchant marine (2023)

Energy

Bolivia has made significant strides in electrification, with 99.9% of the population having access to electricity. The country relies on a mix of energy sources, primarily fossil fuels and hydroelectric power. Its energy sector is crucial for domestic consumption and export.

99.9%: Total population with electricity access (2022)
65%: Fossil fuels contribution to electricity generation (2023)
4.375 million kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023)
12.302 billion cubic meters: Natural gas production (2023)
58,000 bbl/day: Petroleum production (2023)

Environment

Bolivia's environmental issues include deforestation, soil erosion, and industrial pollution. The country's diverse ecosystems are under threat from agricultural expansion and climate change. It is a participant in various international environmental agreements aimed at protecting biodiversity and combating climate change.

35.8%: Agricultural land (2022)
46.5%: Forested area (2022)
25.23: Particulate matter emissions in micrograms per cubic meter (2019)
21.61 megatons: Carbon dioxide emissions (2016)
2,219,052 tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2015)

Transportation

Bolivia has a developing transportation infrastructure that includes roads, railways, and airports. With a total of 201 airports, it facilitates both domestic and international travel. The rail system is predominantly narrow gauge.

201: Total airports (2025)
3,960 km: Total railway length (2019)
50: Merchant vessels (2023)

Communications

The telecommunications sector in Bolivia has seen growth, with around 70% of the population using the internet. The country has a mix of state-owned and private broadcasting media, contributing to a vibrant media landscape despite challenges.

70%: Internet users (2023)
1.33 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022)
12 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2021)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	12,311,974	Estimated for 2024
Area	1,098,581 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$122.2 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	3.1%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	17.6 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	72.5 years	Estimated for 2024
Electricity Access	99.9%	Total population with access (2022)
Forested Area	46.5%	Percentage of total land (2022)
Military Expenditures	1.2%	As a percentage of GDP (2024 est.)
Urban Population	71.2%	Of total population (2023)