Country Profile: Bolivia

Bolivia, officially known as the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is located in central South America, bordering Brazil to the east. It has a diverse geography characterized by the rugged Andes Mountains and the expansive Amazon Basin. The population, estimated at approximately 12.4 million in 2025, is predominantly Mestizo, with significant Indigenous representation. Bolivia's economy is resource-rich, but it grapples with economic challenges, including high poverty rates and political instability, marked by cycles of democratic governance and social unrest.

Geography

Bolivia is a landlocked country that covers an area of 1,098,581 square kilometers, making it slightly less than three times the size of Montana. The country features a varied climate, ranging from humid tropical regions in the lowlands to cold, semiarid areas in the highlands. The terrain includes the tallest peaks of the Andes and extensive lowland plains.

Highest Point: Nevado Sajama at 6,542 m
Major Lakes: Lago Titicaca spanning 8,030 sq km
Natural Resources: Rich in lithium, tin, and natural gas
Forest Coverage: Approximately 50.6% of the land
Irrigated Land: 2,972 sq km (2017)

People and Society

The population of Bolivia is projected to be 12,436,103 in 2025, with a median age of 27 years. The country has a rich cultural diversity, with 68% of the population identifying as Mestizo and around 20% as Indigenous. Spanish dominates as the primary language, along with several Indigenous languages, including Quechua and Aymara.

Urban Population: 71.2% of the total population (2023)
Life Expectancy: 72.5 years (2024)
Literacy Rate: 95.6% (2023)
Birth Rate: 17.02 births/1,000 population (2025)
Ethnic Composition: Mestizo 68%, Indigenous 20%

Economy

Bolivia's economy is primarily driven by its abundant natural resources, but it has faced significant challenges in recent years, including the impact of COVID-19. The GDP (PPP) was estimated at $122.2 billion in 2024. The agricultural sector plays a vital role, contributing 13.5% to the GDP, while services account for 51.1%.

GDP per Capita: $9,800 (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 3.1% (2024)
Poverty Rate: Approximately 37.7% of the population (2022)
Major Exports: Gold, natural gas, and soybean meal
Inflation Rate: 5.1% (2024)

Government

Bolivia operates as a presidential republic, with the most recent elections held on 17 August 2025, leading to the election of President Rodrigo PAZ Pereira. The country has a bicameral legislature and recognizes dual citizenship.

Capital: La Paz (administrative), Sucre (constitutional)
Constitution Adopted: 2009
Voting Age: 18 years
Number of Departments: 9
Suffrage: Universal and compulsory

Military and Security

The Bolivian Armed Forces are charged with national defense, border security, and internal security tasks, including counternarcotics operations. Military expenditures amounted to 1.2% of GDP in 2024.

Active-Duty Personnel: Approximately 30-35,000 (2025)
Compulsory Service: Selective service for men aged 18-22
Military Equipment: Mix of older and modern armaments
Naval Forces: Patrol navigable rivers to combat drug trafficking

Energy

Bolivia's energy sector is characterized by a high rate of electricity access (99.9% by 2022). The country generates electricity mostly from fossil fuels, followed by hydropower and renewable sources.

Installed Electricity Capacity: 4.375 million kW (2023)
Natural Gas Production: 12.302 billion cubic meters (2023)
Electricity Consumption: 10.863 billion kWh (2023)
Fossil Fuels: Account for 65% of electricity generation

Environment

Bolivia faces environmental challenges such as deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution. The government is part of various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

Forested Area: 50.6% of total land (2023)
Municipal Waste: Approximately 2.219 million tons generated annually (2024)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 21.552 million metric tonnes (2023)
Biodiversity Protection: Signatory to several international treaties

Transportation

Bolivia's transportation infrastructure includes an extensive network of railways and airports.

Total Airports: 201 (2025)
Railways: 3,960 km (2019)
Civil Aircraft Registration Prefix: CP
Merchant Marine: 50 vessels (2023)

Communications

The communications sector is growing, with a high percentage of internet users and extensive mobile cellular subscriptions.

Internet Users: 70% of the population (2023)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 12.2 million (2024)
Fixed-line Telephones: 369,000 (2024)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	12,436,103 (2025 est.)
Area	1,098,581 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$122.2 billion (2024)
Unemployment Rate	3.1% (2024 est.)
Birth Rate	17.02 births/1,000 (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	72.5 years (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures	1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	95.6% (2023 est.)
Electrification	99.9% (2022)
Poverty Rate	37.7% (2022 est.)