Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Bolivia
Plurinational State of Bolivia
CapitalSucre
Population12,581,843
GDP$64.8bn
Area1,098,581 km²
RegionLatin America & Caribbean
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
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.
Reference: 2020, 2019, 2016, 2014In 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.
Geography
Location
Central South America, southwest of Brazil
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.)
Reference: 2023agricultural 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)
Reference: 2017Major 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)
Reference: 1995volcanism: 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
Population & Society
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.)
note: note: results among surveys vary based on the wording of the ethnicity question and the available response choices; the 2001 national census did not provide "Mestizo" as a response choice, resulting in a much higher proportion of respondents identifying themselves as belonging to one of the available indigenous ethnicity choices; the use of "Mestizo" and "Cholo" varies among response choices in surveys, with surveys using the terms interchangeably, providing one or the other as a response choice, or providing the two as separate response choices
Reference: 2009, 2001note: note: results among surveys vary based on the wording of the ethnicity question and the available response choices; the 2001 national census did not provide "Mestizo" as a response choice, resulting in a much higher proportion of respondents identifying themselves as belonging to one of the available indigenous ethnicity choices; the use of "Mestizo" and "Cholo" varies among response choices in surveys, with surveys using the terms interchangeably, providing one or the other as a response choice, or providing the two as separate response choices
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.
Reference: 2012major-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.)
Reference: 2023Age 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)
Reference: 202415-64 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: 55.1 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 44.2 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 10.8 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 9.2 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 44.2 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 10.8 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 9.2 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 26.6 years (2024 est.)
male: 26.2 years
female: 27 years
Reference: 2024male: 26.2 years
female: 27 years
Population growth rate
1% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
17.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
6.6 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population 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
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)
Reference: 2022, 2018Sex 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.)
Reference: 20240-14 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.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Reference: 2008note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio
146 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.07 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking 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.)
Reference: 2022improved: 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.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 16.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.28 physicians/1,000 population (2021)
Reference: 2021Hospital bed density
1.4 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Sanitation 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.)
Reference: 2022improved: 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)
Reference: 2016Alcohol 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.)
Reference: 2019beer: 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.)
Reference: 2016Currently married women (ages 15-49)
57.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child 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)
Reference: 2016women married by age 18: 19.7% (2016)
men married by age 18: 5.2% (2016)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 1,163 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 12,070 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 12,070 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Rodrigo Paz | — | 2025-11-08 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Rodrigo Paz | — | 2025-11-08 | Current | Reported |
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
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
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
note: note: at approximately 3,630 m above sea level, La Paz's elevation makes it the highest capital city in the world
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
note: note: at approximately 3,630 m above sea level, La Paz's elevation makes it the highest capital city in the world
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
Reference: 2009, 2008, 2006amendment 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
note: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
Reference: 2030, 2025, 2020, 2019head 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
note: note: the president is both chief of state and head of government
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
Reference: 2030, 2025number 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
Reference: 2030, 2025number 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
note: note: We Believe or Creemos [Luis Fernando CAMACHO Vaca] is a coalition comprised of several opposition parties that participated in the 2020 election, which includes the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) and Solidarity Civic Unity (UCS)
Reference: 2020Christian 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
note: note: We Believe or Creemos [Luis Fernando CAMACHO Vaca] is a coalition comprised of several opposition parties that participated in the 2020 election, which includes the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) and Solidarity Civic Unity (UCS)
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
Reference: 2023chancery: 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/
note: note: in September 2008, the Bolivian Government expelled the US Ambassador to Bolivia, Philip GOLDBERG, and both countries have yet to reinstate their ambassadors
Reference: 2023, 2008embassy: 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/
note: note: in September 2008, the Bolivian Government expelled the US Ambassador to Bolivia, Philip GOLDBERG, and both countries have yet to reinstate their ambassadors
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
note: note: similar to the flag of Ghana, which has a large, five-pointed black star centered in the yellow band
Reference: 2009meaning: 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
note: note: similar to the flag of Ghana, which has a large, five-pointed black star centered in the yellow band
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)
Government & Official Links
No official institutional links have yet been verified for this country.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plurinational Legislative Assembly | — | 166 | — |
Economy
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.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $120.531 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $116.927 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
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.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $9,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $9,700 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 13.5% (2023 est.)
industry: 24.2% (2023 est.)
services: 51.1% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2023industry: 24.2% (2023 est.)
services: 51.1% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
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.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023government 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.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
sugarcane, soybeans, maize, potatoes, sorghum, rice, milk, chicken, plantains, beef (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
mining, smelting, electricity, petroleum, food and beverages, handicrafts, clothing, jewelry
Industrial production growth rate
1.1% (2023 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2023note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
6.859 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 5.2% (2024 est.)
male: 4.8% (2024 est.)
female: 5.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 4.8% (2024 est.)
female: 5.8% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
37.7% (2022 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2022note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2023: 42.1 (2023 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2023note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 29.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 2.2% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on 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.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2023highest 10%: 31.3% (2023 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
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.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 3.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 3.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $11.796 billion (2019 est.)
expenditures: $14.75 billion (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019expenditures: $14.75 billion (2019 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2017: 49% of GDP (2017 est.)
note: note: data cover general government debt and includes debt instruments issued by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities
Reference: 2017note: note: data cover general government debt and includes debt instruments issued by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities
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.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: $939.084 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $1.581 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $11.905 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $14.465 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $11.594 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $14.465 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $11.594 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Brazil 15%, India 13%, China 11%, Argentina 11%, UAE 8% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, natural gas, precious metal ore, zinc ore, soybean meal (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $12.988 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $13.462 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $10.187 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $13.462 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $10.187 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 22%, Brazil 18%, Chile 13%, USA 7%, Peru 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, pesticides, trucks, plastics (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
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.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $1.8 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $3.752 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $11.174 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
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.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange 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.)
Trade
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.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: $939.084 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: $1.581 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $11.905 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $14.465 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $11.594 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $14.465 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $11.594 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Brazil 15%, India 13%, China 11%, Argentina 11%, UAE 8% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, natural gas, precious metal ore, zinc ore, soybean meal (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $12.988 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $13.462 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $10.187 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $13.462 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $10.187 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 22%, Brazil 18%, Chile 13%, USA 7%, Peru 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, pesticides, trucks, plastics (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
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.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 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.)
Reference: 2023solar: 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.)
Reference: 2023imports: 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.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined 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.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 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.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 550,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2022 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
146 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 8.2% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 16.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 16.4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.28 physicians/1,000 population (2021)
Reference: 2021Hospital bed density
1.4 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Obesity - adult prevalence rate
20.2% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco 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.)
Education
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system with influences from Roman, Spanish, canon (religious), French, and ethnic groups' pre-colonial law
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
Military & Security
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)
note: note: the PNB is part of the reserves for the Armed Forces; the police and military share responsibility for border enforcement
Ministry of Government: National Police (Policía Nacional de Bolivia, PNB) (2025)
note: note: the PNB is part of the reserves for the Armed Forces; the police and military share responsibility for border enforcement
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.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military 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 equipment (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
compulsory for all men between the ages of 18 and 22; men can volunteer from the age of 16, women from 18; service is for 12 months; Search and Rescue service can be substituted for citizens who have reached the age of compulsory military service; duration of this service is 24 months (2024)
note: note 1: foreign nationals 18-22 residing in Bolivia may join the armed forces; joining speeds the process of acquiring Bolivian citizenship by naturalization
note 2: as of 2022, women comprised about 8% of the Bolivian military's personnel
Reference: 2024, 2022note: note 1: foreign nationals 18-22 residing in Bolivia may join the armed forces; joining speeds the process of acquiring Bolivian citizenship by naturalization
note 2: as of 2022, women comprised about 8% of the Bolivian military's personnel
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)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
Reference: 2023chancery: 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/
note: note: in September 2008, the Bolivian Government expelled the US Ambassador to Bolivia, Philip GOLDBERG, and both countries have yet to reinstate their ambassadors
Reference: 2023, 2008embassy: 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/
note: note: in September 2008, the Bolivian Government expelled the US Ambassador to Bolivia, Philip GOLDBERG, and both countries have yet to reinstate their ambassadors
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
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1945-11-14 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 1995-09-12 |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 1,163 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 12,070 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 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 precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Terrorist group(s)
Tren de Aragua (TdA)
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
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
Reference: 2019, 2014narrow gauge: 3,960 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 50 (2023)
by type: general cargo 30, oil tanker 2, other 18
Reference: 2023by type: general cargo 30, oil tanker 2, other 18
Environment
Environmental issues
deforestation from agricultural clearing and international demand for timber; soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivation methods (including slash-and-burn agriculture); desertification; loss of biodiversity; industrial pollution of water supplies used for drinking and irrigation
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands,
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation
Climate
varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid
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.)
Reference: 2023agricultural 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.)
Urbanization
urban population: 71.2% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 1.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 21.552 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 24,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 13.647 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 7.881 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 24,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 13.647 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 7.881 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
24.6 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 122.8 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 673.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 73.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 150.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 673.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 73.1 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 150.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.219 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 34.4% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 34.4% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 252.91 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 32 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1.92 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 32 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1.92 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
574 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 550,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2022 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)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.bo
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 11,180,020 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 11,344,587 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 11,508,368 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 11,671,386 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 11,816,299 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 11,937,360 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 12,077,154 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 12,244,159 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 12,413,315 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 12,581,843 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $33,941,126,194 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $45,927,439,595 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $48,414,038,842 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $49,056,643,589 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $42,313,784,081 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $47,877,892,402 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $50,959,081,954 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $52,340,206,946 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $54,881,327,453 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $64,768,947,525 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 164,121 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 183,234 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 199,843 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 236,253 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 281,557 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 456,266 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 648,912 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 646,591 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 744,014 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 783,473 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -10,071 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -9,669 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -9,344 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -8,981 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -4,663 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -4,663 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -3,008 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -3,008 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -3,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -3,179 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,581,843 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 12,749,291 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 12,244,159 | 2023 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 183,234 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 1.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 783,473 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -3,179 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 1,147 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 0 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 710 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 6,747 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.680 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 0.595 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 0.070 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 1.026 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 0.560 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 0.939 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.232 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1832; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | Yes Free unions officially recognised starting in 2020; nationwide since 2023. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No Constitutional ban since 2009 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | Yes Same-sex couples in a free union are permitted to adopt | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes Since 2015; Includes transgender people | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Transgender persons can change their legal gender and name without surgeries or judicial order since 2016 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $64,768,947,525 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $5,148 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | -1.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 19.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Lower middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 68.7 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 2.5 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 71.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 79.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 21.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 25.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 47.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 96.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 90.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 7.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 96.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 890 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 12.8% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 6.9% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 14.2 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 46.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 98.0 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 12.1 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 364 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | -13.9908° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | -66.1936° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | -17.0569° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | -64.9912° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC−04:00, America/La_Paz | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | parliamentary republic, republic | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:12