Bolivia

World Book Index

Introduction

Bolivia, a landlocked nation in the heart of South America, is named after the revolutionary leader Simón Bolívar, who played a pivotal role in the continent's struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule. Since gaining independence in 1825, Bolivia has experienced a tumultuous political landscape characterized by a series of coups and countercoups, culminating in the establishment of democratic civilian governance in 1982. This rich historical backdrop has shaped Bolivia's unique cultural identity and its ongoing quest for political stability and social equity.

Neighboring countries

Argentina - Brazil - Chile - Paraguay - Peru

Geography

Area
Total: 1,098,581 sq km
Land: 1,083,301 sq km
Water: 15,280 sq km

Bolivia's geography is as diverse as its culture, featuring a variety of landscapes that range from the towering Andes mountains in the west to the expansive lowland plains of the Amazon basin in the east. The country is characterized by its high altitude, with much of its territory situated over 2,500 meters above sea level, contributing to a unique climate that varies significantly with altitude. The climate ranges from humid and tropical in the lowlands to cold and semiarid in the highlands, creating distinct ecological zones. Bolivia is endowed with abundant natural resources, including lithium, tin, natural gas, and petroleum, which play a crucial role in its economy and development.

People and Society

Population
Total: 12,311,974 (2024 estimated)

Bolivia's population is a vibrant tapestry of ethnicities and cultures, reflecting its rich historical legacy. The largest ethnic group is the Mestizo, accounting for 68% of the population, followed by Indigenous peoples at 20%, primarily from the Quechua and Aymara groups. The White population constitutes 5%, while Cholo/Chola and those of African descent make up 2% and 1%, respectively. The linguistic landscape is equally diverse, with Spanish as the official language spoken by 68.1% of the population, alongside significant Indigenous languages such as Quechua and Aymara, which are also recognized as official languages. The religious composition is predominantly Roman Catholic (65%), with a growing Protestant community (19.6%). The population growth rate stands at 1% (2024 estimated), indicating a steady increase in the number of inhabitants.

Government

Government type
Presidential republic

Capital
Name: La Paz (administrative capital); Sucre (constitutional [legislative and judicial] capital)

Bolivia operates as a presidential republic, where the President serves as both the head of state and government. Currently, President Luis Alberto Arce Catacora has been in office since November 8, 2020. The country maintains a dual capital system, with La Paz serving as the administrative capital, while Sucre holds the status of the constitutional capital. Bolivia's diplomatic representation in the United States is currently managed by a Chargé d'Affaires, as both the ambassadorial positions from Bolivia and the U.S. are vacant.

Economy

Economic overview
Bolivia's economy is characterized by its rich natural resources, which provide significant opportunities during commodity booms. The country has made strides in recognizing the rights of Mother Earth, which has implications for its extraction industries. In recent years, Bolivia has seen increasing trade relations with China, particularly in lithium mining, a vital resource for the global energy transition. However, the economy has faced challenges, including the severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated existing poverty levels. The government has responded with increased fiscal spending, although issues of corruption within the banking and finance sectors remain a significant concern.

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$122.2 billion (2024 estimated)
$120.531 billion (2023 estimated)
$116.927 billion (2022 estimated)

Real GDP per capita
$9,800 (2024 estimated)
$9,800 (2023 estimated)
$9,700 (2022 estimated)

Exports
$11.905 billion (2023 estimated)
$14.465 billion (2022 estimated)
$11.594 billion (2021 estimated)

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
$12.988 billion (2023 estimated)
$13.462 billion (2022 estimated)
$10.187 billion (2021 estimated)

Imports - partners
China 22%, Brazil 18%, Chile 13%, USA 7%, Peru 5% (2023)

Imports - commodities
Refined petroleum, cars, pesticides, trucks, plastics (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.733, ranking it 108th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 77th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 5.784. (more information)