Country Profile: Bolivia

Bolivia, a landlocked country in Central South America, is characterized by its diverse geography that ranges from the rugged Andes Mountains to lowland plains in the Amazon Basin. With a population exceeding 12 million, the nation grapples with challenges such as deep-seated poverty and social unrest, often influenced by its complex political history that includes multiple coups since gaining independence in 1825. The economy, heavily reliant on natural resources like lithium and gas, has seen fluctuations impacted by global commodity cycles and corruption issues within the banking sector. Governed as a presidential republic, Bolivia's recent elections reflect a push for political change and social empowerment.

Geography

Bolivia is situated in Central South America, bordered by five countries and featuring a varied climate that changes with altitude. The country is landlocked, lacking any coastline, and boasts an area of approximately 1,098,581 square kilometers, which includes the world's highest navigable lake, Lago Titicaca.

Area: 1,098,581 sq km
Elevation: Mean elevation of 1,192 m
Landscape: Includes the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Basin
Natural Resources: Rich in lithium, natural gas, and petroleum

People and Society

Bolivia has an estimated population of 12,436,103 as of 2025, with a significant portion identifying as Mestizo (68%) and Indigenous (20%). The country is marked by a youthful demographic, with a median age of 27 years and a high urbanization rate of 71.2%. Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara are the most spoken languages, reflecting the country's cultural diversity.

Population: 12.4 million (2025 est.)
Literacy Rate: 95.6% (2023 est.)
Life Expectancy: 72.5 years (2024 est.)
Urbanization Rate: 1.87% annual growth (2020-25 est.)

Economy

Bolivia's economy is heavily influenced by its rich natural resources, contributing to a GDP (PPP) estimated at $122.2 billion for 2024. However, the nation faces challenges such as high poverty rates, with 37.7% of the population below the poverty line, and a relatively low GDP per capita of $9,800. The economy has been recovering from the effects of COVID-19, with growth rates projected at 1.4% for 2024.

GDP (PPP): $122.2 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 3.1% (2024 est.)
Inflation Rate: 5.1% (2024 est.)
Poverty Rate: 37.7% (2022 est.)

Government

Bolivia operates as a presidential republic, with La Paz serving as the administrative capital and Sucre as the constitutional capital. The government structure is bicameral, consisting of the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, which includes the Chamber of Deputies and the Chamber of Senators. The country has a history of political upheaval, with recent elections highlighting a struggle for democratic stability.

Capital: La Paz (administrative), Sucre (constitutional)
Government Type: Presidential Republic
Most Recent Election: August 17, 2025
Suffrage: Universal at age 18

Military and Security

The Bolivian Armed Forces consist of the army, navy, and air force, with responsibilities for both territorial defense and internal security. The military expenditures are modest, accounting for about 1.2% of the GDP in 2024. The National Police also play a critical role in maintaining public order and border security.

Military Expenditures: 1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Active Personnel: Approximately 30-35,000 (2025 est.)
Military Service Age: Voluntary for ages 18-22
Naval Role: Patrols 5,000 miles of navigable rivers

Energy

Bolivia's energy landscape is characterized by a diverse mix where fossil fuels dominate. The installed electricity capacity is around 4.375 million kW, with significant contributions from hydroelectric sources. Nearly the entire population has access to electricity, showcasing advancements in energy infrastructure.

Electricity Access: 99.9% of total population (2022 est.)
Installed Capacity: 4.375 million kW (2023 est.)
Natural Gas Production: 12.302 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Hydroelectric Share: 24.9% of total installed capacity

Environment

Environmental challenges in Bolivia include deforestation, soil erosion, and a loss of biodiversity due to agricultural practices. The country is part of multiple international environmental agreements and faces issues related to water pollution and waste management.

Deforestation Issues: Agricultural clearing and timber demand
Urban Population: 71.2% (2023)
Renewable Water Resources: 574 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
CO2 Emissions: 21.552 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)

Transportation

Bolivia’s transportation structure includes a network of roads, railways, and air travel, with a total of 201 airports. The country relies on both domestic and international transport to facilitate trade and connectivity.

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

Communications

Bolivia has made significant strides in telecommunications, with mobile cellular subscriptions reaching 12.2 million. Internet access is growing, with 70% of the population currently online, reflecting advancements in digital connectivity.

Internet Users: 70% of population (2023 est.)
Mobile Subscriptions: 12.2 million (2024 est.)
Fixed Line Subscriptions: 369,000 (2024 est.)
Broadband Subscriptions: 1.33 million (2022 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	12,436,103	(2025 est.)
Area	1,098,581 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$122.2 billion	(2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	29.34 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Birth Rate	17.02 births/1,000	(2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	3.1%	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	72.5 years	(2024 est.)
Urban Population	71.2%	(2023)
Total Fertility Rate	2.13 children born/woman	(2025 est.)