Bolivia is located in South America, and its capital is Sucre. It has a population of approximately 12,413,315 and covers an area of about 1,098,580 km². Its official currency is the Bolivian boliviano (BOB).
What stands out
People & place
11.3 /km² across 1,098,580 km²
Bolivia has a recorded population of 12,413,315 and a reported surface area of 1,098,580 km².
Economic snapshot
$54.88 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $54.88 billion and GDP per capita at $4,421 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Nestled in the heart of South America, Bolivia is a land of dramatic contrasts where soaring Andes peaks meet the lush Amazon basin, offering a tapestry of cultures, languages, and natural wonders.
Dominated by the Andes, Bolivia boasts the Altiplano high plateau, the glacial‑capped peaks of Illimani and Sajama, and the world‑famous Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat on Earth. To the east, dense tropical rainforests spill into the Amazon basin, while Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake, straddles its border with Peru.
Bolivia’s vibrant culture reflects a blend of Indigenous Aymara and Quechua traditions with Spanish colonial influences. Colorful festivals such as Carnaval de Oruro showcase elaborate costumes and music, while its cuisine delights with dishes like salteña pastries, quinoa‑based meals, and the aromatic, spice‑laden choclo. Indigenous languages flourish alongside Spanish, underscoring the country’s rich linguistic heritage.
A pivotal moment came in 1825 when Bolivia declared independence from Spanish rule, naming itself after Simón Bolívar, the liberator of much of South America. The new republic faced early challenges, including territorial disputes and internal power struggles, shaping its modern identity as a diverse, multi‑ethnic nation.
Key facts
Bolivia is home to the world’s largest reserves of lithium, a key component in batteries for electric vehicles.
Population: approximately 12.2 million people (2023 estimate).
The country has nine official languages, the most of any nation in the world.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Bolivia has a recorded population of approximately 12,413,315 people.
How big is Bolivia?
Bolivia covers an area of about 1,098,580 km².
What is the population density of Bolivia?
Bolivia has a population density of roughly 11.3 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Bolivia?
Bolivia has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $54.88 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Bolivia?
Bolivia has a GDP per capita of approximately $4,421.
What currency is used in Bolivia?
Bolivia uses the Bolivian boliviano (BOB), with the symbol Bs..
Where is Bolivia located?
Bolivia is located in South America, Americas.
What are people from Bolivia called?
People from Bolivia are referred to as Bolivian.
What is the phone calling code for Bolivia?
The international dialing code for Bolivia is +591.
What is the internet domain for Bolivia?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Bolivia is .bo.
What time zone is Bolivia in?
Bolivia uses the America/La_Paz time zone.
What is Bolivia known for?
Nestled in the heart of South America, Bolivia is a land of dramatic contrasts where soaring Andes peaks meet the lush Amazon basin, offering a tapestry of cultures, languages, and natural wonders.
South America