Is Bolivia Poor? A Realistic Look at the Economy in 2025

Bolivian Women Talk and Sell Fruit at a Local Market - exploring if Bolivia is a poor country — *I wonder what they’re talking about, eh?*

Right, let’s talk Bolivia. Landlocked in South America, bordered by the likes of Brazil & Peru, Bolivia tends to get overshadowed by its more flashy neighbours.

Machu Picchu gets the crowds, Rio gets the carnival, & Bolivia… well, it often gets the poverty label slapped on it. But is Bolivia actually a poor country?

Short answer: it depends how you’re measuring.

By the Numbers

If we’re talking GDP per capita, then yeah – Bolivia ranks pretty low. According to the World Bank, as of 2022, Bolivia’s GDP per capita is approximately $3,600 USD, placing it below the regional average (World Bank data).

In plain English? Your pound or dollar stretches quite far there.

But money alone doesn’t paint the full picture. Here’s an easy to digest chart I threw together of some of the recent stats compared to other South American countries.

Comparison Chart of Bolivia to South American Countries in GDP and HDI — *Cheeky Bolivian comparison chart, because why not?*

What Does “Poor” Actually Mean?

See, economic stats are useful, but they don’t tell you much about everyday life unless you dig deeper. Bolivia has a high percentage of people working in informal jobs – farmers, street vendors, craftsmen – who might not show up in official economic reports.

Curious about how Bolivian’s communicate? Find out what languages are spoken in Bolivia.

Bolivia has also got a history of political turbulence, corruption scandals & uneven wealth distribution. The wealth gap between the cities & the countryside is massive. This is something I saw as soon as I ventured out of places like La Paz & Santa Cruz, and especially on those long inter-city coach rides we all love so much.

You’ll find parts of La Paz with boutique coffee shops & designer labels, then drive a few hours & hit rural villages where modern plumbing’s a luxury.

If you’re curious about Bolivia’s quirky politics, check out Why Does Bolivia Have Two Capitals? – spoiler: it’s both confusing & very Bolivian.

Poverty vs. Rich Culture

Here’s where it gets interesting. Bolivia might not be rich in cash, but it’s loaded with cultural wealth. This place has more Indigenous people per capita than any other country in the Americas, with Aymara & Quechua traditions deeply woven into daily life.

Markets are a sensory overload – women in bowler hats selling everything from fresh papaya to llama foetuses (yeah, that’s a thing). Then there’s Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world. It looks like another planet when it rains. All this, & barely a tourist in sight compared to places like Cusco.

If you’re planning your itinerary, don’t miss my Guide to Exploring Bolivia – packed with gems from Lake Titicaca to the Amazon.

Is Bolivia a Poor Country?

If you’re looking strictly at economic indicators, yes – Bolivia is considered a poor country. It has low GDP, high poverty rates & many people living without access to things like healthcare, education or decent infrastructure.

But if you measure by community spirit, cultural richness & natural beauty… you might argue it’s richer than most.

Travelling in Bolivia: Cheap & Eye-Opening

Budget travel: You can get a solid meal for under £2 & a hostel bed for a fiver. Fancy a private room? Still won’t break the bank.

Transport: Local buses (called micros) are dirt cheap, though not always the comfiest.

People: Locals are often shy at first but incredibly kind once you crack a smile.

It’s not polished, & that’s the charm. You’re not going to find chain cafes on every corner, or even be able to drink the tap water. What you will find is altitude, alpacas & some of the most breathtaking views you’ve ever seen.

Speaking of thrills – if you’re feeling brave, the world’s most dangerous bike tour (yep, Bolivia’s Death Road) will get your heart racing in the best way.

And foodies, fear not – my list on traditional Bolivian dishes has all the saucy, spicy details your stomach’s hoping for.

Colourful Graffiti in a Street in La Paz Bolivia — *Street Graffiti in La Paz, Bolivia*

Final Thoughts

So yeah – Bolivia might be economically poor on paper, but there’s way more to it than stats (even with my tasty chart factored in). It’s raw, real & ridiculously underrated. If you’re up for a trip that’ll shake up your worldview & give you stories for life, Bolivia delivers.

If you’re planning a visit and unsure about timings. Here’s also what I learned firsthand about the best time of year to visit Bolivia.

Don’t be shy to drop a comment below or reach out through the site or Insta! Happy Travels!