Italy vs Bolivia
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Italy is 5.2 times more populous than Bolivia. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 43.4 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Bolivia covers 1,098,581 km², 3.6 times larger than Italy's 301,336 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 15.1 years higher than Bolivia's 68.6 years.
ItalyBolivia| Population | +418.5%58.9M | -80.7%11.4M |
| Area | -72.6%301,336 km² | +264.6%1,098,581 km² |
| GDP | +4238.1%$2.38T | -97.7%$54.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | +813.5%$40,385.341 | -89.1%$4,421.166 |
| Life Expectancy | +22.0%83.7 yrs | -18.1%68.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -88.5%2.3 | +769.6%20.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +115.4%6.4% | -53.6%3.0% |
| Capital | Rome | Sucre |
| Region | Europe | Americas |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | BOB (Bs.) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Italy is 5.2 times more populous than Bolivia, with 58.9M residents compared to 11.4M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Bolivia is a nation of 11.4M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Bolivia averages 10 people per km² (sparse). While Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade, Bolivia has grown at 1.37% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 43.4 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Bolivia's GDP per capita of $4,421.166 is 67% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Italy are on average 9.1 times wealthier than those in Bolivia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 68.6 years in Bolivia, a gap of 15.1 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bolivia (68.6 years) is 3.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 20.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bolivia's infant mortality is 770% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Bolivia (1,098,581 km²) is 3.6 times larger by land area than Italy (301,336 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Bolivia borders 5 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Bolivia's 1 timezone. Italy lies in Europe, while Bolivia is located in South America. Italy is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Bolivia belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and Bolivia is in GDP: Italy's $2.38T compared to Bolivia's $54.9B represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Bolivia is in GDP per capita: Italy's $40,385.341 compared to Bolivia's $4,421.166 represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Bolivia is in infant mortality: Italy's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Bolivia's 20.0 per 1,000 represents a 89% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and Bolivia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Italy has a GDP per capita of $40,385.341, which is 9.1x that of Bolivia ($4,421.166). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Italy is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Italy is 18.9x more densely populated than Bolivia (196 vs 10 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Bolivia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Italy live an average of 15.1 years longer than those of Bolivia (83.7 vs 68.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Italy's economy grew at 0.7% compared to Bolivia's -1.1%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Bolivia's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Italy vs Bolivia for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 20.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bolivia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Italy's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Italy vs Bolivia for Budget Travelers
Bolivia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,421.166 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bolivia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Italy vs Bolivia for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bolivia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Italy vs Bolivia Cost of Living
Italy's GDP per capita is 9.1x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Bolivia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Bolivia can approach or exceed average costs in Italy's smaller cities.
Italy vs Bolivia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Bolivia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Italy or Bolivia by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Italy is 5.2 times more populous than Bolivia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Bolivia?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Bolivia's $54.9B. Italy's economy is 43.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Bolivia?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Bolivia's 68.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.1 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bolivia's is 3.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Italy or Bolivia?
Bolivia is larger by land area, covering 1,098,581 km² compared to Italy's 301,336 km². Bolivia is 3.6 times larger than Italy.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Bolivia?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. Bolivia recognizes: Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or Bolivia?
Italy has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Bolivia's 5.1%. Italy's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Bolivia's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Italy or Bolivia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 20.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bolivia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...
Is Italy or Bolivia cheaper to visit?
Bolivia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,421.166 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bolivia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in ...
Is Italy or Bolivia better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bolivia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate...
Is Italy or Bolivia more expensive to live in?
Italy's GDP per capita is 9.1x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Bolivia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Italy or Bolivia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Bolivia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...