Kenya vs Bolivia
Kenya has a population of 53.3M, compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Kenya is 4.7 times more populous than Bolivia. Economically, Kenya ($120.3B) has a GDP 2.2 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Bolivia covers 1,098,581 km², 1.9 times larger than Kenya's 580,367 km². Life expectancy in Bolivia stands at 68.6 years, 4.9 years higher than Kenya's 63.6 years.
KenyaBolivia| Population | +369.2%53.3M | -78.7%11.4M |
| Area | -47.2%580,367 km² | +89.3%1,098,581 km² |
| GDP | +119.3%$120.3B | -54.4%$54.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | -51.8%$2,132.435 | +107.3%$4,421.166 |
| Life Expectancy | -7.2%63.6 yrs | +7.8%68.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +73.5%34.7 | -42.4%20.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +83.7%5.4% | -45.5%3.0% |
| Capital | Nairobi | Sucre |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | English, Swahili | Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | KES (Sh) | 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
Kenya is 4.7 times more populous than Bolivia, with 53.3M residents compared to 11.4M. Kenya is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Bolivia is a nation of 11.4M people. In terms of population density, Kenya averages 92 people per km² (moderate), while Bolivia averages 10 people per km² (sparse). Bolivia has grown at 1.37% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Kenya.
Economy Comparison
Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Kenya economy ($120.3B) is 2.2 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Kenya's GDP per capita of $2,132.435 is near the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 Bolivia are on average 2.1 times wealthier than those in Kenya.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Kenya is 63.6 years, compared to 68.6 years in Bolivia, a gap of 4.9 years. Bolivia (68.6 years) is 3.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Kenya (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Kenya's infant mortality is 74% higher than Bolivia's 20.0.
Geographic Comparison
Bolivia (1,098,581 km²) is 1.9 times larger by land area than Kenya (580,367 km²). Kenya shares borders with 5 countries, while Bolivia borders 5 countries. Kenya spans 1 timezone, compared to Bolivia's 1 timezone. Kenya lies in Africa, while Bolivia is located in South America. Kenya is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Bolivia belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Kenya and Bolivia is in population: Kenya's 53.3M compared to Bolivia's 11.4M represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Bolivia is in GDP: Kenya's $120.3B compared to Bolivia's $54.9B represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Bolivia is in GDP per capita: Kenya's $2,132.435 compared to Bolivia's $4,421.166 represents a 52% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Kenya's lower-middle-income economy and Bolivia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Bolivia has a GDP per capita of $4,421.166, which is 2.1x that of Kenya ($2,132.435). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Bolivia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Kenya is 8.9x more densely populated than Bolivia (92 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 Bolivia live an average of 4.9 years longer than those of Kenya (68.6 vs 63.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Kenya's economy grew at 4.7% compared to Bolivia's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Kenya has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Bolivia's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Kenya vs Bolivia for Families
For family travel, Bolivia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.0 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Kenya offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Bolivia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Kenya vs Bolivia for Budget Travelers
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bolivia. However, Bolivia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Kenya vs Bolivia for Retirees
Bolivia's life expectancy of 68.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya 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.
Kenya vs Bolivia Cost of Living
Bolivia's GDP per capita is 2.1x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bolivia, while Kenya offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Kenya can approach or exceed average costs in Bolivia's smaller cities.
Kenya vs Bolivia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Kenya'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, Kenya or Bolivia by population?
Kenya is larger by population, with 53.3M residents compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Kenya is 4.7 times more populous than Bolivia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Kenya or Bolivia?
Kenya has the higher GDP at $120.3B, compared to Bolivia's $54.9B. Kenya's economy is 2.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Kenya and Bolivia?
Bolivia has a higher life expectancy at 68.6 years, compared to Kenya's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.9 years. Kenya's life expectancy is 8.4 years below 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, Kenya or Bolivia?
Bolivia is larger by land area, covering 1,098,581 km² compared to Kenya's 580,367 km². Bolivia is 1.9 times larger than Kenya.
What languages are spoken in Kenya and Bolivia?
Kenya recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Bolivia recognizes: Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Kenya or Bolivia?
Kenya has lower inflation at 4.5%, compared to Bolivia's 5.1%. Kenya's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Bolivia's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Kenya or Bolivia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bolivia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.0 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Kenya offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Kenya or Bolivia cheaper to visit?
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bolivia. However, Bolivia may offer better value in ...
Is Kenya or Bolivia better for retirement?
Bolivia's life expectancy of 68.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya 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 Kenya or Bolivia more expensive to live in?
Bolivia's GDP per capita is 2.1x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bolivia, while Kenya offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Kenya or Bolivia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Kenya's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...