Bolivia vs Portugal
Bolivia has a population of 11.4M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Bolivia is 1.1 times more populous than Portugal. Economically, Portugal ($313.3B) has a GDP 5.7 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Bolivia covers 1,098,581 km², 11.9 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 13.7 years higher than Bolivia's 68.6 years.
BoliviaPortugal| Population | +5.7%11.4M | -5.4%10.7M |
| Area | +1092.9%1,098,581 km² | -91.6%92,090 km² |
| GDP | -82.5%$54.9B | +470.8%$313.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -84.9%$4,421.166 | +562.5%$29,292.242 |
| Life Expectancy | -16.6%68.6 yrs | +20.0%82.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +669.2%20.0 | -87.0%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -51.9%3.0% | +107.8%6.2% |
| Capital | Sucre | Lisbon |
| Region | Americas | Europe |
| Languages | Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish | Portuguese |
| Currencies | BOB (Bs.) | EUR (€) |
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
Bolivia is 1.1 times more populous than Portugal, with 11.4M residents compared to 10.7M. Bolivia is a nation of 11.4M people, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, Bolivia averages 10 people per km² (sparse), while Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate). While Bolivia has grown at 1.37% annually over the past decade, Portugal has grown at 0.11% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. The Portugal economy ($313.3B) is 5.7 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Bolivia's GDP per capita of $4,421.166 is 67% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Portugal are on average 6.6 times wealthier than those in Bolivia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Bolivia is 68.6 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 13.7 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 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 669% higher than Portugal's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Bolivia (1,098,581 km²) is 11.9 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Bolivia shares borders with 5 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. Bolivia spans 1 timezone, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. Bolivia lies in South America, while Portugal is located in Europe. Bolivia is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Portugal belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Bolivia and Portugal is in land area: Bolivia's 1,098,581 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km² represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Bolivia and Portugal is in infant mortality: Bolivia's 20.0 per 1,000 compared to Portugal's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Bolivia and Portugal is in GDP per capita: Bolivia's $4,421.166 compared to Portugal's $29,292.242 represents a 85% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bolivia's lower-middle-income economy and Portugal's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Portugal has a GDP per capita of $29,292.242, which is 6.6x 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 Portugal is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Portugal is 11.3x more densely populated than Bolivia (117 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 Portugal live an average of 13.7 years longer than those of Bolivia (82.3 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
Portugal's economy grew at 2.1% compared to Bolivia's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Portugal has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Bolivia's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Bolivia vs Portugal for Families
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 Portugal's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Bolivia vs Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Bolivia vs Portugal for Retirees
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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.
Bolivia vs Portugal Cost of Living
Portugal's GDP per capita is 6.6x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, 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 Portugal's smaller cities.
Bolivia vs Portugal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Bolivia and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bolivia spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. 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, Bolivia or Portugal by population?
Bolivia is larger by population, with 11.4M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Bolivia is 1.1 times more populous than Portugal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Bolivia or Portugal?
Portugal has the higher GDP at $313.3B, compared to Bolivia's $54.9B. Portugal's economy is 5.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Bolivia and Portugal?
Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to Bolivia's 68.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 13.7 years. Bolivia's life expectancy is 3.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Portugal's is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Bolivia or Portugal?
Bolivia is larger by land area, covering 1,098,581 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Bolivia is 11.9 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in Bolivia and Portugal?
Bolivia recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Bolivia or Portugal?
Portugal has lower inflation at 2.4%, compared to Bolivia's 5.1%. Portugal'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 Bolivia or Portugal better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Portugal generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 ...
Is Bolivia or Portugal 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 Portugal. However, Portugal may offer better val...
Is Bolivia or Portugal better for retirement?
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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, clim...
Is Bolivia or Portugal more expensive to live in?
Portugal's GDP per capita is 6.6x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Portugal, while Bolivia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Bolivia or Portugal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Bolivia and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bolivia spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Bolivia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...