Guatemala vs Bolivia
Guatemala has a population of 18.1M, compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Guatemala is 1.6 times more populous than Bolivia. Economically, Guatemala ($113.2B) has a GDP 2.1 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Bolivia covers 1,098,581 km², 10.1 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Guatemala stands at 72.6 years, 4.0 years higher than Bolivia's 68.6 years.
GuatemalaBolivia| Population | +59.1%18.1M | -37.1%11.4M |
| Area | -90.1%108,889 km² | +908.9%1,098,581 km² |
| GDP | +106.3%$113.2B | -51.5%$54.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | +39.1%$6,150.026 | -28.1%$4,421.166 |
| Life Expectancy | +5.9%72.6 yrs | -5.5%68.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -10.5%17.9 | +11.7%20.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -12.2%2.6% | +13.9%3.0% |
| Capital | Guatemala City | Sucre |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | GTQ (Q) | 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
Guatemala is 1.6 times more populous than Bolivia, with 18.1M residents compared to 11.4M. Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people, while Bolivia is a nation of 11.4M people. In terms of population density, Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate), while Bolivia averages 10 people per km² (sparse). While Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade, Bolivia has grown at 1.37% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Guatemala economy ($113.2B) is 2.1 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 Guatemala are on average 1.4 times wealthier than those in Bolivia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared to 68.6 years in Bolivia, a gap of 4.0 years. Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 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 12% higher than Guatemala's 17.9.
Geographic Comparison
Bolivia (1,098,581 km²) is 10.1 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Guatemala shares borders with 4 countries, while Bolivia borders 5 countries. Guatemala spans 1 timezone, compared to Bolivia's 1 timezone. Guatemala lies in North America, while Bolivia is located in South America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: Central America and South America.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Guatemala and Bolivia is in land area: Guatemala's 108,889 km² compared to Bolivia's 1,098,581 km² represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Bolivia is in GDP: Guatemala's $113.2B compared to Bolivia's $54.9B represents a 52% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Bolivia is in population: Guatemala's 18.1M compared to Bolivia's 11.4M represents a 37% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy and Bolivia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of $6,150.026, which is 1.4x 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 Guatemala is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 16.0x more densely populated than Bolivia (166 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 Guatemala live an average of 4.0 years longer than those of Bolivia (72.6 vs 68.6 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
Guatemala's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Bolivia's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Bolivia's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Guatemala vs Bolivia for Families
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 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 Guatemala's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Guatemala 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Guatemala vs Bolivia for Retirees
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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.
Guatemala vs Bolivia Cost of Living
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, 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 Guatemala's smaller cities.
Guatemala vs Bolivia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala 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, Guatemala or Bolivia by population?
Guatemala is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Guatemala is 1.6 times more populous than Bolivia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Guatemala or Bolivia?
Guatemala has the higher GDP at $113.2B, compared to Bolivia's $54.9B. Guatemala's economy is 2.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Guatemala and Bolivia?
Guatemala has a higher life expectancy at 72.6 years, compared to Bolivia's 68.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.0 years. Guatemala's life expectancy is 0.6 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, Guatemala or Bolivia?
Bolivia is larger by land area, covering 1,098,581 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Bolivia is 10.1 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala and Bolivia?
Guatemala recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Bolivia recognizes: Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Guatemala or Bolivia?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Bolivia's 5.1%. Guatemala'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 Guatemala or Bolivia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 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-friendl...
Is Guatemala 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 Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better v...
Is Guatemala or Bolivia better for retirement?
Guatemala's life expectancy of 72.6 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, cli...
Is Guatemala or Bolivia more expensive to live in?
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Bolivia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Guatemala or Bolivia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Bolivia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote ...