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Philippines vs Bolivia

Philippines has a population of 114.1M, compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Philippines is 10.0 times more populous than Bolivia. Economically, Philippines ($461.6B) has a GDP 8.4 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Bolivia covers 1,098,581 km², 3.2 times larger than Philippines's 342,353 km². Life expectancy in Philippines stands at 69.8 years, 1.3 years higher than Bolivia's 68.6 years.

Metric
Flag of PhilippinesPhilippines
Flag of BoliviaBolivia
Population
+904.1%114.1M
-90.0%11.4M
Area
-68.8%342,353 km²
+220.9%1,098,581 km²
GDP
+741.1%$461.6B
-88.1%$54.9B
GDP Per Capita
-9.9%$3,984.832
+10.9%$4,421.166
Life Expectancy
+1.8%69.8 yrs
-1.8%68.6 yrs
Infant Mortality
+10.5%22.1
-9.5%20.0
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
-24.7%2.2%
+32.8%3.0%
Capital
Manila
Sucre
Region
Asia
Americas
Languages
English, Filipino
Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish
Currencies
PHP (₱)
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

Philippines is 10.0 times more populous than Bolivia, with 114.1M residents compared to 11.4M. Philippines is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Bolivia is a nation of 11.4M people. In terms of population density, Philippines averages 333 people per km² (dense), 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 Philippines.

Economy Comparison

Philippines is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Philippines economy ($461.6B) is 8.4 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Philippines's GDP per capita of $3,984.832 is 64% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 1.1 times wealthier than those in Philippines.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in Philippines is 69.8 years, compared to 68.6 years in Bolivia, a gap of 1.3 years. Philippines (69.8 years) is 2.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Bolivia (68.6 years) is 3.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 22.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Philippines's infant mortality is 11% higher than Bolivia's 20.0.

Geographic Comparison

Bolivia (1,098,581 km²) is 3.2 times larger by land area than Philippines (342,353 km²). Philippines shares borders with 0 countries, while Bolivia borders 5 countries. Philippines spans 1 timezone, compared to Bolivia's 1 timezone. Philippines lies in Asia, while Bolivia is located in South America. Philippines is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Bolivia belongs to Americas (South America).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between Philippines and Bolivia is in population: Philippines's 114.1M compared to Bolivia's 11.4M represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Bolivia is in GDP: Philippines's $461.6B compared to Bolivia's $54.9B represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Bolivia is in land area: Philippines's 342,353 km² compared to Bolivia's 1,098,581 km² represents a 69% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Philippines'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 1.1x that of Philippines ($3,984.832). 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

Philippines is 32.2x more densely populated than Bolivia (333 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 Philippines live an average of 1.3 years longer than those of Bolivia (69.8 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

Philippines's economy grew at 5.7% compared to Bolivia's -1.1%. Philippines's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Bolivia's negative growth indicates economic contraction.

Travel Comparison

Philippines vs Bolivia for Families

For family travel, Bolivia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.0 vs 22.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Philippines 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.

Philippines vs Bolivia for Budget Travelers

Philippines is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,984.832 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Philippines 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.

Philippines vs Bolivia for Retirees

Philippines's life expectancy of 69.8 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.

Philippines vs Bolivia Cost of Living

Bolivia's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Philippines, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bolivia, while Philippines offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Philippines can approach or exceed average costs in Bolivia's smaller cities.

Philippines vs Bolivia for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Philippines'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, Philippines or Bolivia by population?

Philippines is larger by population, with 114.1M residents compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Philippines is 10.0 times more populous than Bolivia.

Which country has a higher GDP, Philippines or Bolivia?

Philippines has the higher GDP at $461.6B, compared to Bolivia's $54.9B. Philippines's economy is 8.4 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between Philippines and Bolivia?

Philippines has a higher life expectancy at 69.8 years, compared to Bolivia's 68.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.3 years. Philippines's life expectancy is 2.2 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, Philippines or Bolivia?

Bolivia is larger by land area, covering 1,098,581 km² compared to Philippines's 342,353 km². Bolivia is 3.2 times larger than Philippines.

What languages are spoken in Philippines and Bolivia?

Philippines recognizes the following languages: English, Filipino. Bolivia recognizes: Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, Philippines or Bolivia?

Philippines has lower inflation at 3.2%, compared to Bolivia's 5.1%. Philippines'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 Philippines or Bolivia better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Bolivia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.0 vs 22.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Philippines offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both co...

Is Philippines or Bolivia cheaper to visit?

Philippines is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,984.832 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Philippines can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bolivia. However, Bolivia may offer bett...

Is Philippines or Bolivia better for retirement?

Philippines's life expectancy of 69.8 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, c...

Is Philippines or Bolivia more expensive to live in?

Bolivia's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Philippines, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bolivia, while Philippines offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...

Is Philippines or Bolivia better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Philippines's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching...