Iran vs Bolivia
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Iran is 7.6 times more populous than Bolivia. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 8.7 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 1.5 times larger than Bolivia's 1,098,581 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 9.1 years higher than Bolivia's 68.6 years.
IranBolivia| Population | +656.3%86.0M | -86.8%11.4M |
| Area | +50.0%1,648,195 km² | -33.3%1,098,581 km² |
| GDP | +766.0%$475.3B | -88.5%$54.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | +17.4%$5,190.17 | -14.8%$4,421.166 |
| Life Expectancy | +13.2%77.7 yrs | -11.7%68.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -46.5%10.7 | +86.9%20.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +179.8%8.3% | -64.3%3.0% |
| Capital | Tehran | Sucre |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | 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
Iran is 7.6 times more populous than Bolivia, with 86.0M residents compared to 11.4M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Bolivia is a nation of 11.4M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 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 Iran.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 8.7 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% 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 Iran are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Bolivia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 68.6 years in Bolivia, a gap of 9.1 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 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 87% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Bolivia (1,098,581 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Bolivia borders 5 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Bolivia's 1 timezone. Iran lies in Asia, while Bolivia is located in South America. Iran is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Bolivia belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Bolivia is in GDP: Iran's $475.3B compared to Bolivia's $54.9B represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Bolivia is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to Bolivia's 11.4M represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Bolivia is in infant mortality: Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 compared to Bolivia's 20.0 per 1,000 represents a 47% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Bolivia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iran has a GDP per capita of $5,190.17, which is 1.2x 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 Iran is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iran is 5.0x more densely populated than Bolivia (52 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 Iran live an average of 9.1 years longer than those of Bolivia (77.7 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
Iran's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Bolivia's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Iran has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Bolivia's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Bolivia for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 20.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bolivia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iran vs Bolivia for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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.
Iran vs Bolivia Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, 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 Iran's smaller cities.
Iran vs Bolivia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran 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, Iran or Bolivia by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Iran is 7.6 times more populous than Bolivia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Bolivia?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Bolivia's $54.9B. Iran's economy is 8.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Bolivia?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Bolivia's 68.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.1 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 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, Iran or Bolivia?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Bolivia's 1,098,581 km². Iran is 1.5 times larger than Bolivia.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Bolivia?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Bolivia recognizes: Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Bolivia?
Bolivia has lower inflation at 5.1%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Bolivia's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or Bolivia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 20.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bolivia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries...
Is Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in sp...
Is Iran or Bolivia better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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 Iran or Bolivia more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Bolivia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Iran or Bolivia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Bolivia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...