ColombiaBolivia
Colombia has a population of 53.1M, compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Colombia is 4.7 times more populous than Bolivia. Economically, Colombia ($418.8B) has a GDP 7.6 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Colombia covers 1,141,748 km², 1.0 times larger than Bolivia's 1,098,581 km². Life expectancy in Colombia stands at 77.7 years, 9.1 years higher than Bolivia's 68.6 years.
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Bolivia wins
Metric
ColombiaBolivia| Population | 53.1M | 11.4M |
| Area | 1,141,748 km² | 1,098,581 km² |
| GDP | $418.8B | $54.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | $7,919.209 | $4,421.166 |
| Life Expectancy | 77.7 yrs | 68.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 10.9 | 20.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 8.3% | 3.0% |
| Capital | Bogotá | Sucre |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | COP ($) | BOB (Bs.) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Colombia is 4.7 times more populous than Bolivia, with 53.1M residents compared to 11.4M. Colombia is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Bolivia is a nation of 11.4M people. In terms of population density, Colombia averages 46 people per km² (sparse), while Bolivia averages 10 people per km² (sparse). While Colombia has grown at 1.26% annually over the past decade, Bolivia has grown at 1.37% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Colombia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Colombia economy ($418.8B) is 7.6 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Colombia's GDP per capita of $7,919.209 is 41% 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 Colombia are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Bolivia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Colombia is 77.7 years, compared to 68.6 years in Bolivia, a gap of 9.1 years. Colombia (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 83% higher than Colombia's 10.9.
Geographic Comparison
Colombia (1,141,748 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Bolivia (1,098,581 km²). Colombia shares borders with 5 countries, while Bolivia borders 5 countries. Colombia spans 1 timezone, compared to Bolivia's 1 timezone. Both Colombia and Bolivia are located in South America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: South America and South America.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Colombia and Bolivia is in GDP: Colombia's $418.8B compared to Bolivia's $54.9B represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Colombia and Bolivia is in population: Colombia's 53.1M compared to Bolivia's 11.4M represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Colombia and Bolivia is in infant mortality: Colombia's 10.9 per 1,000 compared to Bolivia's 20.0 per 1,000 represents a 45% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Colombia's upper-middle-income economy and Bolivia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Colombia has a GDP per capita of $7,919.209, which is 1.8x 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 Colombia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Colombia is 4.5x more densely populated than Bolivia (46 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 Colombia 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
Colombia's economy grew at 1.6% compared to Bolivia's -1.1%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Bolivia's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Colombia vs Bolivia for Families
For family travel, Colombia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.9 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 Colombia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Colombia 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 Colombia. However, Colombia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Colombia vs Bolivia for Retirees
Colombia'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.
Colombia vs Bolivia Cost of Living
Colombia's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Colombia, 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 Colombia's smaller cities.
Colombia vs Bolivia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Colombia and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Colombia 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, Colombia or Bolivia by population?
Colombia is larger by population, with 53.1M residents compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Colombia is 4.7 times more populous than Bolivia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Colombia or Bolivia?
Colombia has the higher GDP at $418.8B, compared to Bolivia's $54.9B. Colombia's economy is 7.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Colombia and Bolivia?
Colombia 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. Colombia'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, Colombia or Bolivia?
Colombia is larger by land area, covering 1,141,748 km² compared to Bolivia's 1,098,581 km². Colombia is 1.0 times larger than Bolivia.
What languages are spoken in Colombia and Bolivia?
Colombia 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, Colombia or Bolivia?
Bolivia has lower inflation at 5.1%, compared to Colombia's 6.6%. Bolivia's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Colombia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 1.9 times the global median.
Is Colombia or Bolivia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Colombia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.9 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 count...
Is Colombia 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 Colombia. However, Colombia may offer better val...
Is Colombia or Bolivia better for retirement?
Colombia'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, clim...
Is Colombia or Bolivia more expensive to live in?
Colombia's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Colombia, while Bolivia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Colombia or Bolivia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Colombia and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Colombia spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Bolivia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...
Population Growth
Colombia, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Bolivia, 1994 to 2023