Papua New Guinea vs Bolivia
Papua New Guinea has a population of 11.8M, compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Papua New Guinea is 1.0 times more populous than Bolivia. Economically, Bolivia ($54.9B) has a GDP 1.7 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Bolivia covers 1,098,581 km², 2.4 times larger than Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Life expectancy in Bolivia stands at 68.6 years, 2.4 years higher than Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years.
Papua New GuineaBolivia| Population | +3.7%11.8M | -3.5%11.4M |
| Area | -57.9%462,840 km² | +137.4%1,098,581 km² |
| GDP | -42.1%$31.8B | +72.6%$54.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | -32.0%$3,006.706 | +47.0%$4,421.166 |
| Life Expectancy | -3.6%66.1 yrs | +3.7%68.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +60.0%32.0 | -37.5%20.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -13.3%2.6% | +15.4%3.0% |
| Capital | Port Moresby | Sucre |
| Region | Oceania | Americas |
| Languages | English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin | Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | PGK (K) | 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
Papua New Guinea is 1.0 times more populous than Bolivia, with 11.8M residents compared to 11.4M. Papua New Guinea is a nation of 11.8M people, while Bolivia is a nation of 11.4M people. In terms of population density, Papua New Guinea averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while Bolivia averages 10 people per km² (sparse). While Papua New Guinea has grown at 2.27% annually over the past decade, Bolivia has grown at 1.37% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Papua New Guinea is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bolivia economy ($54.9B) is 1.7 times larger than Papua New Guinea's ($31.8B). Papua New Guinea's GDP per capita of $3,006.706 is 90% below the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. 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 1.5 times wealthier than those in Papua New Guinea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Papua New Guinea is 66.1 years, compared to 68.6 years in Bolivia, a gap of 2.4 years. Bolivia (68.6 years) is 3.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Papua New Guinea (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 32.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Papua New Guinea's infant mortality is 60% higher than Bolivia's 20.0.
Geographic Comparison
Bolivia (1,098,581 km²) is 2.4 times larger by land area than Papua New Guinea (462,840 km²). Papua New Guinea shares borders with 1 country, while Bolivia borders 5 countries. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone, compared to Bolivia's 1 timezone. Papua New Guinea lies in Oceania, while Bolivia is located in South America. Papua New Guinea is categorized within the Oceania region (Melanesia), whereas Bolivia belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Bolivia is in land area: Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km² compared to Bolivia's 1,098,581 km² represents a 58% gap. The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Bolivia is in GDP: Papua New Guinea's $31.8B compared to Bolivia's $54.9B represents a 42% gap. The most significant difference between Papua New Guinea and Bolivia is in infant mortality: Papua New Guinea's 32.0 per 1,000 compared to Bolivia's 20.0 per 1,000 represents a 38% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Papua New Guinea'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 1.5x that of Papua New Guinea ($3,006.706). 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
Papua New Guinea is 2.5x more densely populated than Bolivia (25 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 Bolivia live an average of 2.4 years longer than those of Papua New Guinea (68.6 vs 66.1 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
Papua New Guinea's economy grew at 3.8% compared to Bolivia's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Papua New Guinea has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Bolivia's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Papua New Guinea vs Bolivia for Families
For family travel, Bolivia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.0 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea 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.
Papua New Guinea vs Bolivia for Budget Travelers
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea 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.
Papua New Guinea vs Bolivia for Retirees
Bolivia's life expectancy of 68.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea 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.
Papua New Guinea vs Bolivia Cost of Living
Bolivia's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bolivia, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Papua New Guinea can approach or exceed average costs in Bolivia's smaller cities.
Papua New Guinea vs Bolivia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Papua New Guinea and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Papua New Guinea'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, Papua New Guinea or Bolivia by population?
Papua New Guinea is larger by population, with 11.8M residents compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Papua New Guinea is 1.0 times more populous than Bolivia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Papua New Guinea or Bolivia?
Bolivia has the higher GDP at $54.9B, compared to Papua New Guinea's $31.8B. Bolivia's economy is 1.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Papua New Guinea and Bolivia?
Bolivia has a higher life expectancy at 68.6 years, compared to Papua New Guinea's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.4 years. Papua New Guinea's life expectancy is 5.9 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, Papua New Guinea or Bolivia?
Bolivia is larger by land area, covering 1,098,581 km² compared to Papua New Guinea's 462,840 km². Bolivia is 2.4 times larger than Papua New Guinea.
What languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea and Bolivia?
Papua New Guinea recognizes the following languages: English, Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin. Bolivia recognizes: Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Papua New Guinea or Bolivia?
Papua New Guinea has lower inflation at 0.6%, compared to Bolivia's 5.1%. Papua New Guinea'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 Papua New Guinea or Bolivia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bolivia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.0 vs 32.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Papua New Guinea offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Bo...
Is Papua New Guinea or Bolivia cheaper to visit?
Papua New Guinea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,006.706 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Papua New Guinea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bolivia. However, Bolivia may ...
Is Papua New Guinea or Bolivia better for retirement?
Bolivia's life expectancy of 68.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Papua New Guinea may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acce...
Is Papua New Guinea or Bolivia more expensive to live in?
Bolivia's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Papua New Guinea, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bolivia, while Papua New Guinea offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living va...
Is Papua New Guinea or Bolivia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Papua New Guinea and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Papua New Guinea spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Papua New Guinea's lower cost of living makes it attractive...