SpainBolivia
Spain has a population of 49.3M, compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Spain is 4.3 times more populous than Bolivia. Economically, Spain ($1.73T) has a GDP 31.4 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Bolivia covers 1,098,581 km², 2.2 times larger than Spain's 505,992 km². Life expectancy in Spain stands at 83.9 years, 15.3 years higher than Bolivia's 68.6 years.
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Bolivia wins
Metric
SpainBolivia| Population | 49.3M | 11.4M |
| Area | 505,992 km² | 1,098,581 km² |
| GDP | $1.73T | $54.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | $35,326.768 | $4,421.166 |
| Life Expectancy | 83.9 yrs | 68.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 2.6 | 20.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 10.4% | 3.0% |
| Capital | Madrid | Sucre |
| Region | Europe | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician | Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | 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
Spain is 4.3 times more populous than Bolivia, with 49.3M residents compared to 11.4M. Spain is a nation of 49.3M people, while Bolivia is a nation of 11.4M people. In terms of population density, Spain averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Bolivia averages 10 people per km² (sparse). While Spain has grown at 0.37% annually over the past decade, Bolivia has grown at 1.37% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Spain is classified as a high-income economy, while Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Spain economy ($1.73T) is 31.4 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Spain's GDP per capita of $35,326.768 is 26% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. 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 Spain are on average 8.0 times wealthier than those in Bolivia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Spain is 83.9 years, compared to 68.6 years in Bolivia, a gap of 15.3 years. Spain (83.9 years) is 11.9 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 669% higher than Spain's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Bolivia (1,098,581 km²) is 2.2 times larger by land area than Spain (505,992 km²). Spain shares borders with 5 countries, while Bolivia borders 5 countries. Spain spans 2 timezones, compared to Bolivia's 1 timezone. Spain lies in Europe, while Bolivia is located in South America. Spain is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Bolivia belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Spain and Bolivia is in GDP: Spain's $1.73T compared to Bolivia's $54.9B represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Bolivia is in GDP per capita: Spain's $35,326.768 compared to Bolivia's $4,421.166 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Bolivia is in infant mortality: Spain's 2.6 per 1,000 compared to Bolivia's 20.0 per 1,000 represents a 87% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Spain's high-income economy and Bolivia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Spain has a GDP per capita of $35,326.768, which is 8.0x 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 Spain is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Spain is 9.4x more densely populated than Bolivia (97 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 Spain live an average of 15.3 years longer than those of Bolivia (83.9 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
Spain's economy grew at 3.5% compared to Bolivia's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Spain has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Bolivia's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Spain vs Bolivia for Families
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 Spain's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Spain 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 Spain. However, Spain may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Spain vs Bolivia for Retirees
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 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.
Spain vs Bolivia Cost of Living
Spain's GDP per capita is 8.0x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, 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 Spain's smaller cities.
Spain vs Bolivia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones 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, Spain or Bolivia by population?
Spain is larger by population, with 49.3M residents compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Spain is 4.3 times more populous than Bolivia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Spain or Bolivia?
Spain has the higher GDP at $1.73T, compared to Bolivia's $54.9B. Spain's economy is 31.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Spain and Bolivia?
Spain has a higher life expectancy at 83.9 years, compared to Bolivia's 68.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.3 years. Spain's life expectancy is 11.9 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, Spain or Bolivia?
Bolivia is larger by land area, covering 1,098,581 km² compared to Spain's 505,992 km². Bolivia is 2.2 times larger than Spain.
What languages are spoken in Spain and Bolivia?
Spain recognizes the following languages: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician. Bolivia recognizes: Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Spain or Bolivia?
Spain has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Bolivia's 5.1%. Spain'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 Spain or Bolivia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Spain generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 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 att...
Is Spain 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 Spain. However, Spain may offer better value in ...
Is Spain or Bolivia better for retirement?
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 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 Spain or Bolivia more expensive to live in?
Spain's GDP per capita is 8.0x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Spain, while Bolivia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Spain or Bolivia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Bolivia covers 1. Bolivia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....
Population Growth
Spain, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Bolivia, 1994 to 2023