Venezuela vs Bolivia
Venezuela has a population of 28.5M, compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Venezuela is 2.5 times more populous than Bolivia. Economically, Venezuela ($119.8B) has a GDP 2.2 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Bolivia covers 1,098,581 km², 1.2 times larger than Venezuela's 916,445 km². Life expectancy in Venezuela stands at 72.5 years, 3.9 years higher than Bolivia's 68.6 years.
VenezuelaBolivia| Population | +150.9%28.5M | -60.1%11.4M |
| Area | -16.6%916,445 km² | +19.9%1,098,581 km² |
| GDP | +118.3%$119.8B | -54.2%$54.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | -4.6%$4,217.591 | +4.8%$4,421.166 |
| Life Expectancy | +5.7%72.5 yrs | -5.4%68.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +7.5%21.5 | -7.0%20.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +78.9%5.3% | -44.1%3.0% |
| Capital | Caracas | Sucre |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | VES (Bs.S.) | 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
Venezuela is 2.5 times more populous than Bolivia, with 28.5M residents compared to 11.4M. Venezuela is a nation of 28.5M people, while Bolivia is a nation of 11.4M people. In terms of population density, Venezuela averages 31 people per km² (sparse), 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 Venezuela.
Economy Comparison
Venezuela is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Venezuela economy ($119.8B) is 2.2 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Venezuela's GDP per capita of $4,217.591 is 69% 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 Bolivia are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in Venezuela.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Venezuela is 72.5 years, compared to 68.6 years in Bolivia, a gap of 3.9 years. Venezuela (72.5 years) is 0.5 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 21.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Venezuela's infant mortality is 8% higher than Bolivia's 20.0.
Geographic Comparison
Bolivia (1,098,581 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Venezuela (916,445 km²). Venezuela shares borders with 3 countries, while Bolivia borders 5 countries. Venezuela spans 1 timezone, compared to Bolivia's 1 timezone. Both Venezuela 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 Venezuela and Bolivia is in population: Venezuela's 28.5M compared to Bolivia's 11.4M represents a 60% gap. The most significant difference between Venezuela and Bolivia is in GDP: Venezuela's $119.8B compared to Bolivia's $54.9B represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Venezuela and Bolivia is in land area: Venezuela's 916,445 km² compared to Bolivia's 1,098,581 km² represents a 17% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Venezuela'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 1.0x that of Venezuela ($4,217.591). 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
Venezuela is 3.0x more densely populated than Bolivia (31 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 Venezuela live an average of 3.9 years longer than those of Bolivia (72.5 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
Venezuela's economy grew at 5.3% compared to Bolivia's -1.1%. Venezuela's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities. Bolivia's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Venezuela vs Bolivia for Families
For family travel, Bolivia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.0 vs 21.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Venezuela 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.
Venezuela vs Bolivia for Budget Travelers
Venezuela is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,217.591 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Venezuela 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.
Venezuela vs Bolivia for Retirees
Venezuela's life expectancy of 72.5 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.
Venezuela vs Bolivia Cost of Living
Bolivia's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Venezuela, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bolivia, while Venezuela offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Venezuela can approach or exceed average costs in Bolivia's smaller cities.
Venezuela vs Bolivia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Venezuela and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Venezuela spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Venezuela'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, Venezuela or Bolivia by population?
Venezuela is larger by population, with 28.5M residents compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Venezuela is 2.5 times more populous than Bolivia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Venezuela or Bolivia?
Venezuela has the higher GDP at $119.8B, compared to Bolivia's $54.9B. Venezuela's economy is 2.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Venezuela and Bolivia?
Venezuela has a higher life expectancy at 72.5 years, compared to Bolivia's 68.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.9 years. Venezuela's life expectancy is 0.5 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, Venezuela or Bolivia?
Bolivia is larger by land area, covering 1,098,581 km² compared to Venezuela's 916,445 km². Bolivia is 1.2 times larger than Venezuela.
What languages are spoken in Venezuela and Bolivia?
Venezuela 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, Venezuela or Bolivia?
Inflation data is not available for Venezuela. Bolivia's inflation rate is 5.1%.
Is Venezuela or Bolivia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bolivia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.0 vs 21.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Venezuela offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both coun...
Is Venezuela or Bolivia cheaper to visit?
Venezuela is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,217.591 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Venezuela can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bolivia. However, Bolivia may offer better v...
Is Venezuela or Bolivia better for retirement?
Venezuela's life expectancy of 72.5 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, cli...
Is Venezuela or Bolivia more expensive to live in?
Bolivia's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Venezuela, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bolivia, while Venezuela offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Venezuela or Bolivia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Venezuela and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Venezuela spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Venezuela's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remot...