Bolivia vs Sweden
Bolivia has a population of 11.4M, compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Bolivia is 1.1 times more populous than Sweden. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 11.0 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Bolivia covers 1,098,581 km², 2.4 times larger than Sweden's 450,295 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 14.7 years higher than Bolivia's 68.6 years.
BoliviaSweden| Population | +7.2%11.4M | -6.7%10.6M |
| Area | +144.0%1,098,581 km² | -59.0%450,295 km² |
| GDP | -90.9%$54.9B | +1000.0%$603.7B |
| GDP Per Capita | -92.3%$4,421.166 | +1191.9%$57,117.488 |
| Life Expectancy | -17.7%68.6 yrs | +21.5%83.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +900.0%20.0 | -90.0%2.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -65.9%3.0% | +193.0%8.7% |
| Capital | Sucre | Stockholm |
| Region | Americas | Europe |
| Languages | Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish | Swedish |
| Currencies | BOB (Bs.) | SEK (kr) |
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
Bolivia is 1.1 times more populous than Sweden, with 11.4M residents compared to 10.6M. Bolivia is a nation of 11.4M people, while Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people. In terms of population density, Bolivia averages 10 people per km² (sparse), while Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse). Bolivia has grown at 1.37% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sweden.
Economy Comparison
Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Sweden is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 11.0 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Bolivia's GDP per capita of $4,421.166 is 67% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Sweden are on average 12.9 times wealthier than those in Bolivia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Bolivia is 68.6 years, compared to 83.3 years in Sweden, a gap of 14.7 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 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 900% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Bolivia (1,098,581 km²) is 2.4 times larger by land area than Sweden (450,295 km²). Bolivia shares borders with 5 countries, while Sweden borders 2 countries. Bolivia spans 1 timezone, compared to Sweden's 1 timezone. Bolivia lies in South America, while Sweden is located in Europe. Bolivia is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas Sweden belongs to Europe (Northern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Bolivia and Sweden is in GDP per capita: Bolivia's $4,421.166 compared to Sweden's $57,117.488 represents a 92% gap. The most significant difference between Bolivia and Sweden is in GDP: Bolivia's $54.9B compared to Sweden's $603.7B represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Bolivia and Sweden is in infant mortality: Bolivia's 20.0 per 1,000 compared to Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 represents a 90% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bolivia's lower-middle-income economy and Sweden's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Sweden has a GDP per capita of $57,117.488, which is 12.9x 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 Sweden is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Sweden is 2.3x more densely populated than Bolivia (24 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 Sweden live an average of 14.7 years longer than those of Bolivia (83.3 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
Sweden's economy grew at 0.8% 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
Bolivia vs Sweden for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Bolivia vs Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Bolivia vs Sweden for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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.
Bolivia vs Sweden Cost of Living
Sweden's GDP per capita is 12.9x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, 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 Sweden's smaller cities.
Bolivia vs Sweden for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Bolivia and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bolivia spans 1 timezone while Sweden 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, Bolivia or Sweden by population?
Bolivia is larger by population, with 11.4M residents compared to Sweden's 10.6M. Bolivia is 1.1 times more populous than Sweden.
Which country has a higher GDP, Bolivia or Sweden?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Bolivia's $54.9B. Sweden's economy is 11.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Bolivia and Sweden?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Bolivia's 68.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.7 years. Bolivia's life expectancy is 3.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Sweden's is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Bolivia or Sweden?
Bolivia is larger by land area, covering 1,098,581 km² compared to Sweden's 450,295 km². Bolivia is 2.4 times larger than Sweden.
What languages are spoken in Bolivia and Sweden?
Bolivia recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish. Sweden recognizes: Swedish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Bolivia or Sweden?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Bolivia's 5.1%. Sweden'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 Bolivia or Sweden better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 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 at...
Is Bolivia or Sweden 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 Sweden. However, Sweden may offer better value i...
Is Bolivia or Sweden better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 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, climat...
Is Bolivia or Sweden more expensive to live in?
Sweden's GDP per capita is 12.9x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Sweden, while Bolivia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly ...
Is Bolivia or Sweden better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Bolivia and Sweden, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bolivia spans 1 timezone while Sweden covers 1. Bolivia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income...