World Happiness Report for Bolivia 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Bolivia: 73
- Happiness Score Bolivia:5.784
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Bolivia. BO.
Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America. It is a constitutional democracy with a President as the head of state. Indigenous culture is a significant aspect of Bolivian society, and traditional clothing and customs are often showcased in festivals and events. The country is known for its natural resources, particularly its large reserves of natural gas and minerals.
- Bolivia has the largest indigenous population in the Americas, with over 40 different indigenous groups.
- Lake Titicaca, located in Bolivia, is the highest navigable lake in the world.
- The Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat, attracting tourists from around the globe.
Bolivia – Overview
Early History
The area now known as Bolivia has been inhabited for over 20,000 years. The ancient Tiwanaku civilization emerged around 300 BCE and thrived until the 12th century CE, leaving behind impressive archaeological sites such as the Tiwanaku ruins near Lake Titicaca.
Kingdoms and Empires
In the 15th century, the Inca Empire conquered and incorporated the region into their vast territory. The Incas established the city of Cuzco as their capital and expanded their influence throughout the Andes.
Colonial Period
The Spanish conquistadors, led by Francisco Pizarro, defeated the Inca Empire in the 16th century. The territory became part of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru and was known as Upper Peru or Charcas. Indigenous populations were exploited for labor in mines and on plantations.
Independence and Modern Era
After years of struggle, Upper Peru gained independence from Spain in 1825 and was renamed Bolivia in honor of Simón Bolívar, the Venezuelan revolutionary leader. Political instability, military coups, and social unrest marked much of Bolivia’s early years as a republic. In the 20th century, Bolivia lost access to the Pacific Ocean in the War of the Pacific (1879-1884) against Chile. The country experienced periods of economic turmoil, including the Tin Crisis of the 1980s, and transitioned to democracy in the 1980s after years of military dictatorships.
Current Political Situation
Bolivia is a unitary presidential constitutional republic. The current president is Luis Arce, who took office in 2020. The country has a multi-party system with the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party currently in power.
International Relations
Bolivia has close ties with regional organizations like the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). It maintains a territorial dispute with Chile over access to the Pacific Ocean.
Human Development and Economy
Bolivia has a lower-middle-income economy, with natural gas, mining, and agriculture as major industries. The country has made progress in reducing poverty and improving human development indicators but still faces challenges in income inequality and access to basic services.
Cultural Highlights
Bolivia is a multicultural nation with a predominantly Indigenous population. Spanish and various Indigenous languages, such as Quechua and Aymara, are spoken. Bolivian culture is rich in traditions, arts, and cuisine, with influences from pre-Columbian civilizations and Spanish colonization.
Challenges and Opportunities
Key challenges for Bolivia include overcoming economic and political instability, reducing poverty and inequality, and addressing environmental issues like deforestation and climate change. Opportunities lie in developing sustainable industries, promoting tourism, and leveraging its cultural diversity and natural resources.
Travel Tips for Bolivia
Best Times to Visit: The dry season from May to October is generally the best time to visit Bolivia, with mild temperatures and clear skies. However, the rainy season from November to April can offer lush landscapes and fewer tourists.
Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, especially in Indigenous communities. Dress modestly, ask for permission before taking photographs, and learn basic Spanish or Indigenous language phrases. Haggling is common in markets.
Safety Precautions: Exercise caution in major cities, particularly at night. Avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash. Petty crime and bag snatching can occur. Follow local advice and stay updated on potential protests or demonstrations.
Main facts
1. Location
Bolivia is a landlocked country located in central South America. It is bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay and Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the west.
2. Map References
Bolivia is part of the continent of South America.
3. Area – Comparative
With an area of 1,098,581 sq km, Bolivia is slightly less than three times the size of the U.S. state of Montana.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Bolivia shares land borders with the following countries:
5. Coastline
Bolivia is a landlocked country and has no coastline.
6. Maritime Claims
As a landlocked country, Bolivia has no maritime claims.
7. Climate
Bolivia has a varied climate due to its diverse topography. The lowlands have a tropical climate, while the Altiplano (high plateau) has a cold, semi-arid climate. The eastern lowlands are humid and tropical, while the western regions are arid and semi-arid.
8. Terrain
Bolivia’s terrain consists of the rugged Andes Mountains in the west, with the Altiplano (high plateau) in the central region, and the humid lowlands in the east. The major mountain ranges include the Cordillera Occidental and Cordillera Oriental.
9. Elevation Extremes
The lowest point in Bolivia is the Rio Paraguay (90 m), and the highest point is Nevado Sajama (6,542 m).
10. Natural Resources
Bolivia’s major natural resources include tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron ore, lead, gold, timber, and hydropower.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in Bolivia include:
12. Natural Hazards
The main natural hazards in Bolivia include:
- Flooding in the northeast (March-April)
- Earthquakes
- Droughts
- Occasional severe tropical storms (January-March) in the northeast
13. Geography – Notes
Bolivia is home to various ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, dry valleys, and the Andes mountain range. It is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with over 3,000 species of butterflies and 1,400 species of birds. Bolivia’s economy relies heavily on the export of natural resources, particularly natural gas, minerals, and agricultural products.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 50.30%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 21,606. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 34.80%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: -16.290154-63.588653.
- Capital: The capital of Bolivia is Sucre
- Major Cities:
- Santa Cruz de la Sierra – Population: 1,441,176
- La Paz – Population: 2,154,488
- Cochabamba – Population: 630,587
- Oruro – Population: 264,683
- Sucre – Population: 300,000
- Population: 11,513,100
- Area(Km2): 1098581
- Population Density( P/Km²):11. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:591
- Official Language(s):Spanish 60%, Quechua 21.2%, Aymara 14.6%
- Currency: BOB
Main Economic Indicators
Bolivia is a lower-middle-income country with a population of around 11.8 million. Its economy is heavily dependent on natural gas and minerals, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices. Key economic challenges include widespread poverty, income inequality, and insufficient job creation. Notable economic policies include the nationalization of key industries and efforts to diversify the economy through industrialization and import substitution.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
2021: 0.7% (Source: National Statistics Institute)
2020: 1.5% (Source: National Statistics Institute)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: B+
Moody’s: Ba3
Standard & Poor’s: BB-
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 13.7%
Industry: 34.4%
Services: 51.9% (2017 estimates)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural products: Soybeans, corn, sugarcane, potatoes, plantains, wheat, coffee, coca
Industrial products: Natural gas, minerals, metals, oil and petroleum products, precious metals, vehicles, jewelry, energy
Labor Force
Total labor force: 5.4 million (2022 estimate)
Labor force ranking: 73rd in the world
Current Account Balance
Current account balance:
2021: -$261 million (0.4% of GDP)
2020: -$1.023 billion (-1.6% of GDP)
Current account balance ranking: 50th in the world (2021)
Exports and Imports
Exports: $11.78 billion (2021)
Key export partners: Brazil, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, China
Main exports: Natural gas, minerals, soybeans, gold, silver
Imports: $10.91 billion (2021)
Key import partners: China, Brazil, Argentina, United States, Chile
Main imports: Machinery, vehicles, fuel, electronics, plastic
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign exchange reserves: $4.66 billion (December 2022)
Gold reserves: 52.6 tonnes (December 2022)
- GDP (Current US$):$40,895,322,865. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 17.00%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 83.70%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.71. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $1.36. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 3.50%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
Bolivia
1. National Identity
Nationality: Bolivian(s)
Adjective: Bolivian
2. Ethnic Groups
Major ethnic groups:
- Mestizo (mixed White and Amerindian ancestry) – 68%
- Quechua – 20%
- Aymara – 9%
- Other – 3%
3. Religions
Religious affiliations:
- Roman Catholic – 76.8%
- Evangelical and Protestant – 8.1%
- Other – 3.6%
- None – 11.5%
4. Age Structure
Population distribution:
- 0-14 years – 31.3%
- 15-64 years – 62.3%
- 65 years and over – 6.4%
5. Dependency Ratios
Dependency ratios:
- Total dependency ratio – 60.7%
- Youth dependency ratio – 52%
- Elderly dependency ratio – 8.7%
6. Median Age
Median age:
- Total population – 25 years
- Males – 24.3 years
- Females – 25.8 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Relevant lifestyle statistics:
- Obesity rate (adult population) – 19.1%
- Alcohol consumption (liters per capita) – 4.6
- Smoking prevalence (adult population) – 24.5%
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 71.2. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 87.2%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:21.75. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:10. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 2.73. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 40.1%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 8,033,035. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):25.90%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Bolivia’s military consists of three main branches: the Bolivian Army, Bolivian Air Force, and Bolivian Naval Force. The army maintains special forces units, including the Fuerzas Especiales (Special Forces) and Comandos Anfibios (Amphibious Commandos). The national police, known as the Bolivian National Police, is responsible for internal security and law enforcement.
Military Expenditures
Military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 1.5%
- 2021: 1.4%
- 2020: 1.5%
- 2019: 1.4%
- 2018: 1.3%
Bolivia’s military spending ranks 112th globally.
Personnel Strengths
Bolivia has approximately 58,000 active-duty military personnel, with the following breakdown:
- Army: 35,000
- Air Force: 6,000
- Navy: 7,000
The Bolivian National Police has a strength of around 43,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Bolivia’s military equipment includes a mix of domestically produced and imported hardware. The army’s inventory consists mainly of armored personnel carriers, light artillery, and small arms. The air force operates a fleet of transport aircraft and helicopters, while the navy’s assets are primarily riverine patrol vessels. Bolivia is currently pursuing the acquisition of new transport aircraft and helicopters for its air force.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Bolivia has a voluntary military service system. The legal age for voluntary military service is 18 years. There is no conscription or mandatory military service requirement in Bolivia.
Military Deployments
Bolivia currently has no significant overseas military deployments. However, it contributes a small contingent of personnel to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).
Strategic Military Notes
Bolivia’s defense strategy is primarily focused on maintaining territorial integrity and internal security. The military plays a supporting role in counter-narcotics operations and border security. Bolivia is a member of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and participates in regional security initiatives through this alliance.
- Armed Forces Size: 34100. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 1.59
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 71.80%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.