Economy Overview
A lack of foreign investment in the key sectors of mining and hydrocarbons, along with conflict among social groups, pose challenges for the Bolivian economy. In 2015, President Evo MORALES expanded efforts to court international investment and boost Bolivia’s energy production capacity. MORALES passed an investment law and promised not to nationalize additional industries in an effort to improve the investment climate. In early 2016, the Government of Bolivia approved the 2016-20 National Economic and Social Development Plan aimed at maintaining growth of 5% and reducing poverty.
Agriculture Products
soybeans, quinoa, Brazil nuts, sugarcane, coffee, corn, rice, potatoes, chia, coca
Industries
mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco, handicrafts, clothing, jewelry
Industrial Production Growth Rate
4% (2016 est.)
Labor Force
4.992 million (2016 est.)
Labor Force by Occupation
Agriculture: 29.4%
Industry: 22%
Services: 48.6% (2015 est.)
Unemployment Rate
7.4% (2015 est.)
Population Below Poverty Line
38.6%
Household Income or Consumption by Percentage Share
Lowest 10%: 0.9%
Highest 10%: 36.1% (2014 est.)
Distribution of Family Income Gini Index
57.9 (1999)
Budget
Revenues: $14.58 billion
Expenditures: $16.81 billion (2016 est.)
Public Debt
39.1% of GDP (2015 est.)
Central Bank Discount Rate
2.5% (31 December 2015 est.)
Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate
Stock of Narrow Money
$8.946 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
Stock of Broad Money
$15.45 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
Stock of Domestic Credit
$18.9 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
Market Value of Publicly Traded Shares
$9.833 billion (31 December 2014 est.)
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
$13.06 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
Debt External
$9.849 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
Stock of Direct Foreign Investment at Home
$1.084 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
Stock of Direct Foreign Investment Abroad
$0 (31 December 2015 est.)
Exchange Rates
6.94 (2012 est.)
