Facts and Figures

IOM Member State since 1960 Capital: Sucre (official), La Paz (administrative) Population (2011): 10.1 million Area: 1.1 million sq km Major Languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guarani Currency: Boliviano (BOB) GDP per Capita PPP (2010): USD 4,849 HDI Rank (2011): 108 of 187 Remittances (2011 estimate): USD 1,188 million Net Migration Rate (2010-2015): -1.9 migrants / 1,000 population Immigrants (2010): 1.5% Women as a Percentage of Immigrants (2010): 47.7% Population under 15 (2011): 35.6% Adult HIV Prevalence (2009): 0.2%

Sources and Definitions

Latest News

• IOM Deputy Director General Participates in the Tenth South American Conference on Migration
• Providing Emergency Assistance to Bolivia's Flood Victims

Overview

Bolivia has a population of 10 million regular citizens and approximately 1.6 million emigrants. Migration is an important issue in this Andean country, and there are currently efforts underway to establish a law of migration that will serve as a basis for the implementation of a policy to meet the needs of foreigners in Bolivia and Bolivians living abroad. In addition, because of the huge socioeconomic gap between the rich and the poor, migrants are highly vulnerable to human trafficking and labour exploitation.

The migratory process in Bolivia continues to be an issue that links the actions of the Government of Bolivia and the work of different civil society actors and NGOs. This work is reflected by the recent passage of the Human Rights Action Plan, which establishes a framework for the development of public policy on migratory issues with specific activities included to meet the needs of migrants.

Movement, Emergency and Post-Crisis Migration Management

Support to affected population in shelters and temporary housing facilities. To ensure more effective coordination among humanitarian actors during national emergencies, government authorities and especially shelter managers require additional training in disaster preparedness, to provide appropriate assistance when needed.

Resettlement of Brazilian Families in the Bolivian Department of Pando. Through the support of the Governments of Brazil and Bolivia, IOM works in the city of Cobija to provide technical cooperation in the resettlement process of Brazilian citizens living in the border strip of the Department of Pando. The Programme offers to create economically sustainable and socially worthy opportunities for these Brazilian families in a state of vulnerability.

Main Projects

• Support to affected population in shelters and temporary housing facilities
• Resettlement of Brazilian Families in the Bolivian Department of Pando

Regulating Migration

Counter-Trafficking

Development of training materials on human trafficking for consular officials and UN peacekeepers. The goal is to provide training to consular officials and UN peacekeeping forces, enabling them to offer assistance, protection and opportunities for voluntary return, to possible trafficking victims, particularly women and children.

Statistical research of victims of trafficking especially of women, children and adolescents. This project intends to establish the foundations for a public strategy to fight human trafficking in Bolivia as well as strengthen the capacities of regional coordination and cooperation regarding processes of reintegration and return of victims of trafficking.

Prevention of human trafficking in Bolivia’s borders. Prevention of migrants trafficking by raising awareness to teachers and students in eight schools on the borders of Bolivia.

Projects

• Development of training materials on human trafficking for consular officials and UN peacekeepers
• Statistical research of victims of trafficking especially women, children and adolescents
• Prevention of human trafficking at Bolivia’s borders

Assisted Voluntary Return

Return and reintegration of migrants in human and cost-effective conditions. The Assisted Voluntary Return Programmes aim to solve the vulnerable situations of stranded and/or irregular migrants. IOM’s assistance to the Bolivian Government promotes quality attention to Bolivians abroad through equipment and capacity building.

Projects

• Enhancing migration governance, voluntary return and reintegration in Bolivia

Immigration and Border Management

Assistance to the Bolivian government in the management of border control. The project intends to support the Government of Bolivia in the framework of a communication system and collection of national data on the flow of migrants, the free movement of people, and management of Bolivia’s borders.

Projects

• Assistance to the Bolivian government in the management of border control

Migration Policy and Research

Strengthening the Development and Implementation of Bolivia’s and Ecuador’s International Migration Policies. This project seeks to support the development and implementation of international migration policies of Bolivia and Ecuador, two countries that share some of the same principles and viewpoints on migration affairs. Project components include the exchange of best practices, information campaigns and awareness-raising dialogues, technical assistance, and development of a knowledge base on international migration policy affairs.

Projects

• Support development and implementation of international migration policies of two countries, Ecuador and Bolivia

Last updated:
Main text: May 2011
Facts and figures: May 2012