Bolivia
The figures from Bolivia highlight a strong public commitment to education financing. The most recent data (2023) shows that the country invested 8.32% of GDP in public education, surpassing the international benchmark of 6% and well above the regional average. Education’s share of the public budget was 23.15%, exceeding the 20% target and again above the regional average. However, public spending per school-age person was USD 982.64 (2021), which remains below the regional average.
Attendance indicators provide further insight into equity. In 2021, the gender ratio was 0.96, slightly below the regional average but pointing to near gender parity. The wealth parity index was 1.04, meaning children from wealthier households are somewhat more likely to attend school, though the level of inequality is below the regional average.
To complement these figures, our members provide national-level analysis, highlighting important nuances and policy recommendations.
Read our members’ education financing brief
Public financial effort reflects the share of resources devoted to education as a proportion of GDP and the national budget. Since 2015, international benchmarks have recommended allocating 4–6% of GDP and 15–20% of government expenditure to education. In Bolivia, the most recent data (2023) shows that 8.32% of GDP was allocated to education—well above the 6% target and higher than the regional average. Education also accounted for 23.15% of total government spending, surpassing both the 20% benchmark and the regional average.
Public expenditure on education as a % of GDP
Public expenditure on education as a % of total public expenditure
Per-student spending was USD 982.64 (2021), which remains below the regional average.
Public spending per school-age person
- The gender ratio was 0.96 (2021), showing near parity between boys and girls, although slightly below the regional average.
- The wealth parity index was 1.04, pointing to a modest advantage for wealthier children in school attendance. Importantly, this inequality is lower than the regional average, suggesting comparatively better equity outcomes.