The Hub Of Bolivian Immigrants: Where Is It?

Bolivia has experienced far less immigration than its South American neighbours. However, small groups of Germans, Spaniards, Italians, Yugoslavians, Japanese, and others live in the country. The largest concentration of Bolivian immigrants is in Argentina, with 423,000 Bolivian nationals living there as of 2020. Spain is the second most popular destination, with 160,000 Bolivian immigrants. The United States is also a popular destination for Bolivian immigrants, with 93,442 Bolivian emigrants living there in 2019. The largest concentration of Bolivian immigrants in the US can be found in the states of Virginia, Maryland, New York, Florida, Illinois, and California.

Virginia, Maryland, New York, Florida, Illinois, and California

Virginia

Fairfax County, Virginia, is home to the highest concentration of Bolivian immigrants in the US, with 13,000 or 15,000 Bolivians living in the area. This accounts for 38% of the total Bolivian population in the country.

Maryland

Montgomery County, Maryland, is another hub for Bolivian immigrants, with 3,500 or 4,400 Bolivians living in the area.

New York

The New York City borough of Queens is home to a large number of Bolivian immigrants, with 1,800 living in the Queens borough.

Florida

Miami-Dade County, Florida, is a key location for Bolivian immigrants, with 4,000 living in the area.

Illinois

Chicago, Illinois, has a notable Bolivian population, with 1,100 living in Cook County. The city also has a large number of Bolivian-born medical doctors.

California

Los Angeles County, California, has a significant Bolivian population, with 3,600 living in the area.

Washington Metropolitan Area

The Washington Metropolitan Area is home to the largest concentration of Bolivian immigrants in the United States, accounting for 38% of the total Bolivian population in the country. This equates to approximately 31,200 Bolivian immigrants, with the largest numbers found in Fairfax County, Virginia (15,000), Montgomery County, Maryland (4,400), and Arlington County, Virginia (4,000).

The demographic breakdown of Bolivian immigrants in the Washington, DC, and Baltimore metro areas is 46% male and 54% female. In comparison to other immigrant groups in the area, a smaller proportion of Bolivian immigrants are naturalized US citizens (39% compared to 50%). Additionally, 55% of Bolivian immigrants in these areas are proficient in English.

In terms of employment, the largest proportions of Bolivian immigrants in the Washington and Baltimore metro areas work in construction occupations (18%), building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (12%), and food preparation and serving occupations (11%). Bolivian immigrants in these areas are also more likely to be self-employed (9%) than other foreign-born individuals (6%) and native-born US citizens (4%). However, the median income for self-employed Bolivian immigrants is lower ($30,379) compared to other self-employed foreign-born individuals ($40,505) and native-born US citizens ($61,000).

The educational attainment of Bolivian immigrants in the Washington, DC, and Baltimore metro areas is lower than that of other immigrant groups and native-born citizens. Only 27% of foreign-born Bolivians over 25 years old have a Bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 43% of all other immigrants and 47% of native-born US citizens.

The median earned income of Bolivian immigrants in the Washington, DC, and Baltimore metro areas is $36,497, which is lower than that of all other foreign-born individuals ($47,088) and native-born US citizens ($64,000). Additionally, a smaller proportion of Bolivian immigrants are homeowners (49%) compared to other foreign-born individuals (55%) and native-born US citizens (65%).

São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Corumbá, and Guajará-Mirim

São Paulo is Brazil's most populous city and home to a large Bolivian community. The city offers economic opportunities and houses several consulates and cultural institutions representing Bolivia.

Rio de Janeiro, the second-most populous city in Brazil, has a diverse immigrant population, including Bolivians. The city's historical role as the country's capital and cultural centre has likely contributed to its appeal to immigrants.

Corumbá, a Brazilian town bordering Bolivia, has a significant Bolivian presence due to its proximity and cross-border trade. However, it has also been associated with human smuggling and other illicit activities.

Guajará-Mirim, another Brazilian town near the Bolivian border, hosts an Honorary Consulate of Bolivia. This presence facilitates economic, political, and cultural ties between the two countries and supports the local Bolivian community.

London, Newcastle, and Edinburgh

London

According to a 2007 mapping exercise by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the overwhelming majority of all Bolivians in the United Kingdom reside in London. The report identifies boroughs with high concentrations of Bolivians, including Southwark (mainly Elephant and Castle, Old Kent Road, and Peckham Rye), Haringey (mainly Seven Sisters and Finsbury Park), Camden, Lewisham, and Lambeth (mainly Vauxhall and Brixton). More affluent Bolivians tend to live in North London, while the less affluent live in Southeast London.

Newcastle

Newcastle upon Tyne, commonly known as Newcastle, is a city and metropolitan borough in Tyne and Wear, England. The International Organization for Migration states there are between 500 and 2,000 Bolivians in Newcastle, one of the largest populations in any city in the UK.

Edinburgh

The 2011 UK Census recorded 113 Bolivian-born residents in Scotland, with community leaders estimating that there might be as many as 25,000 Bolivian-born people in the UK. While the exact number of Bolivian immigrants in Edinburgh is unclear, it is one of the concentrations of Bolivian immigrants outside of London identified by the 2007 IOM mapping exercise.

Santa Cruz, La Paz, and Cochabamba

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz de la Sierra, commonly known as Santa Cruz, is the largest city in Bolivia and the country's principal destination for national and international migrants. The city's population is estimated at 2.4 million, with its metropolitan region being the most populous urban agglomeration in Bolivia. Santa Cruz is characterised by its mestizo and Creole identity, with a smaller indigenous population. The city has a diverse economic base, including oil, forestry, agribusiness, and construction sectors. It produces nearly 35% of Bolivia's GDP and receives over 40% of the country's foreign direct investment.

Santa Cruz has a history of internal and international migration. Large migrations from western regions of Bolivia, particularly the Bolivian Altiplano, have transformed the city's demographics, leading to a growing mestizo population. Externally, immigrants to Santa Cruz have primarily come from Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Peru, the United States, and Mexico. The city's international migration patterns reflect its role as a commercial hub and its proximity to neighbouring countries.

La Paz

La Paz, located in the west-central region of Bolivia, is the country's seat of government and one of the main economic centres. It is known for its high elevation in the Andes Mountains and serves as a base for tourists visiting the famous Lake Titicaca. La Paz has been a destination for internal migration within Bolivia, with people moving from rural areas to cities in search of better job opportunities.

Historically, La Paz has also been a significant entry point for international migrants to Bolivia. In the late 16th century, African slaves were brought to work in the silver mines in Potosí, located near La Paz. More recently, La Paz experienced an influx of Japanese immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with some settling in the Mapiri River Region to work in rubber plantations and others contributing to mining and railroad construction.

Cochabamba

Cochabamba, located in the geographical centre of Bolivia, is the country's fourth-largest city and is known for its pleasant climate. The city has a diverse economic base, including agriculture, industry, and commerce. Cochabamba has been a destination for internal migration within Bolivia, particularly from the Valle Alto region, and has attracted immigrants from neighbouring countries, including Argentina, Brazil, and Peru.

While specific data on immigrant concentrations in Cochabamba is limited, its economic opportunities and central location make it a significant destination within Bolivia.

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