Exploring Bolivia's Immigration Pull Factors

Bolivia has historically been a country of emigration, with a large proportion of its population living abroad, mainly in Argentina, Spain, and the United States. However, the Bolivian government has at times attempted to attract international migrants to settle in sparsely populated areas, particularly in eastern Bolivia. Despite these efforts, the country has experienced far less immigration than its South American neighbours, with immigrants making up only around 1% of the population. Small communities of Jews, Arabs, Mennonites, Japanese, Germans, Spaniards, Italians, and others exist in the country, with the majority settling in the departments of Santa Cruz, La Paz, and Cochabamba.

The country's history of emigration

Bolivia has historically been a country of emigration, with a significant portion of its population living abroad. It is estimated that around 700,000 Bolivians reside outside the country, representing about 7% of the total population. The main destination for Bolivian emigrants has been Argentina, followed by Spain and the United States. In recent years, however, due to stricter immigration policies in traditional destination countries, there has been a shift towards neighbouring countries such as Argentina and Brazil.

The history of emigration from Bolivia has been influenced by various factors, including economic and political conditions. For instance, the hyperinflation in Bolivia during the 1980s led to a wave of emigration, particularly among lower-income Mestizo and Indigenous Bolivians. Similarly, the 1952 National Revolution prompted the emigration of middle- to upper-middle-income professionals and political dissidents.

The country's internal dynamics have also played a role in emigration patterns. Bolivia has experienced significant internal migration flows, with people moving from rural areas to cities in search of better job opportunities. This rural-to-urban migration has contributed to the overall emigration trends, as urban residents with certain socioeconomic characteristics are more likely to emigrate.

Additionally, the country's history of colonisation and international migration policies have influenced emigration patterns. During the 20th century, the Bolivian government promoted international immigration to sparsely populated lands, particularly in eastern Bolivia. While these efforts had limited success in attracting foreign immigrants, they may have also influenced the emigration of Bolivians to less populated areas within the country.

The factors driving emigration from Bolivia are complex and multifaceted, and they continue to evolve over time. While economic and political conditions remain key factors, the increasing connectivity and information flow through migrant social networks have facilitated the emigration process and successful integration into destination countries.

International immigration policies

The Bolivian government has historically implemented policies to encourage international migration to the country, specifically targeting uninhabited areas. However, these attempts have largely been unsuccessful, with Bolivia experiencing significantly less immigration than its South American neighbours. The country's immigration policies have resulted in a small but diverse immigrant population, with various ethnic and national groups establishing communities within Bolivia.

Visa Requirements

The visa requirements for entering Bolivia depend on the country of origin. The Bolivian government categorises visa applicants into three groups. Citizens of Group 1 countries, including the USA, EU member states, and Australia, can enter Bolivia without a visa for stays of up to 30 to 90 days. Group 2 and 3 countries, on the other hand, require a visa for entry, with specific requirements and application processes varying between the two groups.

Group 2 Countries

Citizens of Group 2 countries must obtain a Bolivian visa before travelling or upon arrival for a fee. The application process involves contacting the nearest Bolivian Embassy or Consulate, completing the necessary forms, and submitting various documents, including a passport, proof of accommodation, a vaccination certificate, and others as specified. The processing time for Group 2 visas is typically around 10 to 15 working days.

Group 3 Countries

For Group 3 countries, applicants must apply for a visa at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate abroad, and the process is generally longer as authorisation from the National Migration Service in Bolivia is required. Similar to Group 2, applicants must submit specific documents and may be required to make an appointment or send their application by mail. The decision time for Group 3 visas can range from three to five weeks, and in some cases, up to three months.

Temporary and Indefinite Stay

Bolivia offers temporary stay visas for those with a valid passport, special purpose visa, work contract, and other supporting documents. Additionally, indefinite residence visas are also available under specific conditions.

Immigration History

Historically, Bolivia has experienced immigration from various countries and ethnic groups. Small communities of Germans, Spaniards, Italians, Yugoslavians, and others exist within the country. The Basque people, for instance, constituted a significant source of immigration from the late 16th to early 20th centuries, primarily working as shepherds and ranchers.

Japanese immigration to Bolivia began in 1899 and continued until the 1970s, with small communities forming in the department of Santa Cruz. Other East Asian and West Asian groups, such as Taiwanese, Chinese, Lebanese, and Syrians, also established communities in the late 20th century.

Jewish immigration to Bolivia has occurred in multiple waves, with a significant influx during the 1930s and after World War II. Additionally, the country has experienced Croatian immigration since the 19th century and German immigration since the 18th century, with a notable expulsion of Germans during World War II.

The March to the East

The "March to the East" was a central component of the Movimiento Nacionalista Revolucionario (MNR) party's program, which led the 1952 Bolivian Revolution. The MNR developed an internal colonisation program to encourage Bolivians from the country's highlands and valleys to migrate to the tropical lowlands in the east of the country. This was done to reduce pressure on agricultural land in the west and to develop modern export agriculture in the east.

The MNR collaborated with the US military to bring migrants from Okinawa to Bolivia, and also accepted Mexican Mennonite migrants. These migrant groups appealed to state ambitions, highlighting their contributions to making vacant lands productive and feeding the nation. The MNR's cultural, economic, and environmental projects were closely intertwined.

The "March to the East" was also depicted in a series of promotional films by Bolivian filmmaker Jorge Ruíz, who was contracted by the Instituto Cinematográfico Boliviano (ICB). These films were funded by the Alliance for Progress, USAID, and the Inter-American Development Bank, which also financed the settlement of the Bolivian Amazon.

The "March to the East" continued under the dictatorships of the 1960s and 1970s, through the neoliberal turn of the 1980s and 1990s, and into the 21st century. It resulted in internal colonisation processes in the most depopulated areas of the country and contributed to the development of cities like Santa Cruz, La Paz, and Cochabamba, which are now characterised by greater economic development.

The Bolivian climate

Bolivia's climate varies greatly depending on the altitude and topography of the region. The country is characterised by its high elevation, with temperatures fluctuating from hot and humid during the day to freezing cold at night. The solar rays in the highlands are intense, and rainfall in the lower regions is often relentless.

The climate in the lowlands is humid and tropical, with an average temperature of 30°C (86°F). The rainy season extends from late September to May, with an annual rainfall average between 1000 and 4000 mm. The heavy rainfall is caused by winds blowing in from the Amazon rainforest. From May onwards, drier winds from the south bring clearer skies and less rain. The hottest months are December and January, with humid days and warm nights.

In the highlands, the climate varies from cool and humid to semi-arid, with an average temperature range of 15-27°C (60-80°F). The coldest temperatures occur in the southwestern portion of the Altiplano during June and July. The rest of the year tends to be dry and sunny, though temperatures can drop just above freezing at night. The rainy season occurs between December and March, with an average rainfall of around 200-800+ mm. Snow is possible between April and September, especially in the north, but it is uncommon.

The Yungas Valley, part of the Amazonian lowlands, has warm and humid weather with refreshing breezes. At higher altitudes, temperatures are cooler, and snow occurs above 2000 meters. The rainy season is between March and April, with the southern areas experiencing a drier climate.

Despite the varying climatic conditions, Bolivia has two distinct seasons: the dry season (winter) from May to October, and the rainy season (summer) from November to March. During the dry season, days are slightly shorter but usually sunny, and nights are colder, especially in the highlands in June and July. In the lowlands, temperatures are less humid and more pleasant, though rain is still possible. During the rainy season, days are warm and humid in the east, mild in the south, and dry in the west. Evenings in the highlands are particularly pleasant, though heavy rains in the lowlands can cause flooding and an increase in heat, humidity, and mosquitoes.

The country's language

Bolivia is a multilingual country, with 37 languages recorded in the 2012 census. The nation's primary language is Spanish, which is spoken by 70%-84% of the population. Spanish is one of the country's official languages, alongside all indigenous languages, as outlined in the 2009 Constitution. The second most spoken language is Quechua, with 18% of the population speaking it, primarily in the Andes Region and the cities of Cochabamba, Tarija, Potosí, and Chuquisaca. The third most spoken language is Aymara, with 10% of the population speaking it, mainly in the Altiplano region around Lake Titicaca.

The diversity of languages in Bolivia reflects its rich cultural heritage and history of immigration. Various indigenous languages are widely spoken, including Chiquitano in the central part of Santa Cruz, and Guaraní in the southeast bordering Paraguay and Argentina. Bolivia is estimated to have the largest population of indigenous people in South America, with the majority being Quechuas.

The country has also experienced immigration from other parts of the world, influencing its linguistic landscape. For example, German is spoken by 160,000 people, with a significant number of Mennonites in the Santa Cruz Department speaking a German dialect called Plautdietsch in their daily lives. Additionally, Portuguese is spoken near the border with Brazil, and a small number of people have it as their mother tongue.

Bolivia's commitment to recognizing and preserving its indigenous languages is evident in its policies. The 1994 National Education Reform introduced all thirty indigenous languages alongside Spanish in schools. Furthermore, the Bolivian government and the Plurinational Institute for the Study of Languages and Cultures (Ipelec) announced plans in 2019 to extend constitutional recognition to three additional indigenous languages.

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