Bolivia labor informality reaches 84.2%

Labor informality in Bolivia has reached a critical level, exceeding 80% according to various studies. Data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) shows that informality rose to 84.2% in March 2026, up from 82.6% during the same period in 2025.

This trend disproportionately affects specific demographics. Informal occupation rates for youth reached 93.2% and for women 85.9%, compared to 92.1% and 85% respectively in the first quarter of 2025. For men, the rate stood at 81%.

While the unemployment rate remains relatively low at 3.2%, the high informality means millions of Bolivians lack access to essential labor rights, including minimum wage, social security, and retirement benefits. Economists suggest the government, led by President Rodrigo Paz, needs to provide more support through microcredits, healthcare access, and tariff reductions to address the contraction of the internal market.