12.2% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 1.0 million current smokers in Bolivia
20.5% of men are current smokers but only 4.1% of women
Country profile
Data sourced:
2025.
Page updated:
2026-08-10
Smoking in Bolivia
The prevalence of current tobacco smoking in the general population in Bolivia has decreased from 39% in 2000 to 24% in 2015. The WHO projection shows a further decrease to 18% by 2025. The decreasing prevalence has been driven by men, for whom prevalence declined steeply (-21%) from 52% in 2000 to 31% in 2015, with a projection to decrease further to 23% by 2025. Women's smoking prevalence has decreased (-10%) from 27% in 2000 to 17% in 2015, with a projection to decrease further to 13% by 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2015 report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection.
3,090
Deaths
In Bolivia, 3,090 people die each year due to tobacco smoking.
0.6%
e-cigarette vaping
The prevalence of current e-cigarette vaping among adults is 0.6%.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Bolivia
E-cigarettes are legal in Bolivia including their sales and use. Purchasing them through online channels is allowed but not from vending machines. Restrictions exist also on their use in public places. Moreover, manufacturers are required to place health warnings on their packaging. Notably, there are no restrictions on their flavours.
Available data show that the adult current vaping prevalence in Bolivia was 0.6% in 2019, indicating an estimated 46,542 vapers. This prevalence was 0.7% among females and 0.5% among males in the same year.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Bolivia
In Bolivia, Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) are allowed for sale (including online sales), and use. HTPs are available in general retail stores. However, the law requires manufacturers to place health warnings on HTPs' packaging and applies restrictions on their flavours. Health benefit claims of these products are not allowed.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Bolivia
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is banned in Bolivia.
Snus
in Bolivia
Used in Scandinavia for more than 200 years, snus is providing smokers in Sweden and Norway with an alternative to combustible cigarettes. Find out what it is, and why it is considered a safer nicotine product in our briefing paper.
Pouches
in Bolivia
Nicotine pouches are a relatively new product which can provide users of high-risk tobacco with an alternative that poses fewer risks to their health. Read more about nicotine pouches in our briefing paper
The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team.
However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice.
We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product
categories can change at short notice and with little publicity.
If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region,
you should verify the information independently.
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