Bolivia–Chile relations

International relations between the Republic of Chile and the Plurinational State of Bolivia have been complex ever since independence in the early 19th century because of the Atacama border dispute. Relations soured even more after Bolivia lost its coast to Chile during the War of the Pacific and became a landlocked country (Bolivia still claims a corridor to the Pacific Ocean). Chile and Bolivia have maintained only consular relations since 1978, when territorial negotiations failed and Bolivia decided to sever diplomatic relations with Chile. However, in spite of the strained relationship, Chile and Bolivia still have economic treaties supporting tourism and cooperation; therefore, trading between two nations is not affected by the territorial dispute.

Throughout history, these two South American countries have had strained relations since independence in the early 19th century, due to the dispute over the Atacama Corridor. Relations became particularly tense after Bolivia lost its coastline to Chile at the end of the 19th century during the War of the Pacific, becoming a landlocked country. However, Bolivia continues to claim a sovereign outlet to the Pacific Ocean. Today, the two countries share a border extending 942 kilometers.

With the assumption of office by Michelle Bachelet in Chile, relations improved; however, in 2012 the territorial dispute became more serious, and in 2013 the then Bolivian president Evo Morales brought a case against Chile before the International Court of Justice, initiating a new period of tension between the two countries. This process concluded in 2018 with a ruling unfavorable to Bolivia, dismissing any obligation on the part of the Chilean state to enter into negotiations.