The main economic activities range from agriculture and food production, especially apples for exportation.

According to the 2002 census of the National Statistics Institute, Olivar spans an area of 44.6 km2 (17 sq mi) and has 12,335 inhabitants (6,244 men and 6,091 women).

[2] As a commune, Olivar is a third-level administrative division of Chile administered by a municipal council, headed by an alcalde (mayor) who is directly elected every four years.

[1] Within the electoral divisions of Chile, Olivar is represented in the Chamber of Deputies by Ricardo Rincón (PDC) and Felipe Letelier (PPD) as part of the 33rd electoral district, together with Mostazal, Graneros, Codegua, Machalí, Requínoa, Rengo, Doñihue, Coinco, Coltauco, Quinta de Tilcoco and Malloa.

The commune is represented in the Senate by Alejandro García-Huidobro (UDI) and Juan Pablo Letelier (PS) as part of the 9th senatorial constituency (O'Higgins Region).