| Bolivia in South America | Bolivia in Detail |
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Bolivia straddling the Andes, is a land of gaunt mountains, cold desolate plateau, mild valleys and tropical lowlands. It is landlocked by Chile, Peru, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.
Its surface is by no means flat, and most citizens are involved in activities such as mining, herding and agriculture. The more fertile eastern part is almost unoccupied and the western part is the more inhabited.
The political and economical situations are very stable and it’s one of the most secure countries in South America.
For the traveler, Bolivia provides a sampling of everything South America has to offer (with the exception of a seacoast). Sites of great historical interest include the ancient ceremonial site of Tiahuanacu, Potosí with a mining and wealth tradition that go back to the 16th century, ornate Jesuit churches of the lowlands and much more. The architecture of Bolivia's colonial cities is best preserved in places like Sucre, where also one of the largest groups of dinosaur tracks is located.
There are also ample opportunities for hiking, trekking and wildlife viewing as well as living unique experiences with Bolivian people. Bolivian music, played on native instruments is in itself a compelling reason to visit.
In every corner of this little known country, travelers will discover a wealth of distinctive cultures, natural beauty and the sort of unforgettable experiences and characters that still match the classic expectations of visitors to South America as well as fulfilling the most adventurous ones.
Bolivia is one of the most authentic countries in South America, known for its safety and stability. It offers a rich cultural legacy, dramatic topography but above all, the hospitality and warmth that Bolivians have towards their visitors.
Bolivia is located in the heart of South America and is bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru. Its territory extends from the eternal snow-capped mountains of the Andes to the luxuriant Amazon jungle. Due to its unique attractions and geographical locations it's a country full of contrasts.
1.098.541 km2 / 425.807 miles2
Bolivia has approximately 8,137,113 inhabitants. 70% live on the bleak Altiplano in the west.
Between 50% and 60% of the population is pure indigenous and most of these people speak either Quechua or Aymara as a first language. About 35% are mestizo, people of Spanish American and American Indian percentage or descent. About 1% of the population is of African heritage.
Life expectancy is 62 years.
School attendance is theoretically compulsory for children under 14.
Bolivia's official literacy rate of 75% is one of the lowest in Latin America.
Spanish is the official language. The natives also speak Quechua in the valleys, Aymara in the altiplano and guarani and other dialects in the lowlands.
English is spoken in several places.
The official religion is Catholic, but law guarantees freedom of worship.
Sucre is the historical and official capital of Bolivia, being La Paz the site of government.
Democratic.
Bolivia suffers from a rugged terrain, which make communications difficult, while its landlocked position hinders export development. Bolivia's economy is based mainly on agriculture, mining and the exportation of natural gas and oil. Some fabrics are also produced in the country.
Agriculture employs over a third of the population. The most fertile area is located in the department of Santa Cruz where Soya beans, sunflowers, cotton and sugar are produced. Agroindustry is blooming as processing plants are being built.
Mining is an area of considerable investment but doesn't give a very large return since prices have gone down in the international market. Tin and silver are still produced and gold is also exploited near Oruro and La Paz.
The oil and gas industry provides de government with its largest single source of income. Bolivia exports natural gas to Argentina, Brazil and there is also an agreement to do so to Paraguay. Research is done permanently and new reserves are discovered all the time.
Bolivia presents a full range of climates: cool in the highlands, mild in the valleys and warm in the flat lowlands. Generally there are three months of rain (December through February), and nine months of crystal blue skies and sunshine. In the highlands and the valleys the climate is dry which makes any temperature more comfortable.
Very good by air. Major international airlines have offices in Bolivia and almost any flight can be arranged.
On land, most of the main roads are in excellent shape, although there are some minor roads that remain unpaved, and not in great conditions at some seasons.
Some very good water transportation is also available on Lake Titicaca.
A wide variety of comfortable accommodations are available in each hotel category.
Besides international cuisine, Bolivia offers a large variety of national dishes especially of the spicy type. The quality of meat and vegetables is excellent and water is safe.
A shopping paradise at fair prices.
Bolivia uses a standard current of 220 volts at 50 cycles except in some places in La Paz.
Shops work from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 15:30 to 19:00 on weekdays.
Banks and offices from 08:30 to 12:00 and from 14:30 to 18:00 on weekdays. Most establishments also work on Saturday morning.
Besides Carnival when native dances can be seen all around Bolivia, smaller festivals are scheduled through the year in each city and also in small villages, where even family events are a good reason to celebrate.
Bolivia was part of the extended Inca Empire until the arrival of the Spanish conquerors and part of the Alto Peru before it became independent in 1825. After the first Indian revolutions which had started in the late 16th. century, Bolivia was finally liberated by Simon Bolivar and Antonio Jose de Sucre.
In the colonial period this region had been the cradle of the silver mines when the city of Potosí was almost as populated as Paris and known throughout the world for its wealth.
The reserves of silver were almost depleted. In the 19th century, in the same regions tin was discovered and it became the mainstay of the Bolivian economy until 1985.
Bolivia was more than twice the size that it is today, but international conflicts with neighboring countries ended in the loss of large tracts of land and of its seacoast, so that it has become, since 1879, a landlocked country.
Since the beginning of its republican life Bolivia has changed presidents as no other country has, mainly because of the difficult economic and social conditions that developed in the country. It's only a little over 45 years since Bolivia really became a nation where advanced political, economic and social systems were established and at present day Bolivia is a modern country with a fabulous history of culture and traditions.
In Bolivia Tiwanaku culture, followed by the Inca culture typified Andean development. In the valleys more modest social models developed in the formative, late formative and pre-ceramic ages.
Towards the southeast were located different forest-dwelling groups related to the larger Guarani family.