Bolivia

Official name: Plurinational State of Bolivia
Also known as: Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia, República de Bolivia, Republic of Bolivia

Flag of Bolivia
Capital: La Paz, Sucre
Total Area: 1,098,581 km² (424,164 mi²) (28th)
Approximate population: 12,413,315 (79th) - (2024 est.)
Location: Central South America
Languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guarani, Other Indigenous languages
Religions: Christianity 92.8% [Catholicism 81.4%, other Christian 11.4%], no religion 6.5%, other 0.7% - (2020 est.)
Currency: Boliviano (BOB)
Time zone: UTC−04:00 (BOT)
Calling code: (+591)
Organizations: United Nations

Border countries: Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,423 km, Chile 860 km, Paraguay 750 km, Peru 1,075 km.
Geography – note: landlocked; separated from the Pacific Ocean via Chile. Bolivia shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru

Bolivia — is a beautiful, geographically diverse, multiethnic, and democratic country in the heart of South America.
Sometimes referred to as the Tibet of South America, Bolivia is one of the most "remote" countries in the Western Hemisphere; except for the navigable Paraguay River stretching to the distant Atlantic, Bolivia and Paraguay are the only two landlocked nations in the Americas. It is also the most indigenous country in the Americas, with 60% of its population being of predominantly Native American ancestry.

Administrative divisions: 9 departments (departamentos, singular- departamento):
Bolivia has nine departments—Pando, La Paz, Beni, Oruro, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Potosí, Chuquisaca, Tarija.

Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, Beni, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija.
Out of the nine departments, La Paz was originally the most populous, with a population of 3,022,566 in 2024, but was overtaken by the eastern department, Santa Cruz, with a population of 3,115,386 by 2024; Santa Cruz also claims to be the largest in area, with an area of ​​370,621 km² (143,098 mi²).
Pando is the least populous, with a population of 130,761.
The smallest by area is Tarija, with an area of ​​37,623 km² (14,526 mi²).

Cities, towns, and villages

  • La Paz — The administrative capital and seat of the government. Gateway to the highest climbable mountains in Bolivia, Lake Titicaca and the Death Road. of the government
  • Sucre — is the de jure capital city of Bolivia, the capital of the Chuquisaca Department and the sixth most populous city in Bolivia. Located in the south-central part of the country, Sucre lies at an elevation of 2,790 m (9,150 ft). This relatively high altitude gives the city a subtropical highland climate with cool temperatures year-round. Also, a popular tourist magnet with lots to see and do including hiking, partying and seeing dinosaur footprints. Over the centuries, the city has received various names, including La Plata, Charcas, and Chuquisaca. Today, the region is of predominantly Quechua background, with some Aymara communities and influences.
  • Rurrenabaque — is a small town in the north of Bolivia, on the Beni River. It is the capital of Rurrenabaque Municipality. In recent years, it has become popular with international tourism as it is an easy gateway for visits to Madidi National Park, which is within the Bolivian rainforest. It also provides access to the surrounding pampas. Locals commonly refer to the town by its shortened nickname, "Rurre."
  • Cochabamba — is a city and municipality in central Bolivia in a valley in the Andes mountain range. It is the capital of the Cochabamba Department and the fourth largest city in Bolivia. Its name is from a compound of the Quechua words qucha "lake" and pampa, "open plain." Residents of the city and the surrounding areas are commonly referred to as cochalas or, more formally, cochabambinos.
    It is known as the "City of Eternal Spring" or "The Garden City" because of its spring-like temperatures all year round. It is also known as "La Llajta," which means "town" in Quechua. It is the largest urban center between the higher capital of La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra in the tropical plains of the east. It sits south-west of the Tunari mountains, and north of the foothills of the Valle Alto. In antiquity, the area featured numerous lakes, which gave the city its name. Many of these lakes have since disappeared to urban development, but Coña Coña and Alalay lakes are extant examples. It has been a populated settlement since the Pre-Inca period, and is today an important cultural, educational, political, and commercial centre.
  • Oruro — (Hispanicized spelling) or Uru Uru is a city in Bolivia, about halfway between La Paz and Sucre in the Altiplano, approximately 3,709 meters (12,169 ft) above sea level.
    It is Bolivia's fifth-largest city by population, after Santa Cruz de la Sierra, El Alto, La Paz, and Cochabamba. It is the capital of the Department of Oruro and the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oruro. Oruro has been subject to cycles of boom and bust owing to its dependence on the mining industry, notably tin, tungsten (wolframTungsten (also called wolfram) is a chemical element; it has symbol W and atomic number 74. It is a metal found naturally on Earth almost exclusively in compounds with other elements. It was identified as a distinct element in 1781 and first isolated as a metal in 1783. Its important ores include scheelite and wolframite, the latter lending the element its alternative name.wolfram.jpg), silver and copper.
  • Potosí — A high-altitude mining town, once one of the wealthiest cities in the world due to its silver mines. Popular for its mining tours.
  • Quime — Spectacular hidden valley town surrounded by high mountains of the Cordillera Quimsa Cruz, between La Paz & Cochabamba, with mines, waterfalls, native cloud forest and 31 Aimara indigenous communities. Most convenient of Bolivia's valley towns to get to.
  • Santa Cruz — The second-largest and most affluent city of Bolivia.
  • Sorata — Go there for some of the best climbs (Illampu, Ancohuma) and mountain hikes. Similar to Quime but more vibrant and alive with vast hiking opportunities, ranging from 1-day Laguna to 12-day villages hikes.
  • Tarija — Famous for its wine production and pleasant climate. The Festival of Wine is held annually in Tarija.
  • Tupiza Capital of Sud Chichas Province, it is known for it's beautiful red rock formations, mild climate, and many tourists attractions.
  • Riberalta Capital of the Bolivian Amazon - it isn't very touristy but there is unique nature around.
  • Tarabuco — is a town in Bolivia, some 60 km from Sucre. It has gained its fame for its handicrafts and arts, best seen at its Sunday market. Tarabuco (and area around) has a deep tradition in festival clothing and handicrafts, and some history of cannibalism (you can gain an overview in Museo de Arte Indígena ASUR in Sucre).
  • Samaipata — Just 3 hours drive from Santa Cruz Bolivia, this inter Andean Town is the base for amazing adventures which include trekking Amboro National Park, The worlds best Condor trek, El Fuerte Ruins, Multiple Waterfalls, Che Guevara Route and more.
  • Santiago de Chiquitos — This incredible small town is host to a huge variety of adventures which include rock climbing, thermal rivers, waterfalls, rock paintings, music festivals, jungle treks and much more.

Natural resources: tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber, hydro-power.