Overview of Bolivia

Profile

Bolivia is located in central South America with diverse terrain ranging from the 4,000m-high Altiplano to jungle regions. As a plurinational state, it recognizes 36 indigenous languages as official. Rich in natural gas and lithium resources, it has also gained global recognition for its music, dance, and festivals.

Official name: Plurinational State of Bolivia
Common name: Bolivia
Numeric code: 068
Alpha-3 code: BOL
Alpha-2 code: BO
Population: Approximately 12 million (2022)
Population density: Approximately 11 people/km2
Primary languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guaraní, 36 other indigenous languages
Major religions: Catholicism, Protestant Evangelicalism
National anthem: Bolivianos, el Hado Propicio
Calling code: +591
Internet TLD: .bo

History

After independence from Spain in 1825, Bolivia experienced numerous territorial losses and political changes, adopting a constitution aimed at plurinational coexistence in 2009.

Under 16th-century Spanish rule, Potosí's silver mines fueled the world economy. After losing coastal territories in the 1879 War of the Pacific and becoming landlocked, Bolivia underwent tin industry development, the Chaco War, the 1952 National Revolution, military rule, and democratization. In 2006, Evo Morales became the country's first indigenous president, advancing resource nationalization and social reforms amid political turmoil. The Luis Arce administration took office in 2020.

Geography & climate

Terrain where the Andean highland Altiplano, eastern Amazon lowlands, and southern Gran Chaco semi-arid zone coexist

Diverse, from highland cold to tropical rainforest

Area: South America / 1098581 km²
Capital: Sucre (Legislative and Judicial), La Paz (Executive)
Largest city: Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Coastal status: No
Major lakes: Lake Titicaca, Lake Poopó, Salar de Uyuni (salt flat during dry season)
Bordering countries: Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay

Natural resources

Natural gas, Petroleum, Lithium, Tin, Silver, Gold, Tungsten, Iron ore, Timber, Hydropower, Salt, Uranium, Antimony, Coal, Mercury

Politics

Government: Presidential republic (plurinational state)

Economy

Currency: Boliviano (BOB)

GDP (nominal): 46.5 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 138.2 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guaraní, 36 other indigenous languages

Time zone: Bolivia Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Quechua, Aymara, Guaraní, Mestizo, Criollo European, Afro-Bolivian, Chiquitano, Moxo

Life expectancy

72 years

Literacy rate

94%

National sports

Soccer, Futsal, Basketball, Volleyball, Frontón (highland racket sport)