Bolivia

South America

Bolivia is a country in South America, home to 12.4 million people, with an area of 1,098,581 km². Its capital is Sucre.

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

Bolivia at a glance

Language

Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara

Currency

Bolivian boliviano

Religion

Predominantly Roman Catholicism, with some Protestant and indigenous beliefs

National dish

Salteñas, a type of savory pastry filled with meat and vegetables

Climate

Varies depending on the region, but generally ranges from tropical in the eastern lowlands to cold and dry in the western highlands

Main industries

Agriculture, mining, and natural gas extraction

GDP

Approximately 43.2 billion USD

Development

Medium Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.718, ranked 114 out of 189 countries (2021)

Things to do in Bolivia

Bolivia has many attractions for tourists to enjoy, ranging from natural wonders to historic and cultural landmarks. Here are some of the main attractions in Bolivia:

• Salar de Uyuni The world's largest salt flat, covering an area of 10,582 square kilometers. It is a unique landscape that creates surreal photos.
• Lake Titicaca The highest navigable lake in the world and shared with Peru. It is a beautiful place to visit with stunning views of the surrounding Andes mountains.
• La Paz The administrative capital of Bolivia and one of the highest cities in the world, located in the Andes Mountains. The city offers a mix of historic landmarks and modern attractions, such as the Witches Market, the San Francisco Church, and the Teleferico (cable car).
• Sucre The constitutional capital of Bolivia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sucre has many beautiful colonial-era buildings, such as the Sucre Cathedral and the Bolivian House of Freedom.
• Tiwanaku An archaeological site near La Paz that was the capital of one of the most important pre-Columbian empires in the Andes.
• Potosi A historic mining town in Bolivia that is famous for its silver mines. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Yungas Road A mountain road connecting La Paz to the town of Coroico, known as the "Death Road" due to its narrowness and dangerous driving conditions.
• Madidi National Park A protected area in the Amazon Basin that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including jaguars, monkeys, and macaws.
• Oruro Carnival A colorful and vibrant celebration held every year in the city of Oruro, featuring traditional dances, music, and costumes.

These are just some of the many attractions that Bolivia has to offer, and there are plenty of other places to explore, such as the Jesuit Missions in the Chiquitania region and the colonial town of Tarija.

Bolivia in pictures

Bolivia on video

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Bolivia compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of South America.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Chile	19.8 million	756,102 km²	Santiago
Ecuador	18.1 million	283,561 km²	Quito
Bolivia	12.4 million	1,098,581 km²	Sucre
Paraguay	6.9 million	406,752 km²	Asunción

Ranked 78th of 195 countries by population and 27th by area.

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