The Constitutional Capital Of Bolivia: A City's Name

Bolivia has two capital cities: Sucre, the constitutional capital, and La Paz, the administrative capital. When Bolivia gained independence in 1825, the Republic was founded in Sucre, which was established as the capital. However, in 1899, the Liberal Party and Conservative Party clashed, and the Liberals, supported by the tin mine owners, overthrew the Conservatives. The Liberals then moved the country's seat of government to La Paz. Today, La Paz is the seat of the executive and legislative branches of the Bolivian government, while Sucre remains the judicial capital and the only capital city of Bolivia as per the constitution.

Sucre is the constitutional capital of Bolivia

Sucre is located in the south-central part of Bolivia and is the sixth most populous city in the country. It is situated at an elevation of 2,790 m (9,150 ft), giving it a subtropical highland climate with cool temperatures all year round. The region is predominantly Quechua, with some Aymara communities and influences.

The city has had several names over the centuries, including La Plata, Charcas, and Chuquisaca. The latter is thought to derive from the Quechua words chuqi, meaning 'precious metal' or 'silver', and shaqa or saqa, meaning 'abundance', translating to 'a heap of precious metal'.

Sucre was founded in 1538 or 1539 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro Anzures (or de Anzúrez) on the site of an Inca town called Chuquisaca. It was originally named Ciudad de la Plata de la Nueva Toledo (City of Silver of New Toledo). In 1561, it became the capital of Charcas audiencia (a judicial and military territory of the Viceroyalty of Peru). The city became a centre of the Bolivian independence movement in 1809, and in 1839, it was renamed Sucre and proclaimed the capital of Bolivia.

Sucre is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, with many buildings dating back to the 16th century. The historic centre of the city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Notable buildings include the Casa de la Libertad (where the Bolivian Declaration of Independence is kept), the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Chuquisaca Governorship Palace.

The city is also an important educational centre, home to one of the oldest universities in the Americas, the Universidad Mayor Real y Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca (USFX), founded in 1624.

La Paz is the administrative capital

La Paz is situated at a breathtaking altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level, making it the highest administrative capital city in the world. The city offers a network of cable cars that provide incredible views of the urban landscape. The surrounding region is home to the spectacular Lake Titicaca, which is the second-largest lake in South America.

While La Paz serves as the administrative capital, the constitutional capital of Bolivia is Sucre. Sucre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and mild climate. It is located in the Central Highlands of Bolivia and has a population of approximately 300,000 people. Sucre's historical significance stems from its role as the first capital of Bolivia and its importance during the country's independence movement.

Sucre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sucre, the constitutional capital of Bolivia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is recognised for its well-preserved colonial architecture, which showcases the blending of European and local architectural styles. Sucre's pleasant climate and low crime rates have made it a popular destination for both foreigners and locals alike.

Sucre was founded by the Spanish in the first half of the 16th century and was originally called Ciudad de la Plata de la Nueva Toledo (Silver Town of New Toledo). The city has since been renamed several times, including La Plata, Charcas, and Chuquisaca, before finally being named Sucre in honour of the revolutionary leader, Antonio José de Sucre.

Sucre's historic centre features a typical Spanish-colonial checkerboard street pattern, with well-preserved religious and public buildings from the 16th to 19th centuries. The city is home to several important landmarks, including the Casa de la Libertad, the Basilica of Saint Francisco, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Recoleta Monastery.

The rich cultural heritage of Sucre is reflected in its religious diversity, with the presence of various churches and convents. Sucre also has the distinction of being the seat of the Roman Catholic Church in Bolivia. The city's educational institutions, such as the Universidad Mayor Real y Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca, one of the oldest universities in the New World, further contribute to its cultural significance.

In addition to its architectural and cultural significance, Sucre boasts a subtropical highland climate with cool temperatures year-round. The city is located at an elevation of 2,750 to 2,790 meters above sea level, in the south-central part of Bolivia. The surrounding mountainous landscape offers a variety of tours for visitors, ranging from light to heavy walks, bicycle trips, or motorised excursions.

Sucre's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognises the city's unique blend of cultural and natural heritage, making it a valuable destination for those seeking to explore Bolivia's rich history and natural beauty.

La Paz is the seat of the executive and legislative branches

Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America, bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. The country is divided into nine departments, with a population of around 12 million people. Bolivia has two capital cities: Sucre and La Paz. Sucre is the constitutional capital, while La Paz is the seat of the executive and legislative branches of the government.

La Paz is located in a magnificent canyon carved out by the Choqueyapu River, just 68km (42 mi) from the spectacular Lake Titicaca. The city is known for its terracotta roofs, sprawling markets, and energetic streets. La Paz is also the highest capital city in the world, sitting at an altitude of 3,650 m (11,975 ft) above sea level. The city is home to various government ministries, foreign embassies, and the central bank. It is also where the President resides.

The executive branch of the Bolivian government is led by the President, who is elected to a five-year term by popular vote. The President governs from the Presidential Palace in La Paz. The legislative branch, or the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, is composed of two chambers: the Chamber of Deputies and the Chamber of Senators. The Chamber of Deputies has 130 members, while the Chamber of Senators has 36 members. The legislative branch has the power to debate and approve legislation initiated by the executive branch.

The executive and legislative branches of the Bolivian government are based in La Paz, making it the de facto capital of the country. However, Sucre remains the constitutional capital and is home to the judiciary branch. Sucre is located in the central highlands of Bolivia and is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, earning it a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is named after the revolutionary leader, Antonio José de Sucre, and was established in 1538. Sucre is also a significant educational and governmental centre, housing the Bolivian Supreme Court.

Sucre is the seat of the judiciary

Sucre is the constitutional capital of Bolivia and the seat of the judiciary. The Supreme Court of Bolivia is located in Sucre, making it the judicial capital of the country. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial instance in Bolivia in criminal, civil, and administrative cases. It consists of 12 judges, who are appointed by the National Congress by a two-thirds majority for a period of 10 years. The Chief Justice is also the President of the Council of the Judicature and is chosen by the Supreme Court by a two-thirds majority for a two-year period. The court is composed of five chambers: one civil, two criminal, and two administrative-social.

Sucre holds major national importance and is an educational and government center. The city has a pleasant climate and low crime rates, making it popular among foreigners and Bolivians alike. Sucre is home to one of the best-preserved Hispanic colonial and republican historic city centers in the Western Hemisphere. The architectural heritage and the millenarian history of the Charcas region led to Sucre's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The region is predominantly of Quechua background, with some Aymara communities and influences. Sucre was an Inca town called Chuquisaca before Spanish colonization. The name Chuquisaca possibly derives from the Quechua words "chuqi," meaning precious metal or silver, and "shaqa" or "saqa," meaning abundance, heap, or pile of small things. Thus, the name translates to "a heap of precious metal" or "a pile of silver."

The city of Sucre is divided into eight numbered districts: the first five are urban, while Districts 6, 7, and 8 are rural. The rural districts include numerous rural communities outside the urban area. Sucre has a subtropical highland climate with mild temperatures year-round. The city's elevation is 2,790 meters (9,150 feet), giving it a cool and pleasant climate.

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