Bolivia's Coastline: A Lengthy And Intriguing Journey

Bolivia, a landlocked country in west-central South America, lost its coastline to Chile during the War of the Pacific (1879-1883/1884). Every year on March 23, Bolivia commemorates the loss of its coastline during the Dia del Mar or Day of the Sea. This day marks the anniversary of when Bolivia lost access to the sea and is a reminder of the country's determination to reclaim its coastline.

The loss of the coastline has had a significant impact on Bolivia's economy and development. Bolivia's export-oriented economic system no longer corresponds to its geographic reality, and the country has missed out on the strong economic development of the Pacific Rim in the 19th century. Additionally, the lack of direct access to the sea has resulted in higher costs for Bolivian exports, impacting its competitiveness in global markets.

The issue of Bolivia's lost coastline has also had a profound effect on the country's national identity and imagination. Schools play a central role in transmitting the memory of this loss to younger generations, fostering a sense of patriotic duty to reclaim the coastline. The loss of the coastline is often portrayed as a wound or mutilation, creating a strong emotional bond between Bolivians and their territory.

Despite the passage of time, Bolivia has not given up on its dream of regaining a coastline. In 2010, Bolivia signed an agreement with Peru to build a port on a small stretch of Pacific coastline near Ilo, taking a step towards fulfilling its maritime ambitions.

Bolivia lost its coastline to Chile in the 1879-1883/4 War of the Pacific

Bolivia is a landlocked country in central South America. It is bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Bolivia lost its coastline to Chile in the 1879-1883/4 War of the Pacific.

The War of the Pacific was fought between Chile and an alliance of Bolivia and Peru. The war was sparked by a dispute over Chilean claims on coastal Bolivian territory in the Atacama Desert. Bolivia increased taxes on a Chilean mining company, in violation of a boundary treaty. Chile responded by sending troops to occupy the Bolivian port city of Antofagasta. Bolivia, with the support of its ally Peru, declared war on Chile.

The war ended in victory for Chile, which gained control of significant resource-rich territory, including the Bolivian department of Litoral, turning Bolivia into a landlocked country. The loss of the coastline remains a sensitive issue in Bolivia, and the country continues to pressure Chile for sovereign access to the sea.

The War of the Pacific had a significant impact on the region. Chile's national treasury grew substantially due to taxes from the newly acquired lands. In contrast, Bolivia and Peru suffered economic and social consequences, with the loss of territory and revenue from natural resources. The war also contributed to political changes in both countries, with the rise of new leaders and the signing of peace treaties.

Bolivia has been landlocked since the War of the Pacific

The war ended with a Chilean victory, resulting in Bolivia losing its 250-mile coastline on the Pacific Ocean and becoming landlocked. Chile also gained control of the disputed Bolivian department of Litoral, along with significant resource-rich territories from Peru.

Every year on March 23, Bolivia celebrates the "Day of the Sea" or "Día del Mar," commemorating the loss of its coastline and its determination to reclaim access to the Pacific Ocean. In 2013, Bolivia's President Evo Morales filed a lawsuit at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Chile, demanding that it negotiate and return sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean. However, the ICJ ruled against forcing Chile to give up its territory.

Bolivia celebrates its lost coastline every year on 23 March

Bolivia, officially the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in central South America. It is one of two landlocked countries in South America, the other being Paraguay. Bolivia's landlocked status is due to its loss of access to the Pacific Ocean following the War of the Pacific (1879-1883). During this conflict, Bolivia lost a 250-mile coastline to Chile, along with almost 50,000 square miles of territory.

Every year on March 23, Bolivia commemorates the loss of its coastline with a holiday known as "Día Del Mar" or "Day of the Sea." This holiday remembers what Bolivians see as a "historical injustice" and serves as a reminder of their determination to reclaim access to the Pacific Ocean. The date of March 23 was chosen to honour Eduardo Abaroa, a Bolivian war hero who was shot and killed by Chilean forces during the first battle of the War of the Pacific.

The Day of the Sea is marked by parades and other commemorative events in cities like La Paz, Cochabamba, and Sucre. Bolivia's navy, La Armada Boliviana, also participates in these events, despite the country not having a coastline. The holiday is an important expression of Bolivian nationalism and unity, with banners reading "Sea for Bolivia, Sea unites us."

Bolivia's desire to reclaim access to the Pacific Ocean is not merely symbolic. Former president Eduardo Rodríguez Veltze has argued that the country's annual GDP growth would be 20% higher if it obtained a route to international waters. Bolivia's current economic situation is challenging, as it is the second-poorest country in South America. Regaining access to the sea would provide a significant boost to the country's trade and economic development.

Bolivia has actively pursued the restoration of its coastline. In 2013, then-president Evo Morales filed an official plea before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague, demanding that Chile negotiate and return sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean. However, in 2018, the ICJ ruled against forcing Chile to give up its territory. Despite this setback, many Bolivians remain passionate about their country's maritime aspirations, and the Día Del Mar continues to be celebrated with fervour and determination.

Bolivia has the world's highest altitude navy

Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America, but it still has a navy. The Bolivian Navy, or the Bolivian Naval Force, was established in 1963 as a river force and now has approximately 5,000 personnel. Bolivia's coastline was lost to Chile during the War of the Pacific (1879-1883/1884) and the country has never reconciled with this loss.

Every year on March 23, Bolivia celebrates the "Día del Mar" or "Day of the Sea", commemorating the loss of its coastline and the determination to reclaim access to the Pacific Ocean. The country's navy plays a significant role in this annual event, as it exists to keep alive the hope of recovering Bolivia's coast by cultivating a maritime consciousness.

The Bolivian Navy has a unique characteristic of being a landlocked naval force. It primarily operates on the country's large rivers, which are tributaries of the Amazon, and on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, shared with Peru. The Navy's duties include patrolling these waterways to prevent smuggling and drug trafficking, delivering supplies to remote areas, and providing assistance during floods. Additionally, the Bolivian Navy has participated in United Nations peacekeeping operations in Haiti and conducts training exercises with the Argentine Navy.

Bolivia's determination to maintain a navy despite its landlocked status is closely tied to the country's history and aspirations for sovereign access to the sea. The country's highest administrative capital, La Paz, is located at a high altitude of 3,640-3,869 meters above sea level. The metropolitan area of El Alto-La Paz has a population of over two million people and sits at an elevation higher than Mount Fuji in Japan.

The existence of the Bolivian Navy serves as a reminder of the country's maritime past and its ongoing efforts to regain access to the ocean. It is a source of national pride and plays a crucial role in Bolivia's cultural and political identity.

Bolivia has a population of around 12 million

Bolivia, officially the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in central South America with a population of around 12 million. The country is bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Bolivia's population is multiethnic, including Amerindians, Mestizos, Europeans, Asians, Africans, and other groups. The official and predominant language is Spanish, although 36 indigenous languages also have official status, including Guaraní, Aymara, and Quechua.

Bolivia's history is marked by Spanish colonization and the subsequent struggle for independence. The country gained independence from Spain in 1825, and the republic was established in honour of Simón Bolívar. Since then, Bolivia has experienced a series of coups and political unrest, with democratic civilian rule established in 1982.

Bolivia's geography varies significantly, from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the eastern lowlands of the Amazon basin. The country is rich in natural resources, with mining being a major sector of the economy. Despite being landlocked, Bolivia maintains a navy and continues to assert its maritime claim to Chile, seeking sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean.

The country's population is mostly urban, with the majority concentrated in the departments of La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba. Bolivia has a young population, with almost 60% under the age of 25. The country faces social and economic challenges, including poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education and healthcare. However, Bolivia has made significant progress in recent years, reducing extreme poverty and improving healthcare and education.

In summary, Bolivia, with its diverse population of approximately 12 million, is a country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and vast natural resources. Despite facing various challenges, Bolivia has shown resilience and continues to work towards improving the lives of its people.

Frequently asked questions