Bolivia, officially the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in South America. It is located in the southern and western hemispheres, below the equator. Bolivia is bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay and Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the west. The country is named after Simón Bolívar, a Venezuelan leader in the Spanish American wars of independence. Bolivia is home to a diverse range of landscapes, from the Amazon Rainforest to the Andes Mountain Range.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Hemisphere | Southern and Western |
Distance from the Equator | 1,174.59 mi (1,890.32 km) south of the equator |
GPS Coordinates | 16.2902° S and 63.5887° W |
Countries it shares borders with | Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay |
Population | 11,294,034 |
Area | 424,164 sq mi |
Landlocked | Yes |
What You'll Learn
Bolivia is located in the southern hemisphere
Bolivia is a landlocked country, with no sea border. It is mostly mountainous, with the Andes running through it, and is home to rainforests along the banks of the Amazon. Bolivia is the largest landlocked country in the Southern Hemisphere and the seventh-largest globally. It is the fifth-largest country in South America, with an area of 424,164 square miles (1,098,581 square kilometres).
Bolivia has a varied climate, with every gradation of temperature, from equatorial heat to arctic cold. The Andes region experiences cold winds all year round, with average temperatures ranging from 45 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 11 degrees Celsius). In contrast, the low plains of the Oriente are hot, with average temperatures of 73 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 25 degrees Celsius).
Bolivia is a diverse country, with a wide range of landscapes, cultures, and languages. It is named after Simón Bolívar, a Venezuelan leader in the Spanish American wars of independence.
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Bolivia is a landlocked country
Bolivia's landlocked status is a result of the War of the Pacific, which lasted from 1879 to 1883. During this conflict, Bolivia ceded its entire 250-mile coastline to Chile and became landlocked. Despite no longer having direct access to the ocean, Bolivia still maintains a navy, using Lake Titicaca as its training ground.
Bolivia's landlocked status has had significant economic implications. The country has argued that the lack of direct access to the sea has hindered its economic development and has sought to regain sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean. Bolivia relies on Chilean ports for its trade, particularly the ports of Arica and Antofagasta, through which it ships raw materials and commodities. The lack of sovereign access to these ports adds to the country's transport costs and negatively impacts its trade position.
Bolivia's geography varies significantly, from the Andean mountain range in the west to the Amazon basin in the east. The country is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including rainforests, mountains, valleys, and the world's largest swamp, which it shares with Brazil. Bolivia's varied landscapes and natural resources make it a country of great geographic diversity and beauty.
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Bolivia is the 27th largest country in the world
Bolivia, officially known as the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is the 27th largest country in the world. With a land area of 1,098,581 square kilometres (424,164 square miles), Bolivia is the fifth-largest country in South America. Bolivia is a landlocked country, with Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay and Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the west. Bolivia is a country of diverse landscapes, from the Amazonian plains and lowlands to the Andes mountains, and from valleys with a warm climate to high plateau areas with cold climates.
Bolivia is a multiethnic country with a large proportion of indigenous people. The country has 36 official languages, including Spanish, Aymara, and Quechua. The population of Bolivia is estimated to be around 12 million, and the country is known for its rich cultural heritage, including its food, music, and arts, which feature elements of both native Indian and European culture.
Bolivia possesses significant natural resources, including large mineral deposits and hydrocarbons. The country is a major producer of tin and gold, and agriculture is a key sector, employing about 40% of the workforce. However, despite economic gains in the 21st century, poverty and social tensions remain prevalent in Bolivia, and the country continues to face challenges in areas such as school enrollment and life expectancy.
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Bolivia is the poorest country in South America
Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America, located below the equator. It is the second poorest country in South America in terms of GDP per capita. Bolivia's per capita income in 2018 was $3,682, according to the International Monetary Fund. The country's landlocked geography is a factor that contributes to its economic disadvantage.
Bolivia has a population of about 10 million people, speaking more than 38 different languages. The country is rich in natural resources, with vast supplies of minerals and metals such as tin, copper, silver, and gold, as well as oil fields. Despite these resources, half of the population lives in poverty.
Historically, Bolivia has faced challenges due to its landlocked status and exploitation by colonial powers. During the colonial era, Bolivia was valued for its wealth of natural resources, particularly gold and silver, by Spanish colonists. The country gained its independence in 1809, and its currency is named after the famous revolutionary leader Simon Bolivar.
In recent years, Bolivia has made significant economic progress. Between 2006 and 2014, the country's GDP per capita doubled, and the extreme poverty rate declined from 38% to 18%. These improvements are largely attributed to the socialist government of Evo Morales, who introduced several measures to combat poverty. For example, the Bono Juancito Pinto provides school children with grants to encourage education, while the Renta Dignidad program aims to prevent extreme poverty among the elderly.
Despite these improvements, Bolivia remains the second poorest country in South America. The Bolivian government has implemented sound economic policies and encouraged growth, but the country continues to face challenges in reducing poverty and improving the lives of its citizens.
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Bolivia is home to the largest geographic extension of Amazonian plains and lowlands
Bolivia is a landlocked country in central South America, located below the equator. It is bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay and Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the west. Bolivia is home to the largest geographic extension of Amazonian plains and lowlands, with a tropical climate. The eastern lowlands of Bolivia include all land north and east of the Andes, covering over two-thirds of the country's territory. This region is sparsely populated and has a diverse landscape, ranging from rainforests in the north to savannas and petroleum and natural gas reserves in the central area.
The Llanos region, which comprises 59% of Bolivia's territory, is characterised by flat land and small plateaus. It is covered by extensive rainforests and has a humid tropical climate with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F). The wind coming from the Amazon rainforest brings significant rainfall, and during certain months, dry winds from the south can lead to cooler temperatures.
The Amazonian plains and lowlands of Bolivia are a part of the Amazon Basin, which is the first of Bolivia's three drainage basins. The Amazon Basin covers 66% of the country's territory and is characterised by wide, slow-moving rivers, such as the Mamoré, Beni, and Madre de Dios, which flow northward into the Amazon River in Brazil. The Amazon Basin is also home to several important lakes, including Rogaguado, Rogagua, and Jara.
Bolivia's geographic extension of Amazonian plains and lowlands is a significant feature of the country's landscape and contributes to its biodiversity. The eastern lowlands, situated within the Amazon Basin, showcase the diversity of Bolivia's natural environment and contrast with the Andean region to the west.
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Frequently asked questions
Bolivia is located below the equator.
Bolivia is in the southern and western hemispheres.
Bolivia shares borders with Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru.
Bolivia is 1,174.59 miles (1,890.32 kilometres) south of the equator.