Exploring Bolivia's Bordering Nations: A Geographic Overview

Bolivia, officially the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in South America, bordering Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Bolivia is the fifth-largest country in South America and is home to an estimated 11 million residents. The country has diverse geographic features, ranging from the Andes mountain ranges to the lowlands. Bolivia's landscape is dominated by the huge Andes mountains in the west, with steep slopes and snow-capped peaks. The east and north of the country flatten into a lowland area known as the Oriente, which is made up of open grasslands, wetlands, and dense forests, including the Amazon rainforest.

Bolivia borders Brazil to the north and east

Bolivia, officially known as the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in west-central South America. Bolivia borders Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast, Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the northwest. Covering an area of 1,098,581 square kilometres (424,164 square miles), Bolivia is the fifth-largest country in South America and the largest landlocked country in the Southern Hemisphere.

Bolivia shares an expansive border with Brazil on its eastern side. The Bolivia-Brazil border is approximately 3,403 kilometres (2,127 miles) long. The border between the two countries traverses diverse terrain, from bustling urban centres to arid desert landscapes and dense tropical rainforests. Bolivia and Brazil have had a strained relationship in the past. In the early 20th century, the two countries fought over a fertile piece of land in the Amazon basin. The dispute was resolved in 1903 when Bolivia sold the territory to Brazil. More recently, in 2006, the two countries were engaged in a dispute over Bolivia's plan to nationalise its energy sector, which was settled in February 2007.

Bolivia's landscape is diverse, ranging from the towering Andes mountain ranges in the west to the vast lowland plains of the Amazon Basin in the east. The country is home to a multitude of ecosystems, including grasslands, wetlands, and tropical rainforests. The western region of Bolivia is dominated by the Andes, with steep slopes and snow-capped peaks. Sandwiched between the Andean mountain chains is the Altiplano, a high plateau where nearly half of the country's population resides. The Altiplano, sitting at an elevation of 3,650 to 3,800 metres (12,000 to 12,500 feet), is a relatively flat depression formed by sedimentary debris washed down from the surrounding mountains.

The eastern slopes of the Cordillera Oriental, a mountain range that bisects Bolivia from north to south, descend gently into rolling hills and valleys. Numerous rivers flow eastward, forming long valleys. The eastern and northern lowlands of Bolivia, comprising over two-thirds of the country's territory, are sparsely populated and predominantly covered by rainforests and savanna. This region includes the department of Santa Cruz, which is the fastest-growing economic region in Bolivia.

Bolivia's mountainous border with Brazil stands in contrast to its other borders, which are shaped by a variety of geographic features, including lakes, salt flats, and grasslands. The Bolivia-Brazil border cuts through diverse terrain, reflecting the varied landscapes found within each country.

Bolivia shares Lake Titicaca with Peru

Lake Titicaca is situated at the northern end of the endorheic Altiplano basin in the Andes. The western part of the lake lies within the Puno Region of Peru, while the eastern side is located in the Bolivian La Paz Department. The lake has a surface elevation of 3,812 m (12,507 ft) and an average depth of 107 m (351 ft). It is fed by five major river systems and more than 20 smaller streams, but it has only one outlet, the Desaguadero River, which accounts for about 10% of the lake's water balance.

The lake is divided into two nearly separate subbasins by the Strait of Tiquina, which is 800 m (2,620 ft) across at its narrowest point. The larger subbasin, Lago Grande or Lago Chucuito, has a mean depth of 135 m (443 ft) and a maximum depth of 284 m (932 ft). The smaller subbasin, Wiñaymarka or Lago Pequeño, has an average depth of 9 m (30 ft) and a maximum depth of 40 m (131 ft).

Lake Titicaca is home to more than 530 aquatic species, including unique fish, amphibians, and birds. It supports large populations of water birds and has been designated as a Ramsar Site. The lake's shores and islands are covered with reeds and other aquatic vegetation, which provide habitat for various wildlife species.

The lake holds cultural and religious significance for the indigenous people of the region. According to Inca mythology, it is the site where the moon was commanded to rise by the creator god Viracocha. The lake is also associated with the origin story of the Inca dynasty, as it is believed to be the place where the legendary founders, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, were sent down to Earth by the Sun. Ruins found on the lake's islands, such as the Sacred Rock and Chinkana on Isla del Sol, attest to the previous existence of ancient civilizations in the region.

Bolivia and Peru have a history of conflict over land and access to the Pacific coast, which has led to strained relations between the two countries. However, they continue to work together to protect and preserve Lake Titicaca, recognising its ecological and cultural importance.

Bolivia and Argentina have maintained amicable relations

In 2016, Argentine exports to Bolivia totalled US$559.7 million, while Bolivian exports to Argentina amounted to US$708.7 million. There is also a significant movement of people between the two countries, with millions of Bolivian citizens living and working in Argentina. Bolivia and Argentina are both members of several international organisations, including the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Latin American Integration Association, the Organization of American States, the Organization of Ibero-American States, and the United Nations.

Bolivia and Argentina have also collaborated to resolve border disputes. In 2009, Bolivian President Evo Morales and Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo signed an agreement settling a border dispute that had led to war in the 1930s. This agreement paved the way for the natural resources in the disputed area to be developed and used by both countries.

In addition to amicable relations with Argentina, Bolivia has traditionally maintained normal diplomatic relations with all hemispheric states except Chile. Relations with Chile have been strained since Bolivia's defeat in the War of the Pacific (1879-1883), which resulted in Bolivia losing its coastal province of Atacama and becoming landlocked. Bolivia has also wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacama area was lost to Chile in 1884, but these demands have not been met. Despite these tensions, Chile and Bolivia have collaborated in other areas, such as organising the annual Dakar Rally in South America multiple times since 2009.

Bolivia and Chile have had difficult relations since the early 19th century

Bolivia is bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. The country has had difficult relations with Chile since the early 19th century, owing to a dispute over land along the Pacific coast.

The Atacama Border Dispute

Bolivia and Chile have had a contentious relationship since gaining independence from Spain in the early 19th century. The disagreement centres on the Atacama border, with both countries claiming access to the sea. Bolivian historians argue that the territory of Charcas, originally part of the Viceroyalty of Peru and later of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, included a corridor to the Pacific Ocean. Chile, however, disputes this claim, asserting that its border with Peru lies at the Loa River, thus landlocking Bolivia.

The War of the Pacific

Tensions escalated during the War of the Pacific (1879-1884), which saw Chile seize Bolivia's Pacific coastal region. Bolivia lost not only its coastline but also today's Chuquicamata area, the adjoining rich salitre fields, and the port of Antofagasta, among other territories. This conflict was a significant blow to Bolivia, resulting in its landlocked status and contributing to its position as one of the poorest countries in South America.

Ongoing Territorial Negotiations

The strained relationship between Bolivia and Chile has persisted, with Bolivia continuing to aspire for access to the sea. Diplomatic relations have been severed multiple times, and negotiations over the years have failed to resolve the territorial dispute. Despite this, economic treaties supporting tourism and cooperation have been maintained, allowing trade between the two nations to continue.

Bolivia is bordered by Paraguay to the southeast

Between 1932 and 1935, Bolivia and Paraguay were involved in the Chaco War, the toughest war in Latin America in the 20th century. The source of conflict was a fight between the two countries over the Gran Chaco area, which was said to have rich oil deposits. Foreign nations took sides and supported either Bolivia or Paraguay in the war. Both countries suffered a severe economic decline because of the war. A ceasefire agreement was reached in June 1935, with Paraguay emerging as the winner and taking a larger portion of the disputed area.

The final report with a marked borderline between Bolivia and Paraguay was given to the presidents of the two countries in 2009.

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