Exploring Bolivia's Neighbors: Which Countries Share Its Borders?

Bolivia, officially known as the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in west-central South America. It is bordered by five countries: Brazil to the north and east, Peru to the northwest, Paraguay to the southeast, Argentina to the south, and Chile to the southwest and west. Bolivia has a diverse geography, from the Andes mountain ranges to the lowlands, and is home to an estimated 11 to 12 million people, making it the fifth-largest country in South America by area.

Bolivia shares a border with Peru to the west and northwest

In the late 19th century, Bolivia and Peru fought the Pacific War against Chile, which resulted in Bolivia losing its coastline. However, in 2010, Peru gave Bolivia a piece of land along the Pacific coast, allowing the landlocked country access to the ocean. This generous act enabled Bolivia to develop plans to build a port and a beach resort in the area.

The Bolivia-Peru border is not just a political boundary but also a cultural one, with the two countries sharing close ties and a rich history. The border cuts through the Andean region, an area of diverse geographic features, from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the eastern lowlands within the Amazon basin. This diverse landscape is home to a multitude of flora and fauna, with Bolivia boasting one of the greatest biodiversities in the world.

The relationship between Bolivia and Peru extends beyond just their shared border. Historically, the two nations have experienced similar struggles and triumphs, with both gaining independence from Spain in the early 19th century. Today, they continue to foster strong relations, working together to enhance regional integration and support each other's economic and cultural endeavours.

Brazil borders Bolivia to the north and east

Bolivia is bordered by Brazil to the north and east. The Bolivia-Brazil border is approximately 2,127 miles long and passes through diverse terrain, from developed urban centres to harsh desert terrain and thick tropical forests. Bolivia is part of the largest swamp in the world, which it shares with Brazil.

Bolivia and Brazil have had a strained relationship in the past. In the early 20th century, the two countries fought over a piece of fertile land in the Amazon basin. The matter was settled in 1903 when Bolivia sold the land to Brazil. More recently, in 2006, the two countries were engaged in a serious dispute over Bolivia's plan to nationalise its energy sector. The dispute was settled in February 2007 in an attempt to enhance regional integration.

Brazil is not the only country that Bolivia shares a border with. Bolivia is bordered by Peru to the northwest, Paraguay to the south and southeast, Argentina to the south, and Chile to the southwest and west. Bolivia has been landlocked since it lost its coastline to Chile in the War of the Pacific (1879-1884). However, agreements with neighbouring countries have granted Bolivia indirect access to the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

Chile is to the southwest of Bolivia

The border between Bolivia and Chile is characterised by its mountainous terrain. The Cordillera Occidental mountain range, which forms part of the border, contains numerous active volcanoes and the Uyuni Salt Flat. Mount Sajama, the highest peak in Bolivia, is also located within this mountain range and reaches an elevation of 21,463 feet (6,542 meters).

The relationship between Bolivia and Chile has been marked by conflict over territory. In the 19th century, both countries claimed land along the Pacific coast, and their rivalry led to the War of the Pacific. As a result of this war, Bolivia lost its coastline to Chile and became landlocked. Chile's victory in this conflict secured its control over a significant portion of Bolivia's Pacific coast, exacerbating tensions between the two nations.

Bolivia's attempts to regain its coastline have been unsuccessful. In October 2018, Bolivia's efforts to acquire its coastline back from Chile were rejected by the International Court of Justice, which ruled in favour of Chile. Despite these setbacks, Bolivia continues to pursue maritime access and maintains a maritime claim to the Litoral Department, seeking sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean. This issue has been presented to the Organization of American States, which passed a resolution recognising Bolivia's problem as a hemispheric concern.

Bolivia is bordered by Paraguay to the southeast

Bolivia and Paraguay have had a tumultuous relationship, engaging in the Chaco War between 1932 and 1935. The conflict was the toughest war in 20th-century Latin America, with both countries fighting over the Gran Chaco area, which was believed to have rich oil deposits. The war resulted in a severe economic decline for both nations. A ceasefire agreement was reached in June 1935, with Paraguay emerging as the winner and claiming a larger portion of the disputed area.

The final report on the marked borderline between Bolivia and Paraguay was presented to the presidents of the two countries in 2009. Today, Bolivia maintains strong relations with its neighbour, as well as with other foreign nations.

Argentina is to the south of Bolivia

Bolivia is bordered by five countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru. Argentina is to the south of Bolivia.

Bolivia and Argentina share a border on the southern part of Bolivia. The two countries have maintained amicable relations since they were once united under the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata. Bolivia and Argentina share close economic and cultural ties. In 2016, Bolivia exported goods and services worth $708 million to Argentina. Additionally, millions of Bolivian citizens live and work in Argentina. There are three official border stations along the Bolivia-Argentina border, which are operated by customs officials from both countries.

The Bolivia-Argentina border is situated in the southern part of Bolivia, which is home to the Bolivian Chaco. The Bolivian Chaco forms part of the Gran Chaco, a level area that varies significantly with the seasons. During the rainy season, it becomes a swamp, and during the remaining seven to eight months of the year, it is a hot semi-desert.

Bolivia's southern border with Argentina is also where the Andes become much wider and are formed by a high, tilted block called the Puna. The Puna has west-facing escarpments and gentler eastward slopes down to the plains. The Puna is broken up by the Valles, a system of fertile valleys and mountain basins that are generally larger and less confined than those in the Yungas. The Valles lie at elevations of mostly between 6,000 and 9,500 feet (1,800 and 2,900 meters) and are known for their rich, varied agriculture and the so-called garden cities of Cochabamba, Sucre, and Tarija.

The southern border of Bolivia, including the border with Argentina, is also where the Altiplano, a relatively flat-floored depression, slopes gently southward. The margins of the Altiplano are characterized by numerous spurs and interlocking alluvial fans. In the middle of the Altiplano are the Titicaca and Poopó lakes and basins, which have traditionally been important agricultural, economic, and cultural areas.

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