Exploring Bolivia's Neighbors: Which Countries Are Nearby?

Bolivia is a landlocked country in central South America. It is bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast, Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the west. Bolivia shares Lake Titicaca, the second-largest lake in South America, with Peru. The country has been landlocked since it lost its Pacific coast territory to Chile in the War of the Pacific (1879-1884).

Brazil borders Bolivia to the north and east

Bolivia is a landlocked country in central South America. It is bordered by Brazil to the north and east, as well as Peru, Chile, Paraguay, Argentina, and Peru. Bolivia shares Lake Titicaca, the second-largest lake in South America, with Peru.

Brazil, which borders Bolivia to the north and east, is the fifth-largest country in South America and the fifth-largest country in the world. Brazil is a federal republic composed of 26 states and a federal district that serves as the country's capital, Brasília. Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, and its population is estimated to be around 215 million people. Brazil is known for its diverse wildlife and ecosystems, including the Amazon rainforest and various coastal ecosystems.

Brazil is bordered by all countries in South America except Chile, Ecuador, and Colombia. Brazil's vast territory covers around 8.5 million square kilometres, making it more than seven times the size of Bolivia. The distance between the capital cities of La Paz and Brasília is around 2,157 kilometres.

Brazil and Bolivia share a rich history. Both countries were colonised by the Portuguese and Spanish empires, respectively, and gained independence in the 19th century. Bolivia was once part of the Viceroyalty of Peru, which included territories in present-day Brazil. Over time, Bolivia lost control of several peripheral territories to neighbouring countries, including Brazil's Acre territory.

Today, Brazil and Bolivia maintain diplomatic relations and collaborate on various regional issues. They are both members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Organization of American States (OAS). Additionally, Brazil is a significant trade partner for Bolivia, with Brazilian exports to Bolivia totalling $1.4 billion in 2019.

Paraguay is southeast of Bolivia

Paraguay is divided into two regions by the Paraguay River: the Paraneña region and the Chaco region. The Paraneña region is characterised by plateaus, rolling hills, and valleys, and is home to about 95% of Paraguay's population. The Chaco region is a vast plain with elevations no higher than 300m and averages 125m. It covers more than 60% of Paraguay's total land area.

Paraguay has a subtropical climate in the Paraneña region and a tropical climate in the Chaco region. The Paraneña region has a humid climate, with abundant precipitation throughout the year and only moderate seasonal changes in temperature. The Chaco, on the other hand, has a tropical wet-and-dry climate bordering on semi-arid.

Paraguay is a country of emigration. It has not attracted large numbers of immigrants due to political instability, civil wars, years of dictatorship, and the greater appeal of neighbouring countries.

Argentina is south of Bolivia

Bolivia is a landlocked country in central South America. It is bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast, Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest and west, and Peru to the west and northwest. Argentina is therefore south of Bolivia.

Bolivia and Argentina share a border and have had diplomatic relations for over a century. Both countries were once part of the Spanish Empire and are members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Latin American Integration Association, Organization of American States, Organization of Ibero-American States, and the United Nations.

In 2016, Argentine exports to Bolivia were valued at US$559.7 million, while Bolivian exports to Argentina amounted to US$708.7 million.

Travelling from Bolivia to Argentina by bus or car, one would first visit the Northwest, one of the most beautiful regions in Argentina. Driving through the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a deep valley between colourful mountains, one can find Pre-Inca and Inca ruins and colonial villages such as Humahuaca, Tilcara, and Purmamarca. Salta, a beautiful capital city, is also a common destination for travellers from Bolivia.

Chile borders Bolivia to the southwest

The Bolivia-Chile border separates the two countries along the Cordillera Occidental on the western edge of the Altiplano Plateau. The dispute over the nature of the Silala River and Chile's use of its waters has been a source of ongoing contention. The border crossing has also been a major point of entry for irregular Venezuelan migrants into Chile, causing issues for the Chilean border town of Colchane. Despite the strained relationship, Chile and Bolivia maintain economic treaties supporting tourism and cooperation, and trade between the two nations is not affected by the territorial dispute.

Indigenous Aymara communities live on both sides of the border, and the history of the region is shared between the two countries. Bolivia was once part of the ancient Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco) empire, and from the 15th to the early 16th century, it was part of the Inca empire, which extended into modern-day Chile. After the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores, Bolivia was subsumed within the Viceroyalty of Peru, providing immense wealth in silver to Spain.

The geography of the border region is diverse, with the Cordillera Occidental containing numerous active volcanoes and the spectacular Uyuni Salt Flat. Mount Sajama, the highest peak in Bolivia, is located near the border, reaching an elevation of 21,463 feet (6,542 meters). The Altiplano Plateau, which extends from southern Peru through Bolivia to northern Argentina, is a relatively flat depression lying at elevations between 12,000 and 12,5000 feet (3,650 and 3,800 meters).

The border region is of significant economic importance to both countries, with mineral resources, including copper, tin, zinc, tungsten, and silver, being abundant in the area. Additionally, the dispute over access to the Pacific Ocean has had a significant impact on trade and diplomatic relations between Chile and Bolivia.

Peru is west of Bolivia

Bolivia's mountainous western region, which is one of the highest inhabited areas in the world, is an important economic and political centre. The Andes reach their greatest breadth and complexity in Bolivia. The system is dominated by two great parallel ranges: the Cordillera Occidental and the Cordillera Oriental. The Cordillera Occidental, along the border with Chile, contains numerous active volcanoes and the Uyuni Salt Flat. The Cordillera Oriental's spectacular northern section near La Paz is called the Cordillera Real, or "Royal Range". An impressive line of snow-capped peaks, some exceeding 20,000 feet, characterise this northern section, which maintains an average elevation of more than 18,000 feet for more than 200 miles.

Between these ranges lies the Altiplano, a relatively flat-floored depression about 500 miles long and 80 miles wide, lying at elevations between 12,000 and 12,500 feet. The Altiplano slopes gently southward, its evenness broken by occasional hills and ridges. 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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