Exploring The Land Mass Of Bolivia And Peru

Peru and Bolivia are two countries in South America with a lot of similarities, but also some key differences. Both countries have a rich history and culture, impressive landscapes, and adventurous activities to offer. But which one is bigger in terms of size and population? Let's take a closer look.

In terms of land area, Peru is almost twice the size of Bolivia. Peru has a total land area of 1,285,216 square kilometers, while Bolivia covers 1,098,581 square kilometers. This makes Peru significantly larger than Bolivia.

When it comes to population, Peru also has a higher number of inhabitants. As of July 2021, Peru's population was estimated to be around 32.2 million, while Bolivia's population was around 11.7 million. So, not only is Peru bigger in terms of land area, but it also has a larger population.

However, it's worth noting that both countries offer unique experiences and attractions for visitors. Peru is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Andes mountains, coastal deserts, and the Amazon jungle. On the other hand, Bolivia boasts the world's largest salt desert, Salar de Uyuni, as well as high plateaus, lakes, and volcanoes.

In summary, while Peru is bigger in terms of land area and population, both countries have their own charms and attractions that make them popular destinations for travellers seeking cultural and natural experiences.

Geography and Climate

Peru and Bolivia are two distinct countries in South America with varied geography and climates. Here is a detailed overview of their geography and climate:

Geography

Peru is located on the western coast of South America, south of the equator. It has a population of about 27.94 million people and is the fifth most populated country in Latin America. The country is divided into four distinct geographic areas:

• Coastal Desert Region: A narrow strip of land (25-40 miles wide) along the coast, barren except for irrigated valleys.
• Andean Highlands or Sierra: Home to some of the world's highest mountains, including the country's highest peak, Huascarán, at 6,768 meters above sea level. The Sierra covers one-fourth of Peru and is rich in mineral resources.
• Ceja de Montana: A long, narrow strip of mountainous jungle on the eastern slope of the Andes, with a climate that varies from temperate to tropical depending on elevation.
• Selva or Rainforest Area: Covering over half of the country, including the vast Amazon River Basin and the Madre de Dios River Basin. This region is sparsely populated and partially unexplored.

Bolivia, on the other hand, is a landlocked country in central South America, bordering Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay. It has a total area of 1,098,581 square kilometres, including 15,280 square kilometres of water. Bolivia's geography can be broadly divided into three regions:

• Western Coastal Plain (Costa): A narrow strip of land along the western edge of the country.
• High and Rugged Andes in the Center (Sierra): This region includes the Andean highlands and mountains.
• Eastern Lowland Jungle of Amazon Basin (Selva): The eastern region of Bolivia is part of the vast Amazon Basin, with lowland plains and rainforests.

Climate

The climate in Peru and Bolivia varies depending on their distinct geographic regions:

Peru's Climate:

• Coastal Region: The coast experiences a warm-temperate climate with high humidity. While it doesn't have extreme hot or cold temperatures, the winter fog created by humidity can feel chilly. The north coast is sunny and hot year-round, with a short rainy period. The central and southern coasts have two distinct seasons: a dry, temperate winter and a slightly rainy summer.
• Central Highlands: The central Andes have varying altitudes, with the north being lower and more humid. This region experiences sunny days and cold nights from April to October, while the winter months (November to March) bring heavier rain and cooler temperatures.
• Eastern Jungle: The largest region of Peru, including the Amazon rainforest, has two distinct seasons. From November to March, it rains frequently, while from April to October, it is dry, making it the ideal time to visit. The humidity remains high year-round.

Bolivia's Climate:

Bolivia's climate varies with altitude and geography. The western highlands have a temperate to frigid climate, while the eastern lowlands are humid and tropical to cold and semi-arid.

History

Peru and Bolivia share a border and have a long history of conflict and cooperation. Both countries were once part of the Inca Empire, which was conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century. Peru declared its independence from Spain in 1821, and Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon Bolivar, broke away from Spanish rule in 1825.

In the 19th century, political leader Andrés de Santa Cruz had the idea of uniting Peru and Bolivia into a single country. This idea was supported by other influential political leaders in Peru, and in 1836, the Peru-Bolivian Confederation was formed. However, this union was short-lived and ended in 1839 after a war with the Chilean and Argentinian armies.

In the late 19th century, a border dispute between Bolivia and Chile over the Atacama corridor, a part of the Atacama Desert, led to the War of the Pacific. Chile defeated the joint war efforts of Bolivia and Peru, resulting in the Chilean annexation of Bolivian and Peruvian territories. Bolivia became a landlocked country, and the loss of its coastline remains a source of tension between the two countries.

In the 20th century, both countries experienced political instability and a series of coups. Peru returned to democratic leadership in 1980, while democratic civilian rule was established in Bolivia in 1982. In recent years, both countries have made efforts to improve their economies and address issues such as poverty, social unrest, and illegal drug production.

Economy

Peru's economy reflects its varied topography, from the arid lowland coastal region to the dense forest of the Amazon. The country has a wide range of important mineral resources, with its coastal waters also providing excellent fishing grounds. Peru is the world's second-largest producer of silver and copper.

The Peruvian economy grew by an average of 5.6% per year from 2009 to 2013, with a stable exchange rate and low inflation. This growth was partly due to high international prices for metals and minerals exports, which account for 55% of the country's total exports. However, the economy's dependence on these exports and imported foodstuffs makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in world prices.

Peru's rapid expansion, coupled with cash transfers and other programs, has helped to reduce the national poverty rate by over 35 percentage points since 2004. Nevertheless, inequality persists, and poor infrastructure hinders the spread of growth to non-coastal areas.

Since 2006, Peru has pursued a free trade policy, signing deals with numerous countries and trade blocs, including the US, China, the EU, and members of the Pacific Alliance (Chile, Colombia, and Mexico). Since the US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement entered into force in February 2009, total trade between the two countries has doubled.

Bolivia, on the other hand, is a resource-rich country that remains one of the least developed in Latin America due to state-oriented policies that deter investment. Following an economic crisis in the early 1980s, reforms in the 1990s spurred private investment, stimulated economic growth, and cut poverty rates.

Bolivia's economy is heavily reliant on natural gas exports to Brazil and Argentina. In the early 2010s, high commodity prices sustained rapid growth and large trade surpluses, with GDP growing by 6.8% in 2013 and 5.4% in 2014. However, the global decline in oil prices that began in late 2014 exerted downward pressure on the price Bolivia receives for its exported gas, resulting in lower GDP growth rates and losses in government revenue, as well as fiscal and trade deficits.

Bolivia faces challenges due to a lack of foreign investment in the key sectors of mining and hydrocarbons, as well as social conflicts. In 2015, President Evo Morales passed an investment law and promised not to nationalise additional industries to improve the investment climate. In early 2016, the Bolivian government approved the 2016-2020 National Economic and Social Development Plan, aiming to maintain 5% growth and reduce poverty.

In terms of GDP per capita, Peru surpasses Bolivia, with $12,700 compared to Bolivia's $8,200 as of 2022. Additionally, Peru has a lower poverty rate, with 27.5% of its population living below the poverty line as of 2022, compared to 36.4% in Bolivia as of 2021.

Demographics

Peru has a population of 33.1 million, while Bolivia has a population of 11.43 million. Peru's population density is 23 people per square kilometre, compared to Bolivia's 10.4 people per square kilometre. Peru's population is therefore more than twice that of Bolivia, and its population density is more than double.

Peru has a longer life expectancy than Bolivia: 74.2 years compared to 69.8 years. In Peru, men are expected to live to 65, while women are expected to live to 73. In Bolivia, the figures are 71 years for men and 74 years for women.

Bolivia has a higher infant mortality rate than Peru, with 22.3 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to 10.8 in Peru. The maternal mortality rate is also higher in Bolivia, at 155 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 88 in Peru.

In terms of education, Bolivia spends a higher proportion of its GDP on education: 9.8% compared to 4% in Peru. However, Bolivia has a lower literacy rate, with 92.5% of the population aged 15 and over able to read and write, compared to 94.4% in Peru.

Bolivia has a higher unemployment rate than Peru, with an overall rate of 8.8% compared to 7.3% in Peru. Youth unemployment is also higher in Bolivia, at 9.7% compared to 7.9% in Peru.

Bolivia has a higher poverty rate than Peru, with 36.4% of the population living below the poverty line, compared to 27.5% in Peru.

Politics

Bolivia and Peru have a shared history, both having once been part of the Inca Empire and later the Spanish Empire. During Spanish colonialism, Peru was governed by the Viceroyalty of Peru in Lima, while the territory of Bolivia was split between the Viceroyalty of Peru and the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata in Buenos Aires. Bolivia and Peru became independent nations in 1839, and both nations are now members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Group of 77, Organization of American States, Organization of Ibero-American States, and the United Nations.

Bolivia is a presidential representative democratic republic, with the president serving as head of state, head of government, and head of a diverse multi-party system. The executive power is exercised by the government, while legislative power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of parliament. The judiciary and the electoral branch are independent of the executive and the legislature. Bolivia's current constitution was adopted via referendum in 2009, providing for a unitary secular state. The president is directly elected to a five-year term by popular vote.

The governing party of Bolivia is the Movement for Socialism (MAS), a left-wing, socialist political party led by Evo Morales, which has governed the country since 2006. MAS is committed to equality, indigenous rights, agrarian land reform, constitutional reform, and nationalization of key industries. The party enjoys nearly unanimous support among the poor, rural, and indigenous populations. The right-of-center opposition includes a variety of political parties, including PODEMOS, Nationalist Democratic Action, and the Revolutionary Nationalist Movement.

Peru returned to democratic leadership in 1980 after a dozen years of military rule. The country has experienced several leadership changes since then, with Pedro Castillo Terrones being the current president. Peru's politics have been marked by corruption scandals, with several presidents facing impeachment or resigning due to allegations of corruption.

Bolivia and Peru have maintained close relations and have worked together in South American multilateral organizations. There have been numerous visits between leaders of both nations, and in 2010, a treaty was signed to elevate diplomatic relations from legation to embassy level.

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