Omari Gates
Bolivia is one of the few countries in the world with two capital cities. Sucre is the constitutional and judicial capital, while La Paz is the administrative and governmental seat. The two cities have a long history of rivalry, with the debate over which should be the true capital causing bloodshed, violent protests, and divisive politics.
Sucre was established as a city under colonial rule in 1538 and was named the provisional capital of Bolivia in 1826, before becoming the official capital in 1839. The city is named after revolutionary leader Antonio José de Sucre and is located near important silver mines.
La Paz, on the other hand, is the seat of the executive and legislative branches of the Bolivian government. It is also the location of the presidential palace, foreign embassies, and government ministries. La Paz is the third-most populous city in Bolivia and is known for its unique topography, bustling markets, and colonial architecture.
While Sucre is recognised as the official capital, La Paz is considered by many to be the de facto capital of Bolivia.
What You'll Learn
The seat of government
Bolivia's seat of government is La Paz, which is home to the executive, legislative, and electoral branches of the government. The city is also the headquarters of numerous Bolivian companies and industries, generating 24% of the nation's gross domestic product.
La Paz is located in west-central Bolivia, 68km southeast of Lake Titicaca, and is set in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River. It is in a bowl-like depression, part of the Amazon basin, surrounded by the high mountains of the Altiplano. Overlooking the city is the triple-peaked Illimani, which is always snow-covered and can be seen from many parts of the city. At an elevation of roughly 3,650m above sea level, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world.
La Paz was founded in 1548 by the Spanish conquistador Captain Alonso de Mendoza at the site of the Inca settlement of Laja. It was a connecting point between the commercial routes that led from Potosí and Oruro to Lima. The city was later moved to its present location in the valley of Chuquiago Marka.
La Paz is also an important cultural centre of South America, hosting several landmarks from colonial times, such as the San Francisco Church, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Plaza Murillo. The city is renowned for its markets, particularly the Witches' Market, and for its nightlife. Its topography offers views of the city and the surrounding mountains of the Cordillera Real from numerous natural viewing points.
La Paz is home to the largest urban cable car network in the world. The city is the third most populous in Bolivia, with around 755,732 residents as of 2024. Its metropolitan area, which includes El Alto, Achocalla, Viacha, and Mecapaca, is the second most populous urban area in Bolivia, with a population of 2.2 million.
Miles Traveled: Illinois to Bolivia
You may want to see also
The constitutional capital
Sucre is the constitutional capital of Bolivia, as stated in the country's constitution. It is also considered the historic capital and the seat of the judiciary. Sucre was first established as a city under colonial rule in 1538. It was formerly known as La Plata because of its proximity to the famous Potosí mines, from which large quantities of silver were extracted until the 17th century. Subsequently, the city was named Sucre in honour of the right-hand man of the country's first president, Simón Bolívar. It is known as the most beautiful city in Bolivia and has a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre. Sucre is famous for its whitewashed buildings, picturesque rooftops, and well-preserved colonial architecture.
The only branch of the Bolivian government administered from Sucre is the judicial branch. The Supreme Court of Bolivia is located in this city. Sucre is situated in the southern part of Bolivia and is one of the country's oldest cities. It is much older than La Paz, which was founded in 1548.
La Paz is the seat of the executive and legislative branches of the Bolivian government. It is also the most famous and developed city in Bolivia and a financial, social, academic, and cultural centre. It is the third most populous city in Bolivia, with around 755,732 residents as of 2024. La Paz is an important political, administrative, economic, and sports centre of Bolivia. It is home to the foreign embassies, government ministries, and the central bank. It is also the headquarters of numerous Bolivian companies and industries.
Bolivia's Untapped Wealth: Rich Lithium Veins
You may want to see also
The administrative capital
Bolivia's administrative capital is La Paz, the seat of the country's government. It is home to the presidential palace, the legislative assembly, and numerous government departments and agencies. La Paz is also the capital of the La Paz Department.
La Paz is located in west-central Bolivia, 68km southeast of Lake Titicaca. The city is set in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River and is surrounded by the high mountains of the Altiplano. At an elevation of roughly 3,650m above sea level, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world. It has a population of 755,732, making it the third-most populous city in Bolivia. Its metropolitan area, which includes the cities of El Alto, Achocalla, Viacha, and Mecapaca, is the second-most populous urban area in Bolivia, with a population of 2.2 million.
La Paz was founded in 1548 by the Spanish conquistador Captain Alonso de Mendoza at the site of the Inca settlement of Laja. The city was originally named Nuestra Señora de La Paz (Our Lady of Peace) in commemoration of the restoration of peace following an insurrection against the first viceroy of Peru. The city was later moved to its current location in the valley of Chuquiago Marka.
La Paz is an important political, administrative, economic, and cultural centre of Bolivia. It is home to several landmarks from colonial times, such as the San Francisco Church and the Metropolitan Cathedral. La Paz is also renowned for its markets, particularly the Witches' Market, and for its nightlife. The city is served by El Alto International Airport, the highest international airport in the world.
Acid in Bolivia: What's the Legal Status?
You may want to see also
The economic importance of the cities
Bolivia's capital is Sucre, as stated in the country's constitution. However, the seat of government is La Paz, which is also considered the de facto capital by many. La Paz is the administrative capital and the centre of political power in Bolivia, with the presidential palace, foreign embassies, government ministries, and the central bank all located in the city. It is also the headquarters for numerous Bolivian companies and industries and generates 24% of the nation's GDP.
Sucre, on the other hand, is the constitutional and judicial capital of Bolivia, with the Supreme Court of Bolivia located in the city. It is one of the oldest cities in Bolivia, founded in 1538, and is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, white-washed buildings, and historical landmarks, which contribute to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The debate over which city is the true capital of Bolivia is a nuanced one, with a history rooted in the country's mining industry and political unrest. When Bolivia gained independence in 1825, Sucre was chosen as the capital due to its proximity to important silver mines, which were the primary industry at the time. However, as the focus shifted from silver to tin mining, La Paz, located near the tin mines, began to surpass Sucre in economic importance.
Today, both cities offer unique experiences to visitors. While La Paz is the centre of political power and bustling energy, Sucre stands for peace and tranquility, with a mild climate and relaxed atmosphere.
Bolivia's Special Visa Code: What's Next After Expiry?
You may want to see also
The cultural significance of the cities
La Paz and Sucre are the two capital cities of Bolivia. The former is the seat of the executive and legislative branches of the government, while the latter is the seat of the judiciary.
La Paz
La Paz, officially Nuestra Señora de La Paz, is the administrative capital of Bolivia. It is the third-most populous city in the country, with 755,732 residents as of 2024. The city is located in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River, in west-central Bolivia, 68 km southeast of Lake Titicaca. It is the world's highest capital city, at an elevation of roughly 3,650 m above sea level.
La Paz was founded in 1548 by the Spanish conquistador Captain Alonso de Mendoza, at the site of the Inca settlement of Laja. The city was originally named Nuestra Señora de La Paz (meaning Our Lady of Peace) in commemoration of the restoration of peace following an insurrection.
La Paz is an important political, administrative, economic, and sports centre of Bolivia. It is home to several landmarks from colonial times, including the San Francisco Church, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Plaza Murillo, and Jaén Street. The city is also renowned for its markets, particularly the Witches' Market, and its nightlife.
Sucre
Sucre is the constitutional capital of Bolivia and the only one that is constitutionally recognised. It is the seat of the judiciary, with the Supreme Court of Bolivia located in the city.
Sucre was established as a city under colonial rule in 1538. It was first named La Plata and later renamed in honour of the revolutionary leader, Antonio José de Sucre. The city became the provisional capital of Bolivia in 1826 and was officially designated as the capital in 1839.
Sucre is known for its whitewashed buildings, picturesque rooftops, and well-preserved colonial architecture. It is considered the most beautiful city in Bolivia and has a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre.
Inca Kola in Bolivia: Availability and Local Popularity
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Bolivia has two capitals, Sucre and La Paz. Sucre is the constitutional capital, while La Paz is the administrative and governmental seat.
The two capitals were established to balance power between the highland and lowland regions of Bolivia.
Sucre was established in 1538 and was named after Antonio José de Sucre, a revolutionary leader. It was first named the provisional capital of Bolivia in 1826 and became the official capital in 1839.
La Paz was founded in 1548 and was the site of numerous revolts. It became the de facto seat of the national government in 1898.
