Bolivia's Neighbors: Who Shares Its Borders?

Bolivia is a country in western South America. It is known for its diverse landscapes, from the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest. Bolivia is bordered by several countries, and its neighbours include Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.

Peru is Bolivia's neighbour

Peru is indeed Bolivia's neighbour. Located in western South America, Peru is bordered by Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, Chile to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. Bolivia, a landlocked country in the heart of South America, shares a border with Peru to the northwest.

Historically, both nations were once part of the Inca Empire and then 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.

In the 19th century, the two countries briefly united to form the Peru–Bolivian Confederation, which existed from 1836 to 1839. This short-lived state was a loose confederation comprising three states: North Peru, South Peru, and the Bolivian State. The geographical limits of the confederation fluctuated, and it possessed de facto autonomous indigenous territories. The idea of uniting the two countries was shared by several influential political leaders in Peru, who sought to reintegrate the two nations, disagreeing only on the form of the union—whether it should be a confederation or a merger.

Bolivia and Peru continue to share close relations as members of several South American multilateral organisations, including the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Group of 77, the Organization of American States, the Organization of Ibero-American States, and the United Nations.

Bolivia borders Brazil

Bolivia and Brazil share an international border that spans 3,423 kilometres. The border extends from Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, to Assis Brasil, in Acre. The boundary line traverses diverse terrain, from large urban areas to inhospitable deserts and forests. It begins in the Pantanal and concludes in the Amazon rainforest.

The history of the Bolivia-Brazil border is complex and marked by territorial disputes. The first treaty of limits between the two countries was signed in 1867, without precise knowledge of the geographical location of rivers in the Amazon Basin. This led to conflicts over the control of the Acre region, which, according to the 1867 Treaty, belonged to Bolivia but had a significant population of Brazilian origin. Clashes and riots erupted as the population resisted submitting to the Bolivian government, which attempted to lease the land to Anglo-Americans.

In 1903, Brazil militarily occupied the territory, and negotiations reopened based on Brazil's proposal for a fair exchange of territory. This resulted in the signing of the Treaty of Petropolis, which agreed that Bolivia would cede Acre to Brazil in exchange for territorial compensations elsewhere, the construction of a railway, freedom of transit, and a two million-pound compensation.

Brazil has terrestrial boundaries with nine countries in South America and is the world's third-longest land border, totalling 16,885 kilometres. The Bolivia-Brazil border is longer than Brazil's border with any other country except for its coastline with the Atlantic Ocean, which extends 7,491 kilometres.

Bolivia and Argentina are neighbours

Argentina is located to the south of Bolivia, and the two countries share a border that is 832 km (517 miles) long. This border is an international boundary that separates the two countries. The border between Bolivia and Argentina is also a natural boundary, as it follows the path of several rivers, including the Pilcomayo and Bermejo Rivers. This means that the border is formed by these geographical features, rather than being a straight line that is drawn on a map.

The border between Bolivia and Argentina has a significant impact on the geography and economy of both countries. For example, the border affects the trade and transportation routes between the two countries, as well as the movement of people and goods. The border also affects the access to natural resources, such as the water from the rivers that flow between the two countries.

The relationship between Bolivia and Argentina is generally friendly and cooperative. The two countries have a history of collaboration and mutual respect, and they work together to address regional issues and promote economic development in the region. They are also both members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which is a regional organisation that promotes integration and cooperation among its members.

Bolivia shares a border with Paraguay

The border between Bolivia and Paraguay is a significant geographical feature that has played a role in the history and development of both countries. It is a result of historical treaties and agreements between the two nations and has been a site of both cooperation and conflict. The border has also been a point of transit for people, goods, and cultural exchange between the two countries.

The Bolivia-Paraguay border is diverse and includes a range of landscapes, from mountainous regions to lowland areas. The terrain along the border varies, with some sections being more easily traversable than others. The border regions of both countries are home to diverse communities and indigenous groups, who have a rich cultural heritage and a deep connection to the land.

The relationship between Bolivia and Paraguay has had its tensions and disputes, including over the precise location of the border. However, there have also been collaborative efforts to manage and protect the shared border, particularly in terms of environmental conservation and sustainable development. Both countries recognise the importance of maintaining a peaceful and stable relationship along their border.

The border between Bolivia and Paraguay is an important aspect of the geography, politics, and culture of both nations. It serves as a reminder of the complex history of the region and the ongoing efforts to foster good relations and cooperation between neighbouring countries in South America. The management and development of the Bolivia-Paraguay border continue to be a priority for both governments.

Chile is also a neighbouring country

Bolivia is a landlocked country in western South America. It is bordered by several countries, including Peru, Argentina, and Brazil. Chile is also a neighbouring country.

Chile borders Bolivia to the south-west, with the two countries sharing a border of 649 km in length. The border traverses a variety of terrain, from the arid Atacama Desert in the north to the mountainous Andes in the south. The Chile-Bolivia border is significant in that it separates the two countries not only in a geographical sense but also in terms of economic development and political orientation.

The border between Chile and Bolivia has been a source of historical tension and has undergone several changes over the years. In the 19th century, during the War of the Pacific, Chile annexed the Bolivian coastal region of Antofagasta, which resulted in Bolivia becoming landlocked. This loss of sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean has been a longstanding issue in Bolivia-Chile relations. Despite efforts to resolve the issue through negotiations and even international court rulings, the situation remains unresolved, impacting trade, transportation, and diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Despite the border dispute, Chile and Bolivia have had periods of cooperation and collaboration. Both countries are members of regional organisations such as the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). They have also worked together on initiatives to combat drug trafficking and promote sustainable development in the region. Additionally, people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties between the two countries remain strong, with tourism and educational exchanges fostering a sense of mutual understanding and friendship.

The relationship between Chile and Bolivia is complex and multifaceted. While the border dispute continues to be a significant challenge, the two countries have found areas of cooperation and collaboration that benefit their citizens. As neighbouring countries with a shared history and geography, the dynamics between Chile and Bolivia will continue to shape the political, economic, and social landscape of South America.

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