Sucre, Bolivia: Population And Cultural Insights

Sucre is a city in Bolivia with a population of around 300,000 residents. It is the constitutional capital of Bolivia and the seat of the country's Supreme Court. Sucre is located in the south-central part of the country and is known for its well-preserved historical centre, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The city has a temperate climate and is a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Population estimates

The population of Sucre, Bolivia, has been steadily increasing over the years. As of 2024, the population is estimated to be 296,305. In 2006, the population was estimated to be 247,300, while in 2012, it was estimated to be 238,798. In 2001, the population was 193,876.

Sucre is the sixth most populous city in Bolivia, with around 300,000 residents as of 2024. It is the constitutional capital of Bolivia and the seat of the country's Supreme Court. However, the seat of government is located in La Paz, which has a population of close to 800,000 residents.

Located in the south-central part of the country, Sucre has a lower altitude than other cities in Bolivia, giving it a warm, temperate climate year-round. The city is nestled in a fertile valley crossed by the Cachimayo River and sits at an elevation of 2,750 to 2,790 metres (9,000 to 9,150 feet) above sea level.

The city has a rich history, having been founded in 1538 or 1539 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Anzúrez on the site of a Charcas Indian village. It has been known by several names over the centuries, including La Plata (the Spanish colonial name), Charcas, and Chuquisaca (the former indigenous name for the site). Sucre became the capital of Bolivia in 1839 and was renamed in honour of the revolutionary leader Antonio José de Sucre.

Sucre is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, with many buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The historical centre of the city features distinctive white colonial buildings with red-tiled roofs and balconies. The city is also a major agricultural centre and is home to a large indigenous population, who maintain their traditional clothing, customs, and crafts.

Population growth

Sucre, Bolivia, has experienced significant population growth over the years, transforming from a small colonial settlement to a thriving city. The population of Sucre has increased steadily since the city's founding in 1538, with the latest estimates placing the number of residents at around 300,000 in 2024, a notable increase from the 2001 population of 193,876.

The city's population growth can be attributed to various factors, including its rich history, cultural significance, and attractive climate. As the constitutional capital of Bolivia, Sucre holds administrative and judicial importance, housing the country's Supreme Court. The city's historical significance, well-preserved architecture, and cultural heritage have also drawn thousands of tourists each year, contributing to its population growth.

Sucre's pleasant climate has been a draw for both locals and foreigners alike. With a lower altitude than other cities in Bolivia, Sucre enjoys a warm, temperate climate all year round, providing a comfortable living environment for its residents. This climate, along with its fertile valley location and proximity to the Cachimayo River, has also made Sucre an important agricultural centre, contributing to its economic development and population growth.

The city's population growth has been influenced by its role as an educational hub. The presence of the Universidad Mayor Real y Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca, one of the oldest universities in the Americas, attracts students from across the country and internationally, contributing to a steady influx of residents.

Additionally, Sucre's population growth has been impacted by the surrounding indigenous communities. With a significant indigenous population, the city and its surrounding villages showcase a blend of traditional clothing, customs, and crafts and a strong connection to their cultural heritage. This cultural richness adds to the city's appeal and contributes to its diverse and growing population.

Population density

Sucre, Bolivia, has a population of around 300,000 people, with estimates ranging from 296,305 in 2024 to 247,300 in 2006. It is the sixth most populous city in Bolivia and the country's constitutional capital. Sucre is also the capital of the Chuquisaca department and the seat of the Supreme Court of Bolivia.

The population of Sucre has grown over time, with 193,876 residents recorded in 2001 and 238,798 in 2012. The city is located in the south-central part of Bolivia and lies at an elevation of 2,790 metres (9,150 feet). This relatively high altitude gives Sucre a subtropical highland climate with cool temperatures all year round.

The city has a rich history and has undergone several name changes throughout its existence. Before Spanish colonisation, Sucre was an Inca town called Chuquisaca, which may derive from the Quechua words "chuqi", meaning precious metal or silver, and "shaqa", meaning abundance or a heap. During the colonial era, it was known as La Plata, the Spanish name that translates to "City of Silver". The name was changed to Sucre in 1839 to honour the revolutionary leader Antonio José de Sucre, who fought for South American independence.

Today, Sucre is a popular tourist destination, known for its well-preserved historical centre that showcases a blend of indigenous and European architectural styles. The city's small size makes it easily walkable, and it boasts several museums, colonial churches, and universities. Sucre's University, founded in 1624, is one of the oldest in the New World.

Population compared to other Bolivian cities

Sucre is the sixth most populous city in Bolivia, with a population of around 300,000 residents as of 2024. The city's population has grown steadily over the years, increasing from 193,876 in 2001 to 238,798 in 2012, and further to 296,305 in 2024.

When compared to other Bolivian cities, Sucre's population falls behind that of La Paz, which serves as the country's administrative capital and is home to approximately 800,000 residents. La Paz is a bustling high-altitude city with a diverse demographic composition.

However, Sucre surpasses the populations of other notable Bolivian cities such as Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. Cochabamba, located in the geographical centre of the country, has a population of approximately 630,000 people. The city is a commercial hub and an important centre for agriculture and industry. Santa Cruz, on the other hand, is the easternmost of the country's principal cities and has a population of about 1.5 million residents in its urban area, making it the most populous city in Bolivia. Santa Cruz is a rapidly growing economic and financial centre, contributing significantly to the country's gross domestic product.

It is worth noting that Sucre, despite being the constitutional capital and the seat of the Supreme Court, has a smaller population than these other urban centres. This highlights the diversity in population sizes among Bolivia's key cities, each reflecting its unique geographical location and demographic characteristics.

Population demographics

Sucre, Bolivia, has a population of around 300,000 people, with estimates ranging from 296,305 in 2024 to 247,300 in 2006. The population has been steadily increasing over the years, with 193,876 residents in 2001 and 238,798 in 2012. As the constitutional capital of Bolivia, Sucre is home to a diverse population, including a large indigenous community.

The indigenous population in Sucre was around 225,000 in 2006, and they play a vital role in preserving their traditional clothing, customs, and crafts. The indigenous community in Sucre is primarily Quechua, with some Aymara groups and influences also present. In 2001, Quechua people made up 30% of Bolivia's population, while mestizos (those of mixed white and Amerindian ancestry) accounted for 30%, Aymara 25%, and whites 15%.

Spanish is the predominant language in Sucre, with 60.7% of Bolivia's population speaking it as of 2001. However, due to the region's diverse indigenous population, Quechua and Aymara are also recognised as official languages, with 21.2% and 14.6% of the population speaking them, respectively.

Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Sucre, with 95% of Bolivia's population adhering to this faith. The remaining 5% of the population primarily practises Protestantism (Evangelical Methodist). Sucre's religious landscape is reflected in its many colonial-era churches, such as the Basílica Metropolitana, La Recoleta, San Lazaro, La Merced, San Miguel, and Santa Clara.

In terms of education, Sucre is home to the Universidad Mayor Real y Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca, often abbreviated as USFX. This university, founded in 1624, is one of the oldest in the Americas and attracts students from both Bolivia and abroad. The city also hosts other academic institutions, such as private universities and teacher training colleges.

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