Exploring Bolivia's Second-Largest City: A Comprehensive Guide

Bolivia, officially known as the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in Western-Central South America. It has a population of about 11 million people and is considered one of the poorest countries in Latin America. The second-largest city in Bolivia is El Alto, which is located adjacent to La Paz in Pedro Domingo Murillo Province on the Altiplano highlands.

El Alto is the second-largest city in Bolivia

El Alto's modern history began in 1903 with the construction of railways from Lake Titicaca and Arica, which reached the rim of the La Paz valley, where the rail terminus and yards were built. This was followed by the construction of an airfield in 1925 to serve as a base for the country's new air force. The settlement grew significantly in the 1950s when it was connected to La Paz's water supply, and building land in the valley became scarce and expensive. In 1985, El Alto was administratively separated from La Paz, and in 1987, it was formally incorporated as a city.

El Alto is known for its Neo-Andean architecture, which has developed alongside the city's rapid growth, giving it a distinct appearance. The city's elevation and proximity to La Paz have made transportation infrastructure particularly important. The construction of a cable car system, for example, has dramatically improved transportation to and from La Paz.

El Alto is also home to La Paz's El Alto International Airport, which serves domestic and international destinations. The city's climate is classified as a cold-summer variety of a subtropical highland climate (Cwc), with cool daytime temperatures and crisp nights year-round. Snowfall can occur at any time, and the highest average monthly maximum temperature is 17°C (63°F) in November.

El Alto's population was 943,558 in 2020

El Alto, the second-largest city in Bolivia, had a population of 943,558 in 2020. The city, whose name means "The Heights" in Spanish, is located in the Pedro Domingo Murillo Province on the Altiplano highlands. It is one of the fastest-growing urban centres in Bolivia, with a rapidly developing economy and infrastructure. El Alto's population growth can be attributed to its affordable building land and access to water, as well as the rural reform of 1952, which encouraged immigration from rural areas to the La Paz region. The city's population is expected to continue growing, and it plays a significant role in the country's economic development.

El Alto's elevation is impressive, ranging from 4,000 to 4,300 meters (13,123 to 13,615 feet) above sea level, making it the highest major city in the world. This high altitude results in a cold climate, with temperatures typically cool during the day and crisp at night year-round. Snowfall can occur at any time of the year, and the Köppen climate classification system categorises the climate as a rare cold-summer variety of a subtropical highland climate (Cwc). The unique climate and geographical features of El Alto present challenges regarding water supply, with droughts caused by shrinking glaciers impacting the city in recent years.

The city's growth has been influenced by several factors, including the construction of the railway line in 1903 and the building of an airbase for the country's military air force. The population began to increase significantly in the 1950s, and El Alto was formally incorporated as a city in 1987. The administrative reform of 1985 politically separated El Alto from the City of La Paz, and it gained its own autonomous government. The city's development has led to concerns about water pollution by local businesses, and the rapid population growth has strained the city's ability to provide potable water and sewer services to all residents.

El Alto is a major centre of the Bolivian gas conflict and has a distinct appearance due to its Neo-Andean architectural style. It is home to La Paz's El Alto International Airport and is known for its large open-air market. The city's population consists of diverse ethnic groups, with 76% of its residents identifying as Aymara. El Alto's strategic location adjacent to La Paz and its continuous development solidify its position as the second-largest city in Bolivia, contributing to the country's urbanisation and economic growth.

El Alto is one of Bolivia's fastest-growing cities

El Alto is the second-largest city in Bolivia, with a population of around 943,558 in 2020, and is one of the country's fastest-growing urban centres. The city's growth can be attributed to several factors, including its proximity to La Paz and its role as a transportation hub. El Alto's elevation of 4,000 metres (13,123 feet) makes it the highest major city in the world.

The history of El Alto's development is closely tied to the construction of transportation infrastructure. The building of the railway line in 1903 was a pivotal moment in the area's habitation, as it connected Lake Titicaca and Arica, facilitating trade and movement. The subsequent establishment of an airbase for the country's military air force further enhanced El Alto's strategic importance.

El Alto experienced significant population growth in the 1950s, coinciding with its connection to La Paz's water supply and the scarcity of building land in the nearby canyon. This growth led to the formal incorporation of El Alto as a city in 1987. The city's population has continued to expand, driven by immigration from Bolivia's rural areas, particularly after the rural reform of 1952.

Today, El Alto is a bustling urban centre with a thriving commerce and industry sector. However, this rapid growth has presented challenges, particularly regarding infrastructure and utilities. The city struggles to provide potable water and adequate sewer services to its expanding population, especially in outlying areas.

Despite these challenges, El Alto remains a vital economic hub and a major destination for migrants seeking better economic opportunities. Its unique location, architectural style, and cultural significance contribute to its status as one of Bolivia's fastest-growing cities.

El Alto is the highest major city in the world

El Alto, meaning "The Heights" in Spanish, is the second-largest city in Bolivia, with a population of 943,558 as of 2020. It is also the highest major city in the world, with an average elevation of 4,000 metres (13,123 feet). The metropolitan area of El Alto-La Paz, which includes the cities of La Paz, Achocalla, Viacha, and Mecapaca, has a population of about 2.2 million and an average elevation of 3,869 metres (12,693 feet).

El Alto is located in the Pedro Domingo Murillo Province of Bolivia, on the Altiplano highlands. The city has experienced rapid growth and development, with a unique Neo-Andean architectural style that has emerged alongside its modernisation. However, it continues to face challenges with inadequate infrastructure and utilities, particularly in the outlying areas.

The history of El Alto is closely tied to the development of transportation in the region. The construction of railways from Lake Titicaca and Arica in 1903 brought the first settlers to the area, and the building of an airfield in 1925 further attracted settlement. El Alto's growth accelerated in the 1950s when it was connected to La Paz's water supply, and it was formally incorporated as a city in 1987.

Today, El Alto is a bustling urban centre with an international airport, a large open-air market, and a growing commerce and industry sector. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Bolivia, attracting immigrants from rural areas due to the difficulty of growing crops outside the city. However, this rapid growth has also led to concerns about water pollution and the city's ability to provide potable water and sewer services to its expanding population.

El Alto is adjacent to La Paz

El Alto is the second-largest city in Bolivia, located adjacent to La Paz in the Pedro Domingo Murillo Province on the Altiplano highlands. El Alto is one of Bolivia's fastest-growing urban centres, with a population of 943,558 in 2020. The city is situated at an elevation of 4,000 metres (13,123 feet) above sea level, making it the highest major city in the world. The dry and inclement plain above La Paz remained uninhabited until 1903 when the newly built railways from Lake Titicaca and Arica reached the area. The construction of the railway line and the subsequent building of an airbase for the country's military air force contributed to the habitation and growth of El Alto.

El Alto and La Paz, along with the neighbouring areas of Achocalla, Viacha, and Mecapaca, form the most populous urban area in Bolivia, with a combined population of about 2.2 million. The two cities are connected by the Mi Teleférico system, a cable car network that facilitates transportation between El Alto and central La Paz. The economic centre of the metropolitan area is in La Paz, which is home to the presidential palace, government agencies, foreign embassies, and various industries.

El Alto has experienced rapid development and urbanisation, becoming a major centre of commerce and industry. However, this growth has also brought challenges, including concerns about water pollution by local businesses and difficulties in providing essential services such as potable water and sewer systems to the expanding population, particularly in outlying areas.

The city of El Alto is governed by an autonomous government that consists of 14 districts. The executive branch is headed by the mayor, who is elected for a five-year term. The legislative branch is composed of the municipal council, which includes 11 members who elect a president, vice president, and secretary.

Frequently asked questions