Damon Mcknight
Bolivia's capital is a topic of much debate. Sucre is the country's constitutional and judicial capital, but La Paz is the seat of government and is considered the de facto capital by many. La Paz is home to the foreign embassies, government ministries, and the central bank, and is now four times the size of Sucre. It is also the third-most populous city in Bolivia, with 755,732 residents as of 2024. However, Sucre is the only official capital of Bolivia, and its name honours the revolutionary leader Antonio José de Sucre.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Bolivia |
| Capital(s) | Sucre (constitutional and judicial), La Paz (administrative) |
| Population | 12 million |
| Languages | Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guaraní and others |
| President | Luis Arce |
| Highest Point | Nevado Sajama, 6,542m |
| Largest City | Santa Cruz de la Sierra |
What You'll Learn
Bolivia's administrative capital, La Paz, is the world's highest capital city
La Paz was founded in 1548 by the Spanish conquistador Captain Alonso de Mendoza, at the site of the Inca settlement of Laja. The full name of the city was originally Nuestra Señora de La Paz (meaning Our Lady of Peace) in commemoration of the restoration of peace following the insurrection of Gonzalo Pizarro and fellow conquistadors against the first viceroy of Peru. The city was later moved to its present location in the valley of Chuquiago Marka.
La Paz is the seat of the government of Bolivia and is home to the Palacio Quemado, the presidential palace. It is also the seat of the Bolivian legislature, the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, and numerous government departments and agencies. The city generates 24% of the nation's gross domestic product and serves as the headquarters for numerous Bolivian companies and industries.
La Paz is also an important cultural centre of South America, hosting several landmarks dating from colonial times, such as the San Francisco Church, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Plaza Murillo and Jaén Street. It 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 built in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River (now mostly built over), which runs northwest to southeast. The city's main thoroughfare, which roughly follows the river, changes names over its length, but the central tree-lined section running through the downtown core is called the Prado.
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Sucre is Bolivia's constitutional and judicial capital
Sucre is the constitutional and judicial capital of Bolivia. It is located in the south-central part of the country, in a valley crossed by the Cachimayo River. The city lies at an elevation of 2,790 metres (9,150 ft), giving it a subtropical highland climate with cool temperatures year-round. Sucre was founded in 1539 by the 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, Charcas, and Chuquisaca.
Sucre holds major national importance in Bolivia and is an educational and government centre. It is the location of the Bolivian Supreme Court and the seat of the judiciary. It is also the capital of the Chuquisaca Department and the sixth most populous city in Bolivia. Sucre is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The city played a significant role in Bolivian history, serving as an important centre in the Real Audencia de Charcas and later becoming the first capital of Bolivia.
The Bolivian independence movement began in Sucre on 25 May 1809, with the ringing of the bell of the Basilica of Saint Francisco. The city was proclaimed the provisional capital of the newly independent Upper Peru (later, Bolivia) in July 1826. In 1839, it was officially named the capital of Bolivia and renamed in honour of the revolutionary leader, Antonio José de Sucre. However, in 1898, the Bolivian seat of government was moved from Sucre to La Paz due to the economic decline of Potosí and its silver industry.
Today, Sucre remains the constitutional and judicial capital of Bolivia, while La Paz is the administrative capital and seat of government. Sucre is known for its peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, mild climate, and well-preserved historical centre. It is a popular destination for tourists and foreigners due to its cultural significance, architectural heritage, and pleasant climate.
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La Paz is the third-most populous city in Bolivia
La Paz, officially known as Nuestra Señora de La Paz, is the administrative capital of Bolivia. It is the third-most populous city in Bolivia, with 755,732 residents as of 2024. However, its metropolitan area, which includes the cities of El Alto, Achocalla, Viacha, and Mecapaca, is the second most populous urban area in the country, with a population of 2.2 million.
La Paz is located in west-central Bolivia, 68 kilometres southeast of Lake Titicaca. The city is situated in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River and is surrounded by the high mountains of the Altiplano. At an elevation of approximately 3,650 metres above sea level, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world. Due to its high altitude, La Paz has a unique subtropical highland climate, with rainy summers and dry winters.
La Paz was founded on 20 October 1548, by the Spanish conquistador Captain Alonso de Mendoza, at the site of the Inca settlement of Laja. The city was later moved to its present location in the valley of Chuquiago Marka. La Paz has a rich history of revolts and played a significant role in the Bolivian struggle for independence from Spanish rule. Today, it is the seat of the Bolivian government and is an important political, administrative, economic, and cultural centre of the country.
La Paz is renowned for its markets, colonial architecture, and nightlife. The city offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is home to the largest urban cable car network in the world. La Paz is also a significant economic centre, contributing 24% of Bolivia's gross domestic product and serving as the headquarters for numerous Bolivian companies and industries.
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La Paz is the seat of the Bolivian government
La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia, and the seat of the country's government. It is located in west-central Bolivia, 68km southeast of Lake Titicaca, and is set in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River. It is the third-most populous city in Bolivia, with 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.
La Paz is the site of the Palacio Quemado, the presidential palace, and is also the seat of the Bolivian legislature, the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, and numerous government departments and agencies. The city generates 24% of the nation's gross domestic product and serves as the headquarters for numerous Bolivian companies and industries. It is also an important cultural centre, hosting several landmarks from colonial times, such as the San Francisco Church, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Plaza Murillo.
La Paz was founded in 1548 by the Spanish conquistador Captain Alonso de Mendoza, at the site of the Inca settlement of Laja. The full name of the city was originally Nuestra Señora de La Paz (meaning Our Lady of Peace) in commemoration of the restoration of peace following the insurrection of Gonzalo Pizarro and fellow conquistadors against the first viceroy of Peru. The city was later moved to its present location in the valley of Chuquiago Marka.
La Paz was established as the seat of the Bolivian government in 1898, but Sucre remains the country's constitutional capital, and is home to the judiciary.
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Sucre is named after revolutionary leader Antonio José de Sucre
Sucre, the constitutional capital of Bolivia, is named after the Venezuelan general and politician Antonio José de Sucre. Sucre was one of the primary leaders of South America's struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire and a close friend and associate of Simón Bolívar.
Sucre was born on February 3, 1795, in Cumaná, New Granada (now Venezuela). He joined the revolt against Spanish rule in 1814 and quickly established himself as a highly capable military leader. By 1820, he had become chief of staff to Bolívar, who appointed him a general and assigned him to free southern Gran Colombia (now Ecuador) from Spanish control. Sucre marched to Quito, where he defeated Spanish royalist forces on May 24, 1822, at the Battle of Pichincha.
Sucre went on to score a decisive victory over the Spanish Royalist army at the Battle of Ayacucho in 1824, which effectively secured the independence of Peru. Afterwards, he moved into Upper Peru (now Bolivia), where he pacified the Royalist resistance and set up an administration on Bolívar's orders. The region achieved independence as Bolivia, and Sucre was inaugurated as president of the new republic.
Sucre's tenure as president was beset by difficulties, and opposition to his rule mounted as the populace turned against Bolívar and his followers. He was forced to resign in 1828 but was recalled to military duty on the outbreak of the Gran Colombia–Peru War, in which he commanded Colombian forces and fought the Peruvian invaders to a standstill.
Sucre was assassinated in Berruecos, Colombia, in 1830, and the identity of the conspirators remains a subject of historical speculation. However, it is believed that the assassins were agents of José María Obando, a Colombian soldier and opponent of Bolívar.
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Frequently asked questions
Bolivia has two capitals. Sucre is the constitutional and judicial capital, while La Paz is the administrative capital, where the executive and legislative branches of the government are located.
The debate over the country's capital has been going on for centuries and has been the cause of bloodshed, violent protests, and divisive politics. Sucre was chosen as the capital due to its proximity to silver mines, which were the country's primary industry at the time. However, when the focus shifted to tin mining, La Paz, which was closer to the tin mines, began to grow in economic importance.
Sucre has a population of around 300,000, while La Paz has a population of around 755,000.
Sucre is known for its whitewashed buildings, picturesque rooftops, and well-preserved colonial architecture. La Paz, on the other hand, is an urban jungle with terracotta roofs, sprawling markets, and a network of cable cars offering incredible views.
