Bolivia, Sc: A Southern Gem's Location

Bolivia is a landlocked country in west-central South America. It is bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast, Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the west. Bolivia is the fifth-largest country in South America and the 27th largest in the world. The country has a population of around 12 million people, with two-thirds of Bolivian people being indigenous. The constitutional capital of Bolivia is Sucre, whilst the administrative capital is La Paz. The country has a rich history, once being a part of the ancient Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco) empire and the Inca empire. Bolivia is the third-largest producer of coca, the raw material for cocaine, in the world.

Bolivia is a landlocked country in west-central South America

Bolivia, officially the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in west-central South America. It is the fifth-largest country in South America, with an area of 1,098,581 sq km. Bolivia has a population of approximately 12 million people, with two-thirds of Bolivian people being of indigenous heritage. The country is bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast, Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the west. Bolivia has a rich history, once being a part of the ancient Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco) empire and the Inca empire.

Bolivia has a varied landscape, from the Andean mountain range in the west of the country, which covers about one-third of the total area, to the Amazonian lowlands in the east. The Andean region is dominated by two parallel mountain ranges, the Cordillera Occidental and the Cordillera Oriental, with the Altiplano ("High Plateau") situated in between. The Altiplano is a relatively flat depression that spans from southern Peru through Bolivia to northern Argentina. The Yungas, a rugged, heavily forested region, forms the southern end of a region that extends along the eastern Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Bolivia has a diverse climate that varies with altitude and region. The Andean region experiences cold, dry polar climates, while the Llanos region in the northeast has a humid tropical climate. The country's varied geography and climate contribute to its high level of biodiversity, making it a part of the "Like-Minded Megadiverse Countries". Bolivia is known for its natural resources, including lithium, natural gas, petroleum, and zinc, among others.

The country gained independence from Spanish rule in 1825 and was named after the independence fighter Simón Bolívar. Bolivia has a democratic civilian government with a presidential republic system. The administrative capital is La Paz, while Sucre is the constitutional and legislative capital.

The country is named after Simón Bolívar, a Venezuelan leader in the Spanish-American wars of independence

Bolivia is named after Simón Bolívar, a Venezuelan leader in the Spanish-American wars of independence. Simón Bolívar, born in 1783, is also known as "The Liberator" for his role in freeing Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru from Spanish rule.

In 1825, Bolívar gave the leader of Venezuela, Antonio José de Sucre, three options for Charcas (present-day Bolivia): unite with the newly formed Republic of Peru, unite with the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata, or formally declare its independence from Spain as a wholly independent state. Sucre chose the third option and, with local support, named the new country after Bolívar. The original name was the Republic of Bolívar. Congressman Manuel Martín Cruz proposed, "If from Romulus, Rome, then from Bolívar, Bolivia" (Spanish: "Si de Rómulo, Roma; de Bolívar, Bolivia"). The name was approved by the Republic on 3 October 1825.

Bolivia has the second-largest natural gas reserves in South America

Bolivia, officially known as the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in west-central South America. It is the fifth-largest country in South America and the 27th largest in the world. Bolivia is bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast, Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the west. Bolivia has a rich history and was once part of the ancient Inca Empire.

Natural gas is one of Bolivia's main energy sources and export products. The major export pipelines transport gas to neighbouring countries, such as Argentina and Brazil. Bolivia's proven natural gas reserves provide an important potential source of energy for its Southern Cone neighbours and Brazil. The discovery and utilisation of these reserves have played a significant role in the country's economy and development.

In recent years, there have been efforts to explore and develop new natural gas fields in Bolivia. In July 2024, President Luis Arce announced the discovery of a new natural gas and oil field, Mayaya X-1, located north of the capital, La Paz. This discovery is expected to boost the country's natural gas production and has been hailed as a significant development for the nation's energy sector.

Bolivia's natural gas reserves and their exploitation have been a central feature of the country's politics and economic policies. The industry has experienced periods of privatisation and nationalisation, with the state seeking to exert control over this valuable resource. The revenue generated from natural gas exports has contributed to economic growth and stability in Bolivia.

Bolivia is one of the world's largest producers of coca, the raw material for cocaine

Bolivia, officially known as the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in west-central South America. It is the fifth-largest country in South America and the 27th largest in the world. Bolivia has a rich history, once forming part of the ancient Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco) empire and later the Inca Empire.

In the 1980s, Bolivia was the second-largest grower of coca in the world, supplying approximately 15% of the US cocaine market. Analysts believed that exports of coca paste or cocaine generated between $600 million and $1 billion annually during this period. The production of cocaine has helped to stabilize democracy in Bolivia by increasing incomes and living standards and providing an alternative source of income for the military.

In 2009, the UN Office of Drug Control estimated that Bolivia was the third-largest producer of coca, after Colombia and Peru. Coca cultivation in Bolivia totalled 42,180 hectares in 2019, an increase of 28% from 2018. The Yungas region remains the largest coca cultivation area in Bolivia, followed by the Chapare region.

Bolivia's most lucrative agricultural product continues to be coca, and the country is also known for its production of refined cocaine. Coca is legally sold in wholesale markets in Villa Fátima in La Paz and in Sacaba, Cochabamba.

Bolivia is the highest capital city in the world

Bolivia is a landlocked country in west-central South America. It is officially named the Plurinational State of Bolivia and is bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Bolivia has a rich history and was once part of the ancient Inca Empire.

The country has two capital cities: Sucre and La Paz. Sucre is the constitutional capital and the seat of the judiciary, while La Paz is the administrative capital and the seat of the government.

La Paz is located in west-central Bolivia, 68km southeast of Lake Titicaca. It is set in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River and is surrounded by the high mountains of the Altiplano. The city was founded in 1548 by Spanish conquistador Captain Alonso de Mendoza and was originally named Nuestra Señora de La Paz.

At an elevation of roughly 3,650m above sea level, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world. The city has a unique subtropical highland climate, with rainy summers and dry winters. La Paz is densely built, with steep streets that form labyrinths. It is a bustling metropolis, full of life and activity.

La Paz is an important political, administrative, economic, and cultural center of Bolivia. It is home to numerous landmarks, 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.

La Paz offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the triple-peaked Illimani, which overlooks the city. The city is also known for having the largest urban cable car network in the world, with 11 lines stretching over 32 kilometers.

With a population of over 755,000 residents, La Paz is the third-most populous city in Bolivia. Its metropolitan area, which includes the cities of El Alto, Achocalla, Viacha, and Mecapaca, has a population of 2.2 million, making it the second-most populous urban area in the country.

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