Exploring The Surprising Size Of Sydney And La Paz

Bolivia's administrative capital, La Paz, is perched at a breathtaking altitude of 3,650 m (11,975 ft) above sea level, making it the highest national capital in the world. With a population of 755,732 as of 2024, it is the third-most populous city in Bolivia. La Paz is nestled in a canyon carved out by the Choqueyapu River, about 42 miles southeast of the spectacular Lake Titicaca. The city boasts a unique urban landscape, with terracotta roofs tumbling down steep streets and bustling markets. La Paz is also a cultural hub, renowned for its Andean crafts and cable car network.

On the other hand, Sydney, Australia's largest city, boasts a population of over 5 million people and is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Sydney is situated on Australia's east coast and enjoys a temperate climate with sunny skies.

Now, let's delve into the comparison of these two fascinating cities and explore which one is bigger in terms of size and population.

La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia and is the world's highest capital city

La Paz, officially known as Nuestra Señora de La Paz, is the administrative capital of Bolivia. It is located in west-central Bolivia, about 42 miles southeast of Lake Titicaca. La Paz is situated in a deep, broad canyon formed by the Choqueyapu River and is surrounded by the high mountains of the Altiplano. The city's elevation ranges from 10,650 to 13,250 feet above sea level, making it the highest capital city in the world.

La Paz was founded in 1548 by the Spanish conquistador Captain Alonso de Mendoza on the site of an Inca village. The city was originally named Nuestra Señora de La Paz ("Our Lady of Peace") and was later renamed La Paz de Ayacucho in 1825 to commemorate the decisive battle in the wars of independence. The seat of the national government was established in La Paz in 1898, but Sucre remains the constitutional capital of Bolivia, home to the country's Supreme Court.

La Paz is the political, administrative, economic, and cultural centre of Bolivia. It is the site of the presidential palace, the Bolivian legislature, and numerous government departments and agencies. The city is also known for its rich cultural heritage, boasting several landmarks from colonial times, such as the San Francisco Church, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Plaza Murillo. La Paz is renowned for its markets, particularly the Witches' Market, where herbs, remedies, and other traditional Aymara products are sold.

The geography of La Paz is marked by social differences, with more affluent residents living in the lower, central areas, while lower-income residents inhabit the surrounding hills. The city experiences a subtropical highland climate due to its altitude, with rainy summers and dry winters. La Paz is also known for having the largest urban cable car network in the world.

La Paz is the third-most populous city in Bolivia, with 755,732 residents as of 2024

La Paz, Bolivia's administrative capital, is the third-most populous city in the country. As of 2024, La Paz has a population of 755,732. However, the La Paz metropolitan area, which includes the cities of Viacha and El Alto, has a population of about 2.3 million people.

La Paz is located in west-central Bolivia, 42 miles (68 km) southeast of Lake Titicaca. The city is situated in a deep, broad canyon formed by the Choqueyapu River, also known as the La Paz River. At an elevation of 3,250 to 4,100 metres (10,650 to 13,250 feet) above sea level, La Paz is the world's highest national capital. The city's altitude results in a rarefied atmosphere, which can make exertion difficult for visitors.

La Paz was founded in 1548 by Spanish conquistador Captain Alonso de Mendoza on the site of an Inca village. The city was originally named Nuestra Señora de La Paz ("Our Lady of Peace") to commemorate the restoration of peace following an insurrection against the first viceroy of Peru. In 1825, the city's name was changed to La Paz de Ayacucho ("The Peace of Ayacucho") to commemorate the decisive victory over the Spanish army during the Spanish-American wars of independence.

La Paz is the seat of the Bolivian government and an important political, administrative, economic, and cultural centre of the country. The city is home to numerous landmarks, including the Palacio Quemado (presidential palace), the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, the Plaza Murillo, the San Francisco Church, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. La Paz also boasts several museums, such as the National Museum of Art, the Museum of Ethnography and Folklore, and the National Museum of Archaeology.

The population of La Paz has been steadily increasing, despite issues with access to basic services and a lack of affordable, safe housing. The city's urban agglomeration, which includes adjacent suburban areas, is estimated to have a population of around 1,965,570 in 2024.

La Paz is situated in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River

La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, is situated in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River, also known as the La Paz River. The river flows from north to south through the city, and at an elevation of roughly 3,650 m (11,975 ft) above sea level, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world. The city lies in a bowl-like depression, part of the Amazon basin, and is surrounded by the high mountains of the Altiplano. The triple-peaked Illimani, which overlooks the city, is always snow-covered and can be seen from many parts of La Paz.

The Choqueyapu River originates from a spring called Achachi Qala in the Cordillera Real near the mountain Chacaltaya at a height of 5,395 m. The river is part of the drainage basin of the Amazon and is known for being contaminated with sewage and enteropathogenic bacteria, which is believed to contribute to the high incidence of diarrhoeal disease in La Paz.

The centre of La Paz lies in a deep, broad canyon formed by the river, and the city's location about 1,400 ft below the surface of the Altiplano plateau provides some protection from the cold winds of the highlands. The city has expanded up the canyon walls towards the edge of the Altiplano due to population growth since the latter part of the 20th century.

La Paz's main thoroughfare roughly follows the path of the Choqueyapu River and changes names over its length. The central tree-lined section running through the downtown core is called the Prado. The river and the city's main avenue play a crucial role in shaping the social geography of La Paz, with more affluent residents living in the lower, central areas southwest of the Prado, while lower-income residents occupy makeshift brick houses in the surrounding hills.

La Paz is home to the largest urban cable car network in the world

La Paz, Bolivia, is a city like no other. It is the highest national capital city in the world, with altitudes ranging from 10,650 to 13,250 feet (3,250 to 4,100 metres) above sea level. The city is nestled in a deep canyon formed by the La Paz, or Choqueyapu, River and is surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Altiplano.

One of the most remarkable features of La Paz is its urban cable car network, Mi Teleférico, which is the largest in the world. The system consists of ten lines, each colour-coded and named, spanning a total of 19 miles with 26 stations. The cable cars offer a unique way to commute and explore the city, providing spectacular bird's-eye views.

The construction of Mi Teleférico was completed in just two years, with an estimated cost of $234 million. The system has revolutionized transportation in La Paz, reducing commute times between the city and its neighbouring El Alto from one hour to just ten minutes. It has also alleviated the stress on the older public transit system, which struggled to keep up with the growing demands of the city.

The cable cars depart every 12 seconds and operate 17 hours daily, making it a quick and reliable mode of transport. The initial fare is incredibly affordable at 3 bolivianos (around $0.43), with discounts available for students, seniors, and the disabled.

Not only is Mi Teleférico a convenient mode of transportation, but it is also an attraction in itself. Tourists can use the cable car system to access many popular tourist locations in La Paz, such as the Witches' Market, the Open Air Market, and the Plaza Murillo. The cable cars provide breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains, giving passengers a unique perspective on the sprawling urban landscape.

The development of Mi Teleférico has been made possible due to Bolivia's period of economic and political stability. The project has been applauded for its sustainability and low emission levels, with the system running on electricity, partly generated through solar power, to reduce smog in the city.

La Paz's cable car network is a testament to the city's commitment to innovation and modernization, offering a unique and memorable experience to both locals and visitors alike.

La Paz is an important cultural centre of South America, with several landmarks dating from colonial times

La Paz, Bolivia, is an important cultural centre of South America. The city is home to several landmarks that date back to colonial times, including the San Francisco Church, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Plaza Murillo, and Jaén Street.

The San Francisco Church was founded in 1548 and rebuilt in 1784. It is one of the oldest churches in La Paz and is an example of colonial architecture. The Metropolitan Cathedral, located on Murillo Square, is another important landmark. It was built in 1835 and is situated next to the Presidential Palace. The Plaza Murillo, named after Pedro Domingo Murillo, is the heart of the city and is home to the huge modern cathedral and government and legislative palaces. Jaén Street is another notable area in La Paz, known for its well-preserved Spanish-era street design and its variety of museums.

In addition to these landmarks, La Paz also boasts several other colonial-era buildings and sites. The city's downtown area, including the Prado Avenue, is home to many historic buildings and is known for its narrow, steep streets and red-tiled roofs. La Paz also has a decreasing number of colonial buildings centred around the Plaza Murillo, with some in a dilapidated state due to a lack of funds for restoration.

La Paz's cultural significance extends beyond its colonial landmarks. The city is renowned for its markets, particularly the Witches' Market, where herbs, remedies, and other ingredients used in Aymara traditions are sold. La Paz is also known for its nightlife and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains of the Cordillera Real from numerous natural vantage points.

Frequently asked questions