Exploring The Unique Border Between Argentina And Bolivia

Argentina and Bolivia, two countries in South America, share a border. Argentina is the larger of the two countries, with a land border that measures 7,322 miles in total. Bolivia, on the other hand, is landlocked and covers an area of 424,164 square miles. The Argentina-Bolivia border extends 773 kilometres from west to east, from the Altiplano to the Chaco flatlands, traversing the tropical environment of the Yungas. This natural border is defined by the Bermejo River and includes three border crossings, facilitating the movement of goods and people between the two countries.

The Argentina-Bolivia border is 773km long

The Republic of Argentina and the Plurinational State of Bolivia share a border that stretches 773km. This border includes three border crossings, with the natural border formed by the Bermejo River. The border traverses diverse terrain, from the tropical environment of the Yungas in the west to the Chaco flat in the east.

The westernmost crossing point is the Aguas Blancas-Bermejo border crossing, which connects the town of Aguas Blancas in the Department of Orán, Salta, Argentina, to the town of Bermejo in the Department of Tarija, Bolivia. This crossing is part of the National Route 50, facilitating the movement of goods and people between the two countries.

The second crossing point is located at Bermejo - La Quiaca, where the Horacio Guzmán International Bridge spans the La Quiaca River. This crossing is situated between the towns of La Quiaca in Argentina and Villazón in Bolivia.

The easternmost crossing point connects the Argentine town of Profesor Salvador Mazza to Yacuiba in Bolivia. This crossing is known as the Profesor Salvador Mazza-Yacuiba border crossing.

The Argentina-Bolivia border is not just a geographical demarcation but also a link between two nations with close economic and cultural ties. Bolivia exported goods and services worth $708 million to Argentina in 2016, and millions of Bolivian citizens find work and residence in Argentina. The three border crossings along this 773km border serve as vital conduits for the exchange of goods, services, and people between these two South American countries.

The natural border is the Bermejo River

The natural border between Argentina and Bolivia is the Bermejo River, also known as the Río Bermejo. The river is 1,060 kilometres (660 miles) long and forms part of the international boundary between the two countries. The river rises in the Andes Mountains in Bolivia and flows into the Paraguay-Paraña Rivers. The river is born in the Sierra de Santa Victoria mountain range, near Tarija, Bolivia, and not far from La Quiaca, Jujuy Province, Argentina.

The river is generally called Bermejo, but it also has different names along its way, including its Native American names. In Wichí, it is called Teuco, and in Guaraní, it is called Ypitá. The river is known for carrying red-coloured sediments, which give it a lighter colour compared to other streams. These sediments also cause irregular accumulations that can alter the river's course, leaving older paths as wet depressions.

The Bermejo River forms wetlands in the plains of Argentina's Gran Chaco and splits into two branches. The southern branch is the old Bermejo River bed, now an intermittent stream called Río Bermejito. The northern branch is the main stem of the river and is known as the Teuco River, Bermejo Nuevo, or simply the Bermejo River. These two branches rejoin near Villa Río Bermejito, forming the Lower Bermejo River.

The river is not navigable due to its shallow waters. However, it is an important natural border between Argentina and Bolivia, with three border crossings facilitating the intense movement of goods and people between the two countries. The Aguas Blancas-Bermejo International Border Crossing connects the towns of Aguas Blancas in Argentina and Bermejo in Bolivia.

There are three border crossings

Argentina and Bolivia share a 773-kilometre border with three border crossings. The border between the two countries is the international boundary that separates them. The border runs from west to east, starting at the Altiplano and extending to the Chaco flat through the tropical environment of the Yungas.

The three border crossings are:

• La Quiaca-Villazon: This crossing connects the town of Villazon in Bolivia to the town of La Quiaca in Argentina. This is the easternmost crossing point. The two towns are connected by the Horacio Guzmán International Bridge over the La Quiaca River.
• Profesor Salvador Mazza-Yacuiba: This crossing connects the Argentine town of Profesor Salvador Mazza to Yacuiba in Bolivia.
• Aguas Blancas-Bermejo: This crossing is the westernmost point and connects the town of Bermejo in Bolivia to the border town of Aguas Blancas in Argentina. The natural border at this crossing is the Bermejo River.

These border crossings facilitate the movement of people and goods between Argentina and Bolivia, with trade and migration controlled by customs officials from both countries.

Bolivia borders five countries in total

Bolivia, officially known as the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in South America. It is the fifth-largest state in South America, occupying an area of 424,164 square miles. Bolivia borders five countries in total, with Brazil to its north and east, Paraguay to the southeast, Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the west. Bolivia's border with Peru is in the northwest of the country and is approximately 668 miles long. The two countries share South America's second-largest lake, Lake Titicaca. Bolivia's border with Brazil is in the east of the country and is around 2,127 miles long, passing through a diverse range of terrain, from urban centres to desert landscapes and tropical forests. In the south of Bolivia lies its border with Paraguay, which runs through the lowlands of the Chaco region. Bolivia's border with Chile is in the southwest of the country, and in the south, Bolivia shares a border with Argentina.

Bolivia's borders have been the source of several conflicts with neighbouring countries. Bolivia fought the Chaco War with Paraguay between 1932 and 1935 over the Chaco region, which was believed to have rich oil deposits. Bolivia also fought the War of the Pacific with Chile, which resulted in Bolivia losing its coastline and becoming landlocked. Additionally, Bolivia has had strained relations with Brazil over disputes regarding land in the Amazon basin and the energy sector. Despite these conflicts, Bolivia maintains strong relations with its neighbours and other foreign nations.

Argentina borders five countries in total

Argentina is the second-largest country in South America, covering an area of over 1.073 million square miles. It has a long land border measuring a total of 7,322 miles and borders five countries in total. These are:

Bolivia

Bolivia shares a 773-kilometre border with Argentina, which includes three border crossings. The two countries were once united under the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata and have maintained amicable relations. Bolivia's border with Argentina is on the southern part of Bolivia, and the tripoint connecting Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia marks the start of the border. It extends east until it ends at the Paraguay-Chile-Bolivia tripoint.

Chile

Chile is situated west of Argentina, and the two countries share the longest border on the continent, stretching 3,200 miles in length. The border is marked by several geographical features, including the Atacama Desert, the Andes Mountains, Mount Fitz Roy, and the Patagonian Ice Field. The definition of the border has been disputed by both countries for many years, leading to territorial disputes such as the Beagle Conflict.

Brazil

Brazil shares a border with Argentina to the northeast of the country. The international border was established in the Treaty of 1898 and has remained unchanged since then. The border is defined by waterways, with only 15 miles of the border on land. The Iguacu Falls, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, is located at the frontier between the two countries.

Uruguay

Uruguay, officially known as the "Eastern Republic of Uruguay", shares a 359-mile border with Argentina to the northeast of the country. The Uruguay River has been used as the natural border between the two countries for centuries. Uruguay and Argentina have had territorial disputes over the definition of the border, such as the Uruguay River Pulp Mill Dispute.

Paraguay

Paraguay shares a border with Argentina to the north of the country. The Argentina-Paraguay border is the second-longest border for Argentina, after Chile, and it is 1,699 kilometres long. The border runs through the lowlands area referred to as the Chaco region.

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