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Bolivia Facts

Bolivia Facts
Bolivia is a country located in western-central South America. Bolivia is bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru. Prior to the arrival of Spanish explorers and colonization Bolivia was part of the Inca Empire and home to several indigenous tribes. When the Spanish arrived in the 1500s they called the area Upper Peru. Silver in the region provided great revenue for the Spanish Empire. Because of slave conditions eventually the natives rebelled and the country won its independence in 1825 and Bolivia became its name. Political instability in the country remained and continues to this day for various reasons including the rights of its citizens, natural resources and control of the country.
Interesting Bolivia Facts:
Bolivia's name was chosen because of Simon Bolivar, a leader during the Spanish American Wars of Independence.
Bolivia's full name is the Republic of Bolivia or Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia..
Bolivia's capital city is Sucre and its largest city is Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
The population of Bolivia is approximately 9,947,418.
Bolivia covers an area of land that is 418,683 square miles.
The population of Bolivia is more than 10 million. It has tripled in the last 50 years.
The monetary unit in Bolivia is the Boliviano.
The main languages spoken in Bolivia include Spanish, Quechua and Aymara. In addition to these there are many more languages spoken by indigenous people and their descendants.
Bolivia celebrates Independence Day on August 6th each year.
There have been approximately 200 coups since Bolivia gained its independence in 1825.
Agriculture in Bolivia includes soybeans, coffee, cocoa, cotton, sugarcane, corn, rice, potatoes and timber.
Natural resources in Bolivia include tin, natural gas, petroleum, tungsten, zinc, gold, silver, lead and hydro-electric power.
Major industry in Bolivia includes mining, petro-products, tobacco, clothing, handicrafts and food products.
There are salt formations in Bolivia that attract many tourists from all over the year. These salt flats are called Salar de Uyuni and they are the largest in the world. This area is often used to calibrate satellites because it creates a mirror during seasonal flooding periods.
Bolivia has about half of the world's lithium deposits and although the lithium deposits would increase Bolivia's economy, the Bolivian government protects it. The lithium deposits lie under the salt flats and the government does not want the area destroyed.
Approximately 95% of Bolivians are Roman Catholic, with the remainder being Protestant. There are also many spiritual religious traditions practiced by native residents of Bolivia.
Bolivia has experienced many problems in its recent history including widespread poverty, the illegal drug production and trade, as well as civil and social unrest.
The highest point in Bolivia is Nevado Sajama, which sits at 6,542 meters.
Bolivia's lowest point is Rio Paraguay.
Bolivia's longest river is Mamore River.
The majority of Bolivians live in urban areas as opposed to rural areas.
Major ruins in Bolivia include the Iskanawaya, Inkallaqta, and Tiwanaku sites.
Bolivia has a rich folklore history full of traditions such as the 'devil dances'. They are one of South America's greatest folklore traditional events.


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