Bolivia

Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR, broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and counter-coups.
Comparatively democratic civilian rule was established in the 1980s, but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and drug production.
Current goals include attracting foreign investment, strengthening the educational system, continuing the privatization program, and waging an anti-corruption campaign.
(Source: CIA - The World Factbook)

border countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru

related countries: Spain

Official Name:
República de Bolivia
short form: Bolivia
int'l long form: Republic of Bolivia.

ISO Country Code: bo

Time:
Local Time = UTC -4h

Country Calling Code: +591

Capital Cities:
La Paz (administrative, seat of the government; pop. 800 000)
Sucre (legislative/judiciary; pop. 300 000)

Other Cities:
Santa Cruz (1 500 000), Cochabamba (587 000), El Alto (860 000).

Government:
Type: Republic.
Independence: 6 August 1825.
Constitution: 1967; revised 1994.

Geography:
Location: West central South America
Area: 1.1 million sq. km. (425 000 sq. mi.).
Terrain: High plateau (altiplano), temperate and semitropical valleys, and the tropical lowlands.

Climate: Varies with altitude--from humid and tropical to semiarid and cold.

People:
Nationality: Bolivian(s).
Population: 9 million.
GNI per capita PPP: $ 3 049 (year)
Ethnic Groups: Quechua 30%, mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry) 30%, Aymara 25%, white 15%.
Religions: Predominantly Roman Catholic; minority Protestant.
Languages: Spanish (official); Quechua, Aymara, Guarani.
Literacy: 85.5%.

Natural resources: Tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower.

Agriculture products: Soybeans, coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes; timber.

Industries: Mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco, handicrafts, clothing

Currency: Boliviano (BOB)

Bolivia in numbers
Bolivia statistical key figures.