Bolivia

Bolivia Mainly bordered by Brazil, Bolivia lies in the central of South America. Eventhough it is one of the poorest countries in South America, it is then very rich of its culture, and is said to have the most perfect climate. Go to Cochabamba and you will find the most amazing archaeological attractions, both in museo or for real such as a 400-year old cathedral. If you are more interested in nature, is will for example be possible to climb mountains or trekking, you decide.

Area: 1.098.870 Km²
Population: 8.300.000 (2001 est.)
Density: 7,5 pop/Km²

System of government: Presidential Republic
Capital: La Paz (1.250.000 pop.) administrative capital and seat of government, Sucre (90.000 pop.) legal capital
Major cities: Santa Cruz de la Sierra 850.000 pop., Cochabamba 405.000 pop.
Ethnic majority: Amerindian 55%, Mestizo 30%, White 15%
Border countries: Peru and Chile WEST, Argentina SOUTH, Paraguay SOUTH-EAST, Brazil EAST and NORTH

Principal mountains: Nevado del Illimani 6682 m
Principal rivers: Rio Mamoré 1800 Km (with Rio Grande), Rio Beni 1000 Km
Principal lakes: Lake Titicaca 8300 Km² (total, with peruvian part), Lago de Poopó 2530 Km²
Principal islands: -
Climate: Tropical - continental

Language: Spanish, Quechua, Aymará (all officials)
Religion: Catholic 95%
Currency: Boliviano (BOB)

Fixed public holidays: 1/1, 1/5, 6/8, 1/11, 25/12
Dialling code: 00591
GMT: -4

World Heritage List:

• City of Potosi (1987)
• Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos (1990)
• Historic City of Sucre (1991)
• Fuerte de Samaipata (1998)
• Noel Kempff Mercado National Park (2000)
• Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture (2000)