Bolivia
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- South America
- Capital
- Sucre
- Population
- 12.4 million (2024)
- Area
- 1,098,581 km²
- Languages
- Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish
- Currency
- Bolivian boliviano (BOB)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +591
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Before you go
Overview
Bolivia is a landlocked country spanning the high Andes, the Altiplano and the Amazon basin. More than half of its people are of Indigenous descent.
History
The area was part of the Inca Empire before Spanish conquest, and its silver mines at Potosí made Spain rich. Bolivia became independent in 1825 and lost its coastline to Chile in the War of the Pacific.
Food & culture
Salteñas (baked pastries), api (a hot purple-corn drink) and llama meat are local favourites.
Wildlife
Madidi National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, and flamingos gather on the high Andean lakes.
Festivals & events
The Oruro Carnival, recognised by UNESCO, is famous for its devil dances.
Things to see
The Salar de Uyuni, Lake Titicaca, La Paz and its cable cars, Potosí, Sucre and the Death Road.
Interesting facts
The Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world. La Paz is the highest seat of government in the world.
