Bolívar (state) Facts for Kids

Flag of Bolívar State

Coat of arms of Bolívar State

Bolívar is one of the 23 states that make up Venezuela. It is the largest state in Venezuela, covering a huge area in the southeastern part of the country. The state capital city is Ciudad Bolívar, which is known for its beautiful old buildings and history. Bolívar State is famous for its amazing natural beauty, including the world's tallest waterfall, Angel Falls, and unique flat-topped mountains called tepuis. It's a place full of adventure and incredible landscapes.

Bolívar State: A Land of Wonders
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Bolívar State: A Land of Wonders

Bolívar State is a truly special part of Venezuela, known for its vast size and incredible natural features. It's bigger than many countries and is home to some of the most stunning sights on Earth. This state offers a mix of dense jungles, wide savannas, and ancient mountains, making it a paradise for nature lovers and explorers.

Where is Bolívar State?

Bolívar State is located in the southeastern part of Venezuela. It shares borders with several other Venezuelan states and even with other countries like Brazil and Guyana. Its large size means it has many different types of environments, from tropical rainforests to open grasslands. The Orinoco River, one of South America's longest rivers, forms a large part of its northern border.

Nature's Masterpieces: Waterfalls and Mountains

This state is a treasure chest of natural wonders. It's famous for its towering waterfalls and unique mountains that look like giant tables. These natural formations have been shaped over millions of years and are home to many different plants and animals.

Angel Falls: The World's Tallest Waterfall

One of the most famous landmarks in Bolívar State is Angel Falls (Salto Ángel). This incredible waterfall is the highest in the world, dropping almost 1,000 meters (about 3,212 feet) from the top of a mountain. It's named after Jimmy Angel, an American aviator who was the first person to fly over it in 1933. The falls are located in the Canaima National Park, a huge protected area that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mysterious Tepuis and Rivers

Bolívar State is also home to many "tepuis." These are ancient, flat-topped mountains with steep, cliff-like sides. They are like islands in the sky, and many have unique plants and animals that can't be found anywhere else on Earth. Some famous tepuis include Mount Roraima and Auyantepui, which is where Angel Falls begins. The state also has many important rivers, like the Carrao River and the Tek River, which flow through the beautiful landscapes.

Cities and Culture

While much of Bolívar State is wild and undeveloped, it also has important cities and a rich culture. These cities serve as centers for trade, education, and local life.

Ciudad Bolívar: The Capital City

Ciudad Bolívar is the capital of Bolívar State. It's located on the banks of the Orinoco River. The city is known for its charming colonial architecture, with many old buildings that tell stories of its past. The St. Thomas Cathedral in Ciudad Bolívar is a beautiful church that opened in 1841. The city also has museums, like the Jesús Soto Museum, which showcases modern art.

Other Important Places

Another important city is Ciudad Guayana, which is a modern industrial center. It's where the Caroní River meets the Orinoco River. The state also has impressive engineering projects, like the Second Bridge over the Orinoco River, also known as the Orinoquia Bridge, which opened in 2006. Dams like the Caruachi Dam help provide electricity to the region. Smaller towns like Santa Elena de Uairén are gateways to the Gran Sabana region and are important for local communities.

What is Bolívar State Known For?

Beyond its natural beauty, Bolívar State is important for its resources. It has extensive jungle regions and vast forests. The state is also rich in mining resources, including gold, diamonds, and bauxite (which is used to make aluminum). These resources play a big role in Venezuela's economy. Tourism is also growing, as more people want to explore its unique landscapes and waterfalls.

Fun Facts About Bolívar State

Bolívar State is named after Simón Bolívar, a famous leader who helped several South American countries gain independence.
The Gran Sabana, a large savanna region within the state, is famous for its unique landscapes, waterfalls, and indigenous communities.
Many of the tepuis in Bolívar State have inspired stories and movies, including "The Lost World" by Arthur Conan Doyle.
The state's diverse ecosystems mean it's home to many different types of wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, and colorful birds.

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Ciudad Bolívar is its capital; known for its colonial architecture.
St. Thomas Cathedral in Ciudad Bolivar opened in 1841
Catholic Cathedral in Santa Elena de Uairen built in the 1950s.
Angel Falls (Salto Ángel), Venezuela The highest waterfall in the world at almost 1000 meters high
Kukenan Tepuy
Carrao River and Auyantepui Mountain
Bolivar State has extensive jungle regions and vast forest and mining resources
Kukenan falls (Salto Kukenan)
La Gran Sabana
Tek River
Quebrada de Jaspe
Mount Roraima cliffs
Canaima Lagoon
Pozo Azul, Quebrada Pacheco
Typical huts in the Gran Sabana
Jesús Soto Museum, Bolívar State
Cachamay Stadium, Ciudad Guayana
Second Bridge over the Orinoco River, or Orinoquia Bridge opened in 2006
Caruachi Dam in Bolívar State, Venezuela