Isla Suárez facts for kids
 Ilha de Guajará-Mirim
Isla Suárez Location in Bolivia
Ilha de Guajará-Mirim
Isla Suárez Location in Brazil
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| Geography | |
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| Coordinates | 10°47′42″S 65°21′35″W / 10.79500°S 65.35972°W |
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Bolivia
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| Department | Beni |
| Municipality | Guayaramerín |
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Brazil
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| State | Rondônia |
The Ilha de Guajará-Mirim (in Brazil) or Isla Suárez (in Bolivia) is a small island in the Mamoré River. This river forms part of the border between Bolivia and Brazil. The island is special because both countries claim it as their own. This means it is a disputed territory.
The island is located in the Amazon region. It sits between the Beni Department in Bolivia and the Rondônia state in Brazil. Even though both countries say the island belongs to them, it is mostly managed by Bolivia.
Contents
History of the Island Dispute
The story of this island's ownership goes back a long time. Countries often use treaties to decide their borders.
Early Agreements and Borders
The first important agreement was the Treaty of Ayacucho. It was signed on March 27, 1867. This treaty described where the border between Brazil and Bolivia should be. It said the border would follow the Guaporé and Mamoré rivers.
In 1877, the border in this area was officially marked. A Bolivian company called Irmãos Suarez started working there in 1896. Later, the Treaty of Petrópolis in 1903 confirmed the same border lines.
Growing Disagreements
Over the years, the dispute continued. In 1930, Brazil complained about Bolivia's presence on the island. They felt Bolivia was occupying it unfairly.
In 1937, Bolivia presented a report. It showed that the island was closer to the Bolivian side of the river. Brazil did not agree with this report.
Attempts to Resolve the Issue
In 1955, Brazil thought about setting up a police station on the island. However, they did not go through with this plan.
A new agreement was signed on March 29, 1958. It was called the Roboré Agreement. This agreement aimed to solve several border issues. It also stated that Brazil and Bolivia would discuss the ownership of Suárez Island in the future. The Brazilian Congress approved this agreement in 1968.
The Island Today
As of 2009, the island's ownership is still not fully decided. It is generally thought to be under Bolivian management. However, many Brazilians from the nearby town of Guajará-Mirim use the island for their businesses. They also own most of the land on the island.
This island is not the only one with an unclear owner. There are more than 80 other islands in the Guaporé and Mamoré rivers. Their ownership also needs to be decided between Brazil and Bolivia.
See also
