Bolivia facts for kids

This page is about the country. For other uses, see Bolivia (disambiguation).

Quick facts for kids Plurinational State of Bolivia Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia (Spanish) Puliwya Achka Aylluska Mamallaqta (Quechua) Wuliwya Walja Ayllunakana Marka (Aymara) Tetã Hetate'ýigua Volívia (Guarani) Co-official names
Flag Coat of arms
Anthem: Himno Nacional de Bolivia (Spanish) "National Anthem of Bolivia"
Dual flag: Wiphala
Location of Bolivia (dark green) in South America (gray)
Capital	Sucre
Administrative center	La Paz
Largest city	Santa Cruz 17°48′S 63°10′W / 17.800°S 63.167°W / -17.800; -63.167
Official languages	Spanish Quechua Aymara Guarani Other indigenous languages
Religion (2020)	92.8% Christianity 81.4% Catholicism 11.4% other Christian 6.5% no religion 0.7% other
Demonym(s)	Bolivian
Government	Unitary presidential republic

• President	Rodrigo Paz Pereira
• Vice President	Edmand Lara
• President of the Senate	Andrónico Rodríguez

Legislature	Plurinational Legislative Assembly
• Upper house	Chamber of Senators
• Lower house	Chamber of Deputies
Independence from Spain

• Declared	6 August 1825
• Recognized	21 July 1847
• Current constitution	7 February 2009

Area
• Total	1,098,581 km² (424,164 sq mi) (27th)
• Water (%)	1.29
Population
• 2024 census	11,365,333 (84th)
• Density	10.4/km² (26.9/sq mi) (224th)
GDP (PPP)	2025 estimate
• Total	$144.098 billion (94th)
• Per capita	$11,574 (120th)
GDP (nominal)	2025 estimate
• Total	$56.339 billion (94th)
• Per capita	$4,525 (126th)
Gini (2021)	▼ 40.9 medium
HDI (2023)	0.733 high · 108th
Currency	Boliviano (BOB)
Time zone	UTC−04:00 (BOT)
Date format	dd/mm/yyyy
Driving side	right
Calling code	+591
ISO 3166 code	BO
Internet TLD	.bo

Bolivia (officially called the Plurinational State of Bolivia) is a country in South America. It is a landlocked nation, meaning it has no coastline. Bolivia is surrounded by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Peru, and Chile.

The country is named after Simón Bolívar, a famous leader who helped many South American countries gain independence. The main languages spoken in Bolivia are Spanish and Quechua. However, many other local languages are also spoken. In 2013, Bolivia had a population of about 10.67 million people.

History of Bolivia

Before the Spanish Arrived

The Kalasasaya Temple was part of the ancient Tiwanaku civilization.

For thousands of years, the land of Bolivia was home to great civilizations. One of the most important was the Tiwanaku civilization, which built a large capital city near Lake Titicaca. The Tiwanaku people were skilled builders and farmers. Their culture was powerful in the Andes mountains for hundreds of years before it disappeared around 1000 AD.

Later, between 1438 and 1527, the powerful Inca Empire expanded from its capital in Cusco, Peru. The Incas took control of the western, mountainous part of Bolivia.

Spanish Colonial Times

The city of Potosí was famous for its silver mines during the Spanish colonial era.

In the 1500s, Spanish conquerors arrived and took control of the region. They called the area Charcas. The Spanish discovered huge amounts of silver in a mountain called Cerro Rico, located in the city of Potosí. This silver made the Spanish Empire very wealthy.

Many native Bolivians were forced to work in the silver mines under very difficult and dangerous conditions. During this time, the Spanish built beautiful cities with churches and government buildings, many of which can still be seen today.

Independence and Later Years

The first coat of arms of Bolivia, when it was called the Republic of Bolívar.

In 1809, the people of Bolivia began to fight for their freedom from Spain. After 16 years of war, Bolivia became an independent country on August 6, 1825.

The 19th century was a difficult time for Bolivia. The country was politically unstable and fought several wars with its neighbors. In the War of the Pacific (1879–83), Bolivia lost its coastline to Chile, becoming a landlocked country. It also lost other territories to Brazil and Peru over the years.

The 20th and 21st Centuries

In the early 20th century, tin mining became more important than silver for Bolivia's economy. The country went through many changes in government, including periods of military rule. In 1952, a major event called the National Revolution took place. This led to big changes, like giving more rights to indigenous people and putting the tin mines under government control.

From the 1960s to the early 1980s, Bolivia was often ruled by military dictators. One of the most well-known was Hugo Banzer. His government was very strict and harsh with those who opposed it. Bolivia returned to a democratic government in 1982.

In 2006, Evo Morales became the first indigenous president of Bolivia. He made many changes, including creating a new constitution in 2009. His government focused on using money from natural gas to help reduce poverty.

In 2019, there were disagreements about the results of the presidential election. This led to large protests, and President Morales resigned. An interim government, led by Jeanine Áñez, took over. New elections were held in 2020, and Luis Arce, from Morales's party, was elected president.

In 2024, a general named Juan José Zúñiga led an attempt to take over the government, but it failed within a few hours. In the 2025 election, Rodrigo Paz Pereira was elected president, marking a political shift for the country.

Government and Politics

The building of the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, Bolivia's congress, in La Paz.

Bolivia is a democratic republic. This means that citizens vote to elect their leaders. The government has been democratic since 1982.

The government is divided into four branches:

Executive Branch: This is led by the President, who is both the head of state and head of government. The president is elected for a five-year term.
Legislative Branch: This is the Plurinational Legislative Assembly (the congress), which makes the laws. It has two parts: the Chamber of Senators and the Chamber of Deputies.
Judicial Branch: This includes the Supreme Court of Justice and other courts. They are in charge of interpreting the laws.
Electoral Branch: This independent branch organizes and oversees all elections to make sure they are fair.

Exploring Bolivia's Geography

Copacabana, a town on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca.

A satellite view of Bolivia.

The high plains of the Bolivian Altiplano.

Sol de Mañana, a geothermal area in southwestern Bolivia with steam vents.

Part of the Amazon rainforest in northern Bolivia.

Bolivia is located in the middle of South America. It covers a huge area of about 1,098,581 square kilometers (424,163 square miles). This makes it the 28th largest country in the world and the fifth largest in South America.

The country's landscape is very diverse. It stretches from the high Andes mountains to parts of the Gran Chaco, Pantanal, and even the Amazon rainforest. Bolivia is known for its amazing biodiversity, meaning it has many different kinds of plants and animals.

Different Regions of Bolivia

Bolivia has three main geographical regions:

The Andean Region: This area is in the southwest and covers about 28% of Bolivia. It's very high up, mostly above 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) above sea level. Here you'll find two large mountain ranges, the Western Range and the Central Range. Some of the highest peaks in the Americas are here, like Nevado Sajama (6,542 meters or 21,463 feet) and Illimani (6,462 meters or 21,194 feet).
- Lake Titicaca: This famous lake is also in the Andean region. It's the highest lake in the world where boats can travel for business, and it's the largest lake in South America. Bolivia shares it with Peru.
- Salar de Uyuni: This is the world's largest salt flat. It's a huge, flat area covered in salt and is an important source of lithium.

The Sub-Andean Region: Located in the center and south, this region is a middle ground between the high Andes and the eastern plains. It makes up about 13% of Bolivia. This area includes valleys and the Yungas region. It's known for its farming and mild weather.

The Llanos Region: This is the largest region, covering 59% of Bolivia, in the northeast. It's a flat area with small plateaus, mostly covered by dense rainforests. This region is full of incredible biodiversity and is generally below 400 meters (1,300 feet) above sea level.

Bolivia's River Systems

Bolivia has three main river systems, called drainage basins:

The Amazon Basin: This is the largest basin, covering about 66% of Bolivia. Rivers here often form large loops and lakes. The main Bolivian river flowing into the Amazon is the Mamoré River. Other important rivers include the Beni River and the Madre de Dios River.

The Río de la Plata Basin: This basin is in the south and covers about 21% of the country. Its rivers are generally smaller than those in the Amazon Basin. Key rivers here are the Paraguay River, Pilcomayo River, and Bermejo River.

The Central Basin: This unique basin covers 13% of Bolivia. It's an endorheic basin, meaning its lakes and rivers don't flow into any ocean. They are surrounded by the Andes mountains. The most important river is the Desaguadero River, which flows from Lake Titicaca to Lake Poopó. This basin also includes the large salt flats like the Salar de Uyuni.

Bolivia's Climate Zones

The Chacaltaya Ski Resort in the La Paz Department.

Bolivia's climate changes a lot depending on the region. It can be tropical in the east and very cold, like a polar climate, in the western Andes.

Llanos (Eastern Plains): This area has a tropical climate that is warm and humid, with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F). Winds from the Amazon rainforest bring a lot of rain. Sometimes, cool winds from the south, called surazos, can make temperatures drop for a few days.

Altiplano (High Plains): This region has a desert-like and polar climate with strong, cold winds. Temperatures usually range from 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F) during the day. However, at night, temperatures drop sharply, often close to freezing. Frost is common, and it snows frequently.

Valleys and Yungas: These areas have a temperate climate. Humid winds from the northeast are pushed up by the mountains, making this region very wet and rainy. Higher elevations are cooler, and snow can fall at altitudes above 2,000 meters (6,500 feet).

Chaco: This region has a subtropical semi-arid climate. It's rainy and humid in January, but the rest of the year has warm days and cold nights.

People of Bolivia: Demographics

Bolivia has a population of about 10.9 million people. The people of Bolivia come from different backgrounds:

About 55% are Native American.
About 30% are Mestizo, meaning they have mixed European and Indigenous heritage.
About 15% are White.

Bolivia's Economy and Tourism

A view of La Paz, Bolivia.

Bolivia faces challenges with poverty, as about 75.7% of its people live below the poverty line.

The country has the second-largest natural gas reserves in South America. Bolivia sells a lot of this natural gas to Brazil.

Tourism in Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni, one of the most famous places to visit in Bolivia.

Tourism is becoming more and more important for Bolivia's economy. The country offers many different attractions because of its rich culture, varied landscapes, long history, and delicious food.

Some of the most popular places to visit include Nevado Sajama, Torotoro National Park, Madidi National Park, Tiwanaku, and the city of La Paz.

One of Bolivia's most famous festivals is the "Carnaval de Oruro". UNESCO recognized it as one of the first "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" in 2001.

How Bolivia is Divided

Bolivia is divided into nine main areas called departments. These departments are then split into 112 smaller areas called provinces. The provinces are further divided into 339 municipalities and special native community lands.

Department	Abbreviation (ISO)	Population	Surface (km²)	Density	Capital city
Territorial division of Bolivia

Bolivia	BO	10.027.644	1.098.581	9,1	Sucre
Beni	BO-B	430.049	213.564	1,9	Trinidad
Chuquisaca	BO-H	631.062	51.524	11,9	Sucre
Cochabamba	BO-C	1.786.040	55.631	22,7	Cochabamba
La Paz	BO-L	2.756.989	133.985	19,9	La Paz
Oruro	BO-O	444.093	53.558	8,2	Oruro
Pando	BO-N	75.335	63.827	1,1	Cobija
Potosí	BO-P	780.392	118.218	6,5	Potosí
Santa Cruz	BO-S	2.626.697	370.621	7,1	Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Tarija	BO-T	496.988	37.623	12,5	Tarija
Source: Demographic Projections 2008, Bolivian National Demographic Institute. The departmental densitiy has been calculated with the population of 2006.

Bolivia's Amazing Biodiversity

A Llama at Laguna Colorada in Potosí, Bolivia.

Bolivia is considered one of the "Megadiverse Countries" because it has an enormous variety of living things and natural environments.

The country's different altitudes, from 90 meters (300 feet) to 6,542 meters (21,463 feet) above sea level, create a huge range of biological diversity. Bolivia has four main types of biomes, 32 ecological regions, and 199 different ecosystems.

There are many national parks and reserves, like the Noel Kempff Mercado National Park and the Madidi National Park. These places protect Bolivia's incredible nature.

Plants and Animals of Bolivia

Bolivia is home to over 17,000 species of seed plants. This includes more than 1,200 types of ferns and 800 kinds of fungus. Over 3,000 species of medicinal plants also grow here.

Bolivia is believed to be where many important plants first grew. These include peppers and chili peppers, peanuts, common beans, and yucca. The country also naturally produces over 4,000 different kinds of potatoes!

Bolivia has more than 2,900 animal species. This includes 398 mammals, over 1,400 birds (about 14% of all known bird species in the world!), 204 amphibians, 277 reptiles, and 635 types of fresh water fish. Since Bolivia is a landlocked country, it has no saltwater fish. You can also find over 3,000 kinds of butterfly and more than 60 types of domestic animals.

Bolivian Culture

Bolivian children playing the tarka, a type of flute.

Bolivian culture is a mix of influences from the Inca, Aymara, and other native groups. These influences can be seen in their religion, music, and clothing.

A very popular festival is "El carnaval de Oruro". People in Bolivia love playing football, which is often played right in the street.

Languages

Bolivia has amazing linguistic diversity. Spanish is the most commonly spoken language. However, the constitution recognizes 36 other official languages, all of them indigenous. The most widely spoken native languages are Quechua, Aymara, and Guarani.

Religion

The Basilica of San Francisco is a famous church in La Paz.

Most Bolivians are Christian, with the majority being Roman Catholic. However, many indigenous beliefs and traditions are mixed with Christianity. For example, many people honor Pachamama, or "Mother Earth," which is an ancient Andean belief.

Festivals and Music

The Diablada, or "Dance of the Devils," is a famous dance at the Carnival of Oruro.

Bolivia is famous for its colorful festivals and lively folk music. The most famous festival is the Carnaval de Oruro, which is recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of human heritage. During this carnival, thousands of dancers in amazing costumes perform traditional dances like the Diablada (Dance of the Devils).

Traditional Andean music often features instruments like the charango (a small guitar), the quena (a flute), and the zampoña (panpipes).

Sports

Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Bolivia. The national team plays its home games in La Paz, where the high altitude can be a challenge for visiting teams.

Racquetball is another popular sport where Bolivian athletes have had great success, winning many medals in international competitions.

National Symbols

The Cantuta (also called kantuta or qantuta) is a beautiful flower found in the Yungas region. It is one of Bolivia's national flowers. The other is the patujú (Heliconia rostrata), which grows in the tropical areas of Bolivia.

Images for kids

Casa de La Moneda, Potosí
Casa de La Libertad, Sucre
Banco Central de Bolivia, Sucre
Hugo Banzer Suárez was a former president.
Former President, Evo Morales
Inauguration of Luis Arce and David Choquehuanca on 8 November 2020
Topographical map of Bolivia
Mururata as seen from the tropical valleys of the Yungas
Laguna Colorada in the Puna de Lipez in Potosí
Chacaltaya ski resort, La Paz Department
Bolivia's national animal, the llama
Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) is a state-owned company and the country's largest airline. Two BoA Boeing 737-300s parked at Jorge Wilstermann International Airport.
People in La Paz city center
Danza de los macheteros, typical dance from San Ignacio de Moxos, Bolivia
Aymara man, near Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
Church of San Lorenzo de Carangas, Potosí, mid-16th century–1744.