Bolivia

Bolivia

Bolivia, one of South America’s two landlocked countries (the other being Paraguay), is named after Simon Bolivar, who led the country to independence from Spanish rule in 1825. Known as 'Upper Peru' in the colonial era, the country has witnessed some 200 coups and countercoups by caudillos (military dictators) since its independence. Military dictatorship gave way to democratic civilian rule in 1982. Movement Toward Socialism leader Evo Morales became president of the country after winning a landside victory in 2005.

Travel overview
One of South America’s stunning destinations, Bolivia is a country of great expanse, extensive lakes and salt plains, which induce an elated sense of freedom.

Also sometimes referred to as the 'Tibet of the Americas', Bolivia is known for its unique attractions that entice the tourists to the country. The cities of La Paz and Sucre are charming. The island of Isola del Sol, the pleasant climate of Cochabamba, the site of Tihuanaco and the scenic beauty of Parque Nacional Madidi, make Bolivia a place worth visiting.

Capital: La Paz
Location: Central South America, southwest of Brazil
Climate: varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid
Total Area: 1,098,580 sq km
Total Population: 0.979 male(s)/female
Population Growth Rate: 1.42%
Sex Ratio: 0.979 male(s)/female
Literacy: 86.7%
Ethnic Groups: Quechua, mestizo, Aymara and white 15%
Irrigated land: 25,450 sq km
Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara (official)
Time Zone: UTC-4
Currency: boliviano
Type of govt.: republic
Head of Govt.: President Juan Evo MORALES Ayma
Major Political Parties: Free Bolivia Movement or MBL, Movement Toward Socialism or MAS, Movement Without Fear or MSM, National Revolutionary Movement or MNR

Participation in International Organizations: CAN, CSN, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUC, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMISET, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Major Agricultural Products: soybeans, coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes; timber

Natural Resources & Minerals: tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower

Industry & Transport: mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco, handicrafts, clothing
Airports: 1,084
Railways: 3,519 km
Roadways:
62,479 km
Waterways: 10,000 km
Major Trade Partners: Brazil, Argentina, US, Chile, Peru, Japan, China, Colombia
Exports: $3.668 billion
Imports: $2.934 billion