Bolivia

Latest News

Recently, the President of Bolivia declared a state of emergency in the country following a severe national crisis.

About Bolivia

Location

Bolivia is a landlocked country situated in west-central South America. Despite having no coastline today, Bolivia historically had access to the Pacific Ocean before losing it to Chile during the War of the Pacific (1879–1884).

Neighbouring Countries

Bolivia shares international boundaries with five countries. It is bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast, Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the northwest.

Capital Cities

Bolivia has two capitals.

• Sucre is the constitutional capital and the seat of the Judiciary.

• La Paz is the seat of government and serves as the executive and administrative capital.

Geographical Features

Relief and Terrain

Bolivia possesses highly diverse physical geography, comprising high mountain ranges, elevated plateaus (Altiplano), fertile valleys, and extensive tropical lowlands.

Mountain Ranges

The Andes Mountains dominate western Bolivia. The Cordillera Occidental runs along the Chile–Bolivia border, while the Cordillera Oriental extends through the eastern part of the Andean region.

Highest Peak

The country's highest mountain is Nevado Sajama, rising to 21,463 feet (6,542 metres) above sea level. It is also the highest peak in Bolivia.

Major Rivers

Important rivers include the Beni, Desaguadero, Guaporé, Madre de Dios, and Mamoré rivers. These rivers form part of the extensive Amazon River Basin and play a crucial role in inland transport, biodiversity, and agriculture.

Major Lake

Lake Titicaca, shared between Bolivia and Peru, is the largest freshwater lake in South America and the highest navigable large lake in the world. It is an important ecological, cultural, and economic resource.

Natural Resources

Bolivia possesses abundant natural gas reserves and rich mineral resources, including tin, silver, zinc, and lithium.

The country is globally significant for its vast lithium reserves, particularly in the Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, making Bolivia an important player in the global electric vehicle battery supply chain.