Bolivia, officially the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country in South America. It has an estimated population of about 11.5 million people (population) and a diverse demographic mix that includes many indigenous nations. The presidency changed in late 2020 when Luis Alberto Arce Catacora took office following elections in November 2020. The country’s modern name honors the independence leader Simón Bolívar.
Geography and borders
Bolivia occupies a central position in the continent and is bordered by five countries: Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Peru and Chile. Its landscape ranges from the high, arid Altiplano of the Andes to humid Amazonian lowlands. Two cities serve distinct roles: Sucre is the constitutional capital and seat of the judiciary, while La Paz functions as the seat of government and administrative capital.
History and political identity
Bolivia declared independence in the early 19th century and its political identity has been shaped by indigenous movements, resource conflicts and regional politics. The 2009 constitution redefined the country as a plurinational state, recognizing the rights and autonomy of multiple indigenous nations and expanding official recognition of their languages and institutions.
Language, society and government
Spanish is widely spoken, but Bolivia officially recognizes numerous indigenous languages such as Quechua and Aymara alongside many smaller tongues. The government is a unitary republic with a president and a multi-party legislature; recent decades have seen heightened attention to indigenous representation and social inclusion policies.
Economy, environment and notable sites
Bolivia’s economy combines mining (historically silver and tin, and more recently interest in lithium), agriculture, and services. It is known for distinctive landscapes that attract researchers and tourists: the high-altitude Salar de Uyuni salt flats, the high Andean plateau, and part of the Amazon basin. Lake Titicaca, shared with Peru, is a major cultural and ecological landmark.
Culture and tourism
Bolivian culture blends indigenous traditions, Spanish colonial heritage, and contemporary expressions in music, textiles and festivals. Popular attractions include colonial architecture in Sucre and Potosí, indigenous markets and folkloric events, as well as ecotourism in cloud forests and protected areas. Practical travel information and official resources can be found through government and tourism portals (Argentina border reference) or regional guides (neighboring countries).
- Capital cities: Sucre (constitutional), La Paz (administrative)
- Major natural features: Salar de Uyuni, Lake Titicaca, Amazon lowlands
- Languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara and others