Bolivia is a landlocked country located in South America, bordered by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast, Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest, and Peru to the west. The capital and largest city is La Paz, but the administrative capital is Sucre. The official languages are Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara. With a population of over 11 million people, Bolivia is one of the most populous countries in South America.

Bolivia's economy is based on natural resources, including mining, agriculture, and hydrocarbons. The country is one of the world's largest producers of silver, and has significant deposits of tin, zinc, and gold. Bolivia is also a major producer of soybeans, coffee, and quinoa. In recent years, the country has been investing in alternative energy sources, including hydropower and solar energy.

Bolivia is a presidential republic, with a President serving as the head of state and government. The country is divided into nine departments, each headed by a governor. Bolivia is a member of the United Nations, the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), and the Andean Community, among other international organizations.

Bolivia has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its history as a center of the Inca Empire and as a Spanish colony. The country has a variety of festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including the Carnival of Oruro, which is considered one of the largest and most colorful carnivals in South America. Bolivia is also home to many indigenous groups, each with their own unique culture, language, and traditions.

Despite its many strengths, Bolivia faces challenges such as poverty, limited infrastructure, and political instability. The country has taken steps to address these issues, including implementing economic reforms, investing in infrastructure and education, and promoting tourism as a means of generating economic growth. In recent years, Bolivia has also been working to strengthen its environmental protections and mitigate the effects of climate change.

National holiday
Independence Day, 6 August (1825)

Telephone Code
591

Local Emergency Phone
911

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid

Currency (Code)
Bolivianos (BOB)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
110 V, 220 V, 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, C (Most use 220-230 V, older buildings use 110 V)

Major Languages
Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guarani

Major Religions
Roman Catholic 70%, Evangelical 14.5%, Adventist 2.5%, Mormon 1.2%, agnostic 0.3%, atheist 0.8%, other 3.5%, none 6.6%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Bolivia, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Sajama National Park; Oruro Carnival; Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos; La Paz (includes the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace); Torotoro National Park; Tiwanaku; Yungas Road cycle route (“Death Road”); Qhapaq Nan/Andean Road System

Major Sports
Soccer, trompo (top game with attached string)

Cultural Practices
Bolivians use both maternal and paternal surnames.

Tipping Guidelines
In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is in order if you are happy with the service. Taxi drivers do not expect tips unless you hire them for the day, in which case 10% is appropriate.

Souvenirs
Native pottery and handicrafts, paper mache and copper decorations, llama and alpaca woolen items, woven ponchos, jewelry and "good luck" charms

Traditional Cuisine
Salteñas (empanadas) — savory pastries filled with beef, pork, or chicken mixed in a sweet, slightly spicy sauce containing olives, raisins, and potatoes

Geography
Area
total: 1,098,581 sq km
land: 1,083,301 sq km
water: 15,280 sq km

Climate
varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid

Natural resources
lithium, tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower

People and Society
Population
12,186,079 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Mestizo (mixed White and Amerindian ancestry) 68%, Indigenous 20%, White 5%, Cholo/Chola 2%, African descent 1%, other 1%, unspecified 3%; 44% of respondents indicated feeling part of some indigenous group, predominantly Quechua or Aymara (2009 est.)

Languages
Spanish (official) 68.1%, Quechua (official) 17.2%, Aymara (official) 10.5%, Guarani (official) 0.6%, other 1.5%, unspecified 2.1%; note - Bolivia's 2009 constitution designates Spanish and all indigenous languages as official; 36 indigenous languages are specified, including a few that are extinct (2012 est.)

Religions
Roman Catholic 70%, Evangelical 14.5%, Adventist 2.5%, Church of Jesus Christ 1.2%, agnostic 0.3%, atheist 0.8%, other 3.5%, none 6.6%, unspecified 0.6% (2018 est.)

Population growth rate
1.06% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
presidential republic

Capital
name: La Paz (administrative capital); Sucre (constitutional [legislative and judicial] capital)

Economy
Economic overview
resource-rich economy benefits during commodity booms; has bestowed juridical rights to Mother Earth, impacting extraction industries; increasing Chinese lithium mining trade relations; hard hit by COVID-19; increased fiscal spending amid poverty increases; rampant banking and finance corruption

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$97.266 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$8,100 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
sugar cane, soybeans, potatoes, maize, sorghum, rice, milk, plantains, poultry, bananas

Industries
mining, smelting, electricity, petroleum, food and beverages, handicrafts, clothing, jewelry

Exports
$11.439 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
Argentina 16%, Brazil 15%, United Arab Emirates 12%, India 10%, United States 6%, South Korea 5%, Peru 5%, Colombia 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
natural gas, gold, zinc, soybean oil and soy products, tin, silver, lead (2019)

Imports
$10.799 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
Brazil 22%, Chile 15%, China 13%, Peru 11%, Argentina 8%, United States 7% (2017)

Imports - commodities
cars, refined petroleum, delivery trucks, iron, buses (2019)