last edited Dec 11, 2019
Introduction to Bolivia
Quick Overview
Bolivia, or more precisely "the Plurinational State of Bolivia," is the highest and most "isolated" country in all of South America. It is divided into two distinct regions: to the west, the Andean part, the most populated, consisting of two high mountain ranges stretching along a north-south axis and bordering a vast plateau, the Altiplano. To the east, vast tropical plains extend, linked to the Amazon basin in the northern part, and forming the regions known as the Pantanal and the Chaco in the south. Between the west, with its peaks over 6,000 m, and the eastern lowlands, the Yungas form a short, rainy, humid, and mild transition zone that ranges between 2,500 and 500 m above sea level.
While La Paz is the administrative capital, Sucre is the constitutional capital of this country which, lacking a coastline to hinder its economy, draws its main resources from mining (gold, silver, tin, etc.). Nevertheless, Bolivia remains one of the poorest countries on the continent, even though the situation is gradually improving.
Key Facts
- Location: in the heart of South America, with no access to the sea.
- Latitude/longitude: 17.00' S, 65.00' W.
- Local time:
- Nature of the state: parliamentary republic.
- Official languages: Spanish and 36 indigenous languages.
- Currency: Boliviano.
- Population: 11,306,341 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 1,098,581 km².
- Density: 10 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Nevado Sajama (6,542 m).
- Lowest point: Paraguay River (90 m).
- Coastline: 0 km.
- Driving: on the right.
- Flag: [drapeau: Bolivie]
Tourism
Although tourist numbers are gradually increasing, they remain limited compared to neighboring countries. Despite its natural and cultural wealth, the country lacks significant air connections to Europe or North America and infrastructure or services that the "general public" might expect. On the other hand, this situation allows Bolivia to retain a certain "authenticity" that generally appeals to visitors, even if the population—or at least part of it—might prefer to see more tourists and foreign currency entering the country.
In terms of figures, Bolivia welcomed 1.134 million tourists in 2017, including tens of thousands of French visitors. France is the sixth-largest source of visitors—and the first in Europe—behind Peru, Argentina, Brazil, the United States, and Japan. July and August are the busiest months of the year.
Travel Essentials
- Destination: for beginner/somewhat experienced travelers.
- By air: France-Santa Cruz for 800/1,300 € round trip.
- Entry requirements: passport.
- Currency to bring: euros.
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget: 20 to 35 € per person.
- Accommodation: mid-range hotels and guesthouses.
- Getting around: mainly by bus, occasionally by train or plane.
- Risks: relatively low in terms of health and safety.
- Best period for climate/crowds/prices: April to September, though July and August can be slightly busy at times.
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation-holidays .
Addresses in France
- Maison de l'Amérique Latine: 217 Bd Saint-Germain, 75007 Paris. Tel.: +33 1 49 54 75 00.
Addresses in Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec
Socio-Economic Statistics
- "Quality of life": 118/188 (rank in 2018)
- GDP per capita: $7,600 (2017)
- Average monthly income: $185 (2012)
- Inflation: +2.8% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: 4% (2017)
- Population below the poverty line: 38.6% (2015)
- Life expectancy: 69.8 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -0.5 (2017)
- Population growth: +1.48% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 95.7% (2015)
- Urban population: 69.4% (2018)
- Press freedom: 110/180 (rank in 2018)
- Political regime: hybrid regime (83/167 in 2018)
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook