Interesting Facts About Bolivia

Bolivia is blessed with abundant natural resources that support its economy – natural gas, silver, zinc, lead, tin gold and quinoa are just a few examples.

Bolivia takes its name from Simon Bolivar, a revolutionary who played an integral part in liberating Venezuela, Colombia and Peru from Spanish rule. Bolivians are widely respected for being resistant to outside influence while upholding traditional customs.

History

Bolivia has an intricate and longstanding history. Beginning with the Chaco War in the early 1500s, which resulted in significant territorial losses; World War II and 1952 revolution were landmark events bringing major political changes – universal suffrage for native peoples as well as massive land reform in an attempt to address poverty;

Evo Morales is currently President of Bolivia and his administration has implemented a new economic vision through nationalizations of key companies in strategic industries like oil and electricity. Unfortunately, economic growth in Bolivia hasn’t been as robust since Hugo Banzer led both Nationalist Democratic Action Party (ADN) and Revolutionary Left Movement (MIR).

Bolivia offers market stalls selling preserved animals such as llamas and alpacas that look preserved – don’t be alarmed – they are simply frozen animals known as “animalitos,” part of Bolivian culture used in ceremonies and festivals. La Paz boasts the high altitude capital city “Witches’ Market,” or Mercado de las Brujas which looks straight out of Disney movies!

Visitors to Bolivia should plan a tour of Salar de Uyuni, one of the world’s largest salt flats. Covering over 4,085 square miles – larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined! – after rainfall, water flows down onto its surface like raindrops making its surface look like mirror. It draws tourists from all over the globe who come here from all corners of South America – which you can view by taking either a 4×4 jeep tour starting either in Uyuni or San Pedro de Atacama Chile from either of its starting locations!

Culture

Bolivia is home to 36 Indigenous groups with their own set of beliefs and customs, each having its own set of customs. Bolivians tend to be socially conservative and family oriented – many households consisting of extended families including grandparents, aunts and uncles living together under one roof; marriage is considered an important milestone in adulthood and expected of all adults.

Bolivians are widely known for their art and music. One of their signature styles is Mestizo Baroque, which draws elements from both Indigenous and Spanish cultures into a single style. Llama sculpture, ceramics, and weaving are other popular art forms among Bolivians.

Bolivia’s culture is vast and varied, influenced by both Andean mountains and tropical Amazon jungle environments. Many local people speak multiple languages, with different communities having unique traditions – for instance in rural areas men wear loincloths decorated with beads or feathers while women don blouses and skirts; embraces, patting on shoulders or kissing are common acts of affection between individuals; people often arrive 15-30 minutes late to dinner or drinks events! Punctuality may also not be highly valued here so expect someone to arrive 15-30 minutes late when it comes to dinner or drinks events!

Bolivia is home to traditional cultures as well as several UNESCO World Heritage sites and breathtaking natural wonders, like Salar de Uyuni salt flat. As one of the largest in the world, its expanse is so flat it has even been used as an immense mirror!

Bolivia offers us much to discover! Each week we’ll highlight an interesting aspect of this South American nation where many of our sponsored children reside! Don’t forget to follow our blog for stories of corrupt prisons, exotic wildlife and indigenous wrestling!

Economy

Bolivia was one of South America’s most successful economies during years when oil was inexpensive, thanks to accelerated economic growth rates, improved income distribution and high international reserves accumulation – earning praise from the IMF in 2013. But since oil production ceased, its economic performance has taken an unexpectedly steep dive. Weakened external context, lack of financial flexibility and an overburdened public sector all contributed to hyperinflationary levels as inflation reached hyperinflationary heights and shortages were experienced for fuel, milk, bread and other basic commodities as reserves have plummeted alarmingly low levels – raising risks associated with currency or balance-of-payments crisis.

Bolivia boasts an ancient, vibrant culture encompassing multiple traditions ranging from Spanish to Quechua and Aymara. The nation was named after Simon Bolivar, an infamous military leader responsible for leading Latin American countries to independence.

Bolivia boasts 37 official languages, with Spanish and Quechua being the two most commonly spoken. La Paz serves as Bolivia’s capital city and serves as home for its executive, legislative and electoral branches of government – as well as being situated 3,650m above sea level, making it the highest capital city worldwide.

Peru is an impressive melting pot of diverse cultures and ecosystems, boasting an amazing biodiversity. Peru is famous for its Andean condors and llamas – national animals with heights reaching up to 1.8 m/5.8 feet tall, boasting dense woolly coats.

Bolivia achieved freedom from dictatorship in 1982 and embarked on a path towards democratic openness; however, the transition was marked by severe economic and social turmoil. A debt crisis ensued due to increased financial obligations for servicing external debt owed primarily by bilateral creditors supporting Bolivia’s new democratic process (Figure 4).

Environment

Bolivia boasts one of the world’s most varied climates and landscapes, ranging from high mountainous plateaus to low-lying wetlands and forests, home to thousands of species of plants and animals – one reason it ranks so highly on biodiversity rankings.

Climate change poses an increased threat for communities living in Bolivia’s highlands and inter-Andean valleys, leading to water scarcity, soil erosion, glacial melting and subsequent food security concerns. These events place additional stress on rural populations who already face economic and social strain.

Bolivia has taken steps to address climate change impacts and reduce vulnerability by revising its National Development Plan (NDP), setting new goals for water, energy, forests and agriculture sectors.

Sida also seeks to expand its capacity for non-greenhouse gas mitigation and adaptation actions, and work alongside local environmental organizations and community groups on strengthening resilient water, sewerage, and waste systems.

Bolivia remains challenged in providing its people with essential infrastructure and services, ranking near the bottom in Latin American nations in health, education and human development indicators. Many residents don’t have access to clean water and adequate sanitation services while Indigenous populations remain particularly susceptible to exploitation and trafficking.

Bolivia has increased its efforts to address climate change impacts and reduce vulnerability for its inhabitants, by revising its National Development Plan (NDP) with new targets in water, energy, forests and agriculture sectors; strengthening institutions as well as its mitigation/adaptation actions are also goals of its plan.

Wildlife

Bolivia is one of the most biologically diverse nations in South America, boasting diverse climate zones that support an array of wildlife and natural habitats that must be preserved to guarantee their continued existence.

Bolivia’s national animals include the Andean condor and the llama, both animals with thick woolly coats that can be used to create clothes, rugs and other products. Both play an essential role for local communities who use them for transport as pack and carriage animals as well as diet – often consumed either roasted or fried!

Bolivia stands out among Latin American countries as being home to one of Latin America’s rarest animals: the spectacled bear. This large herbivorous mammal lives in rain forest regions as well as wetlands; its peculiarly colored skin comes from proximity of blood vessels to its fur surface.

Other remarkable species found only in Bolivia and its nearby countries include titi monkeys and Andean cats – with the latter being one of the first big cat species discovered outside Africa! On a trip through Bolivia you might also spot caimans; living in wetlands and swampy rivers of the Amazon rainforest these crocodilian-like reptiles boast impressive sets of jaws while smaller than their Australian cousins but nonetheless making for fascinating viewing!

Bolivia offers visitors looking for more unusual animals an extraordinary sight: Salar de Uyuni is home to thousands of flamingos. These colourful birds come in an assortment of sizes and hues; lookout for other rare bird species such as avocets and stilts too.