A Beginners Guide To Bolivia

The Basics: 

Language: Spanish
Religion: Roman Catholic (95%) and Protestant (5%)
Median Age: 22
Urban Population: 67%
Physician Density: 1.2 doctors/1,000 citizens
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More Facts: 


- Bolivia is a beautiful country with wide and varied terrain. Its people and its history are as unique and varied as its land.

- The Inca Indians populated Bolivia until Spanish conquistadors took over control in the 1530’s. In 1825, Bolivia claimed its independence and took the name of its liberator, Simon Bolivar.

- Bolivia is land-locked and found in the center of South America. It is about the size of California and Texas combined. It is bordered by Chile, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. Its land includes rain forest and jungle, the tallest mountains in South America which are snow-capped, as well as deserts and even a couple of volcanoes to the west. The city of Cochabamba sits at about 8,000 feet and is ringed by mountains. Temperature in Cochabamba will range from 40˚F at night to 70˚-80˚F during the day.

- Bolivia is the poorest country in South America. Because it is land-locked, efficient commerce and trade is a challenge. Agriculture is the source of income for about 50% of the population. Export crops include sugar, coffee, and cotton. Coca production has been increasing in recent years.

- The population of Bolivia is around 7.6 million people. Bolivia’s people are still primarily indigenous. Although Spanish is the national language, most Bolivians also speak an indigenous language, the most common being Quechua, Aymara, and Guarani.

- Due to the Spanish influence in Bolivia, the predominant religion is Roman Catholicism. However, the Catholicism practiced in Bolivia is really a combination of ancient indigenous beliefs, rites, and superstitions. Rather than adopting one religion over another, Bolivians will often mix parts of several different belief systems.

- Health care is considered to be poor throughout the country, but especially in rural areas. It is estimated that 10% of all children born will die during their first year of life. The average life expectancy is about 55 compared to 70 to 75 in most developing countries.
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