Everything you need to know about Bolivia: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more

Latin American Country of the Incas

Bolivia is known for its ample natural reserves particularly natural gas. Though this country isn’t economy rich but it hugely profits from its eco-tourism. There are a number of lovely places to travel to in Boliva. Almost 60% of Bolivian population comprises Indians who basically belong to Quechua and Aymara ethnicities.
Bolivia with its capital of La Paz has a long colonial history. The Spaniards in order to control the trade and religion in this place colonized one of its cities Tiahuanaco, which now has only traces of ruins. It is now a major site for archaeologists who come here to study and unravel the remains of ancient history. Also a majority of Bolivians still remain etched to their Incan roots.

Bolivia Fast Facts:

· National Name: Republic of Bolivia
· National Capital: La Paz
· Total Area: 1,098,581 sq. km
· Total Population: 7,314, 000
· Major Language: Spanish
· Major Religion: Christianity
· Currency Unit: Boliviano
· GDP (per capita): $39 billion USD (2004 EST)
· Life Expectancy: 64 years (male), 70 years (female) (2008 EST)
· Literacy: 87% (2006 EST)

Geography of Bolivia:
Bolivia’s geography is varied in terms of consisting low lands, mountainous ranges, dormant volcanoes and solfataras and volcanic vents emitting sulfurous gases. In terms of area coverage, Bolivia is almost double the size of Spain.
The northern area of the country has a tropical wet climate yearly along with heavy rainfall and high humidity temperature. During daytime the temperature remains almost at 30 degree Celsius. The cause of heavy rainfall is due to blowing of northeast trade winds, which originate from the Amazon Basin often resulting in thunderstorms and hail. The Illimani Mountain looms over La Paz, and no climber has ever arrived into Bolivia’s airport without being awed by its steep flanks and sheer size. The Illimani Mountains are covered with snow at a height of 4570 m that presents a very enchanting view of the mountains from La Paz.

Culture and Cuisine of Bolivia:
The remnants of Spanish culture are vivid amongst Bolivian art, literature, music and even their dressing customs. Bolivians celebrate religious festivals in the form of pagan rites. The devil dances at the carnival of Oruro forms a major folklore event along with other dances such as Caporales, the popular one, Morenada, Kullawada, Diablada and others. Besides this, the Spanish influence can be seen in the colonial paintings of Perez de Holguin, Flores, Bitti and other stonework’s and carvings.

According to the Bolivian dressing customs, the native women wear pollera, a different type of skirt, which was introduced by the Spaniards during colonial time and till date is still worn symbolizing their status. Bowler hat, is another adapted fashion from the British which when worn can state a woman’s marital status and aspirations.

The Bolivian cuisine is adapted to its climatic condition of high and cold climate. In every recipe Bolivians use peppers, aji, and food served picante, with hot spices. The main ingredients of Bolivia cuisine rely on carbohydrates and protein from potatoes and meats, plus trout, trucha, from Lake Titicaca. In the lowlands, freshwater fish, vegetables, fruits are more popular. Meat and eggs from endangered species are often on the menu in lowland restaurants.

Tourist Attractions of Bolivia:
Bolivia is a multi ethnic country located at the center of the South America and wonders of nature scatter all around the country. This is multi faceted country and have geographically diverse that provide unique landscapes and wide array of flora and fauna. The Lake Titicaca that is shared with Peru and at 12,500 ft is the highest navigable lake in the world. Titicaca in Bolivia is also the largest South American Lake by volume of water. Bolivia has soaring and lofty mountains that glorify the magnificent beauty of nature. It also has some parts of the huge Amazonian rainforests as well. There are numerous lakes in the country.

Major Sight-seeing Places in Bolivia include:

· Lake Titicaca
· Copacabana
· World's Most Dangerous Road
· Tiahuanaco (Tiwanaku)
· Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
· Mercado de los Brujos (Witches Market)
· El Fuerte de Samaipata:
· Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos
· El Pantanals
· Noel Kempff National Park