INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BOLIVIA

Located in the heart of Latin America, Bolivia is a unique country and has some amazing geographical, historical and cultural features, like the world's highest capital. Most of the Bolivian population are indigenous to Bolivia, so the culture is steeped in history. This landlocked country was a part of the Inca Empire, and is famous in South America for its beauty and its famous salt flats. Check out these interesting facts about Bolivia!

 

Traditional Bolivian Music

Bolivia technically has two capitals. One is called La Paz, but the legal capital of Bolivia is Sucre.

La Paz is the highest city above sea level in the world and it has the world's longest and highest cable car system where you can admire some of the most beautiful views of the city.

The western half of Bolivia is dominated by the Andes, a huge world-famous mountain range with steep slopes and snowy peaks.

Almost half the population of Bolivia lives in the Altiplano (a high plateau) chains, in between the Andes mountains.

Bolivia is home to Lake Titicaca, bordering Peru. This is a world-famous lake, said to be the birthplace of the Inca people.

 

Lake Titicaca

Bolivia and its human history dates back 5,000 years, going all the way back to the Tiwanuku Empire.

 Bolivia is home to one of the world's largest butterfly sanctuaries. It spans 24 hectares and is open every single day of the year. There are over 1,000 types of butterfly at this sanctuary.

San Pedro prison in Bolivia is a famous tourist attraction for many people and one of a kind. Unlike other prisons in the world, this prison is unique because it allows its inmates to live with their own families. They work, earn and sometimes even buy or rent their accommodation in the prison. There is a thriving sense of community there.

Of the 36 indigenous cultures in Bolivia, the Quechua people have the largest population. Most Quechuan people live in the mountainous Andes and work as farmers 

 

Indigenous Bolivians

 

Bolivia's flag has meaning. Red represents the bloodshed from the fight for independence. Yellow symbolises the wealth and mineral deposits of Bolivia. And, green stands for the amazing agriculture and environment of the country.

 Lake Titicaca is the largest and highest navigable lake in the world. The Inca people say it means the 'cradle of the world'.

Bolivia has diverse wildlife with over 40 species of animal and so many species waiting to be discovered. Our favourite animal in Bolivia is the llama!

 

Jaguar in Madidi Nationl Park

 

Bolivia recognises 37 official native languages.

To help people cross the busy streets of La Paz, people dressed up in zebra outfits wander the roads, dealing with the traffic of the city. They educate people on road safety and make sure everything is running smoothly in this busy city.

Bolivia has one of the most dangerous roads in the world, known as the death road (that's how scary it is!). The road is so steep that locals avoid it like the plague. Many people have fallen off into the valley below, and while it is now blocked off, people try to use it still.

Bolivia is known for having lots of llamas! These furry friends can often be seen wandering through mountain terrain with their shepherd. They are the national animal of Bolivia, and their fur is often woven into fabric and garments. People often mistake llamas with alpacas but in fact, llamas are much heavier and bigger.

 

Llama Love

 

As in Peru, Guinea pigs are served as a delicacy in Bolivia and Peru. Referred to as Cuy, they are fried, boiled or roasted! Lots of people say it tastes like chicken and its high in protein too.

Bolivia has an annual rainfall of over 5 meters, making it one of the wettest countries on the planet.

Bolivia is known for having pink dolphins! Pink dolphins are actually considered the most intelligent type of dolphin and live in the Amazon.

Bolivia is home to a salt hotel called Palacio de Sal (Palace of Salt). It was made in 1993-1995, and was built using one million blocks of salt. The floor, walls, ceiling and furniture including beds, tables, chairs and sculptures are all made of salt. It is located near the Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat we mentioned earlier.

 

Salt Hotel in Uyuni