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Bookmark & shareThe heart of South America, where the lofty Andes fall away to sweaty jungle.
Bolivia may be one of the poorest countries in South America, but its cultural wealth, the vastly differing Amazonian and Andean landscapes, and the remnants of mysterious ancient civilizations make it a rich and exciting destination if you're looking for more than postcards.
This landlocked country is sometimes compared to Tibet - it's the highest and most isolated of the Latin American republics. It is also the most indigenous country on the continent, with more than 50% of the population maintaining traditional values and beliefs.
Travel Warning: Protests and Blockades - Potosí Mine Tour Warning
Street protests, strikes and demonstrations are reasonably common in Bolivia and have the potential to become violent. Some protests, particularly in rural areas, can lead to road blockades that disrupt transport and can remain in place for weeks or months. Lately, various provinces have been holding referendums on whether to become autonomous; some violence has been reported. Travelers should avoid becoming caught up in such events and check local news sources to be aware of any developments.
Travelers contemplating a visit to the silver mines of Potosí should be aware of the potential health risks before they set out. Check the Potosí pages of World Guide for more details.
severity: Mid-level alert
Fast Facts
Country Full Name
República de Bolivia/Republic of Bolivia
Population
9,000,000
Currency
Name: Boliviano
Code: BOB
Symbol: B$
Electrical Plugs
220V 50Hz
Languages Spoken
Official: Quechua, Spanish, Aymara
Time Zones
GMT/UTC -4
Country Dialing Code
+591
Weights & Measures
Metric
Bolivia - Pick & Mix Chapters
Download the free Getting Started chapter or buy individual chapters from our Bolivia guide, in our online Shop.
› Go to the Bolivia download page.
Related Travel Stories
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Destination Bolivia
podcast by David Atkinson, November 2005
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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
