Bolivia Capital – Sucre (La Paz is administrative capital; seat of government)

Facts About Bolivia Population: 10,461,053 Total Area: 424,200 sq miles Currency: Bolivian boliviano

Language and People in Bolivia As of the 2009 constitution, the official languages of Bolivia are Spanish and 36 indigenous languages. Many Indians, particularly in the cities, market towns, and new colonies, speak or understand Spanish. Bolivian Spanish as a result of mixing with its indigenous rivals differs from region to region. The vocabulary and pronunciation differs according to where in Bolivia you are, i.e. highlands (Altiplano and valleys) or the lowlands (Santa Cruz, Beni and Pando). According to the 2001 National Census, 62% of the Bolivian population aged 15 or over is of indigenous origin. 36 recognized indigenous peoples : – The Quechua (49.5%) and the Aymara (40.6%) live in the western Andes. – The Chiquitano (3.6%), Guaraní (2.5%) and Moxeño (1.4%), along with the remaining 2.4%, make up the remaining 31 indigenous peoples that live in the lowlands in the east of the country. religion

Religion in Bolivia Roman Catholicism is the dominant and official religion. According to a 2001 survey, about 78% of the population are Roman Catholic. Between 16% and 19% of the population are Protestant. Missionary groups include Mennonites, Mormons, Seventh-Day Adventists, Baptists, Pentecostals, and various evangelical groups. There is a small Jewish community with a synagogue in La Paz, as well as a Muslim community with a mosque in Santa Cruz. Korean immigrants also have a church in La Paz. There is a Mormon temple/center in Cochabamba which is believed to serve more than 100,000 Mormons from across the country. There are small Buddhist and Shinto communities, and a substantial number of Baha'is. Indigenous beliefs and rituals are exercised by the Aymara, Quechua, Guarani, and Chiquitano, as well as other indigenous groups, and many native superstitions persist. Common traditional beliefs include a focus on Pachamama, who is a mother earth figure, and Akeko, a god of luck, harvests, and abundance.

Government in Bolivia Republic New constitution approved in 2009 National elections are set to be held every 5 years; however, throughout the past 175 years the country has had nearly 200 heads of state. 3 branches – Executive Has most power, although supposed to be even President: Juan Evo Morales Ayma (Movement Toward Socialism Party) Vice President: Alvaro García Linera – Legislative Chamber of Senators and Chamber of Deputies Serve 5 year terms – Judiciary Supreme Court Appointed to 10 year terms

Families in Bolivia Very close – Many families have several generations living together. Very traditional roles – Husband main bread winner – Wife takes care of home

Food In Bolivia Typical diet is high in carbohydrates. Potatoes are a main staple. Air-dried jerky made from llama, alpaca, and vicuña Meals are served with hot pepper sauce. Guinea pig is a delicacy. Almost all animal parts are eaten. Reptiles are not consumed. Lunch is a heavier meal with a lighter meal around 7.

Fast Facts About Bolivia Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in Latin America. More than eight percent of Bolivians are unemployed and about 60 percent live below the poverty line. On a high plateau between two Andes Mountain ranges lies the Uyuni salt bed, the largest concentration of salt in the world. The average annual income is less than $2000. Soccer is the most popular sport. The world’s largest butterfly sanctuary is in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Bolivia is one of the top “mega-diverse” countries in the world, meaning it is home to more than 70% of all species known to man. Lake Titicaca, located at an altitude of 12,507 ft., is the highest commercially navigable body of water in the world.