Bolivia

Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR, broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and countercoups. Democratic civilian rule was established in 1982, but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and illegal drug production. In December 2005, Bolivians elected Movement Toward Socialism leader Evo MORALES president - by the widest margin of any leader since the restoration of civilian rule in 1982 - after he ran on a promise to change the country's traditional political class and empower the nation's poor majority. However, since taking office, his controversial strategies have exacerbated racial and economic tensions between the Amerindian populations of the Andean west and the non-indigenous communities of the eastern lowlands.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 9,119,152 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Bolivian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Bolivian

Official Language(s): Spanish, Quechua, Aymara

Major Languages Spoken: Aymará, Quechua, Spanish

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Bolivia

Country Name (short form): Bolivia

Country Name (local long form): Republica de Bolivia

Country Name (local short form): Bolivia

Name of Capital: La Paz (administrative capital

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Bolivia: Paraguay, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Chile

Land Area: 1084390 sq km

Water Area: 14190 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly less than three times the size of Montana

Total Land Boundry: 6,940 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 6 August (1825)

International Phone Code: 591

Currency Code: boliviano (BOB)

Internet Country Code: .bo

US Embassy Location: Avenida Arce 2780, La Paz

US Embassy Mailing Address: P. O. Box 425, La Paz; APO AA 34032

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