GeoFroggy

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Background

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 counter-coups. Comparatively democratic civilian rule was established in the 1980s, but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and drug production. Current goals include attracting foreign investment, strengthening the educational system, continuing the privatization program, and waging an anti-corruption campaign.

Location

Central South America, southwest of Brazil

Area Comparative

Slightly less than three times the size of Montana

Maritime Claims

none (landlocked)

Climate

Varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid

Natural Hazards

Cold, thin air of high plateau is obstacle to efficient fuel combustion, as well as to physical activity by those unaccustomed to it from birth; flooding in the northeast (March-April)

Environment Current Issues

The clearing of land for agricultural purposes and the international demand for tropical timber are contributing to deforestation; soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivation methods (including slash-and-burn agriculture); desertification; loss of biodiversity; industrial pollution of water supplies used for drinking and irrigation

Environment International Agreements

Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

Signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection

Geography Note

Landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru

Year	2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Map Reference

South America

Irrigated Land 1993

1,750 sq km

Area 2000

Total

1,098,580 sq km
Land

1,084,390 sq km
Water

14,190 sq km

Coastline

0 km

Geographical Coordinates

17 00 S, 65 00 W

Land use 2000

Arable Land
2%
Permanent Crops
0%
Permanent Pastures
24%
Forests And Woodland
53%
Other
21%

Terrain

Rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano)
Hills
Lowland plains of the Amazon Basin

Elevation

Lowest Point: Rio Paraguay 90 m
Highest Point: Nevado Sajama 6,542 m

Land Boundaries

Total
6,743 km
Argentina
832 km
Brazil
3,400 km
Chile
861 km
Paraguay
750 km
Peru
900 km

Natural Resources

Tin
Natural gas
Petroleum
Zinc
Tungsten
Antimony

Silver
Iron
Lead
Gold
Timber
Hydropower

Bolivia