Bolivia

Overview of Bolivia

  • Bolivia’s Catholic bishops have issued a statement against what they called an attempt to turn the justice system into a partisan weapon and to “create a false account of history, inventing the truth and manipulating the conscience of Bolivians.” The OAS secretariat also decried the arrest of Ms.
  • Bolivia’s National Press Association documented 87 instances of physical attacks against journalists in 2019, mostly from both Morales and opposition supporters, 14 incidents of violence at the premises of media outlets, and 16 cases of authorities threatening and harassing members of the press.
  • Bolivia is a source country for the trafficking of men, women, and children for forced labor and prostitution, and the country faced increased international criticism over permissive legislation regarding child labor in 2018, when the country changed the minimum working age to 14 years old.
  • Bolivia will take your breath away, not just because of its spectacular scenery, monuments and relics from ancient civilizations or wildlife, but as large swathes of the country are very high altitude including the de facto capital La Paz, which sits at over 4,000 metres above sea level.
  • Bolivia has a few of the highest levels of poverty in South America, and it also stands out as one of the most culturally diverse countries in the region with one of the highest percentages of indigenous people in Latin America – over 40 per cent of the population.
  • Bolivia is bordered on the north and the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Paraguay, on the south by Argentina, and on the west by Chile and Peru.[1] Its geography varies from the peaks of the Andes mountains to the tropical forests of the Amazon Basin.
  • Bolivia has many natural highlights, but perhaps its finest, like a twinkling jewel studding its southern altiplano, is the Uyuni Salt Flats – the largest and highest in the world covering twelve thousand square kilometres.
  • Bolivia’s former Vice Minister of High Energy Technologies Luis Alberto Echazu has explained how Evo Morales’ bold lithium plan was disrupted and why regional integration is essential for the industry’s development.
  • Bolivian silver mines produced much of the Spanish empire’s wealth, and Potosi, site of the famed Cerro Rico (“Rich Mountain”), was for many years the largest city in the Western Hemisphere.
  • Bolivia fell into crisis in 2019, after President Evo Morales declared victory in disputed elections that would have granted him a fourth term, prompting mass protests.
  • Population

    Bolivia has some of the highest levels of poverty in South America, and it also stands out as one of the most culturally diverse countries in the region with one of the highest percentages of indigenous people in Latin America – over 40 per cent of the population.In this regard, constitutional reforms in 2004 acknowledging the ‘multi-ethnic and multicultural’ nature of the republic therefore represented a milestone for the community, particularly its recognition of their right to full and effective political participation.Yet indigenous communities have nevertheless struggled historically to secure equality.

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    Can I drink the tap water in Bolivia?

    Drinking tap water isn’t recommended in Bolivia.Avoid drinks with ice and make sure to peel fruit before eating it.Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water.Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water.Ask your leader or the hotel where to find filtered water.

    Is Bolivia a safe destination for LGBTQI-travellers?

    Discretion is advised for LGBTQI-travellers in Bolivia.Same-sex unions are illegal and homosexuality is not widely accepted, although an underground gay scene can be found in larger cities, particularly Santa Cruz and La Paz.

    From Australia?

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    Are credit cards accepted widely in Bolivia?

    Credit cards are usually accepted by hotels, large retailers and tourist sites but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors and family-run restaurants and market stalls.Always carry enough cash for smaller purchases in case credit cards are not an option.

    Can I use my mobile phone while in Bolivia?

    Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Bolivia’s urban areas, but may not be available in more remote and mountainous areas.Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.

    What is ATM access like in Bolivia?

    ATMs are widely available in larger cities but are less common in small villages or rural areas.Make sure you have enough cash before leaving urban areas.ATMs are not accessible travelling through the Uyuni desert.

    Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Bolivia?

    Absolutely.All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip.Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip.Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

    Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

    It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries.Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

    Do I need a visa to visit Bolivia?

    Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller.Entry requirements can change at any time, so it’s important that you check for the latest information.Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality.Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.

    What is the internet access like in Bolivia?

    Internet can be accessed at hotels and internet cafes in large cities and tourist areas, but is limited in rural and remote areas.Internet is not accessible travelling through the Uyuni desert.

    From Canada?

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    Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Bolivia?

    Bolivia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever.Many South and Central America countries pose a risk (including Argentina, Brazil and Colombia), so if you are planning on visiting other nearby nations, you may be required to get this vaccine.Please note that your home country may also require proof of yellow fever vaccination on return from Bolivia.Consult your nearest embassy for more information.

    Is tipping customary in Bolivia?

    While tipping isn’t mandatory in Bolivia, it is customary to add spare change to restaurant bills.Many bars and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill.

    Will Evo Morales’ Lithium Dream Finally Come True Under Bolivian President Luis Arce?

    The Bolivian government is preparing to re-launch the lithium industrialization process, Periodico Bolivia reported on 8 April.Bolivia’s former Vice Minister of High Energy Technologies Luis Alberto Echazu has explained how Evo Morales’ bold lithium plan was disrupted and why regional integration is essential for the industry’s development.

    What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

    Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance.See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them.For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.

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    What are the toilets like in Bolivia?

    Bolivia has a mix of both Western-style flushable toilets and squat toilets.In some cases you may be asked for a small fee to use public toilets, which is used to pay cleaners.It’s a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as they are not always provided.

    What public holidays are celebrated in Bolivia?

    For a current list of public holidays in Bolivia go to: https://www.worldtravelguide.

    Will I experience altitude sickness in Bolivia?

    Most people can start to feel the effects of altitude at over 2000 m (6561 ft) regardless of age, gender or fitness level.While our leaders have basic first aid training and are aware of the closest medical facilities, it is very important that you make yourself aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly.It’s important to take it easy, drink plenty of water and speak to your group leader at once if you feel unwell.

    History of Bolivia

  • In 1542 this province became part of the newly established Viceroyalty of Peru, with its seat in Lima.
  • In 1781, for a total of six months, a group of Aymara people laid siege to La Paz.
  • In 1781, the indigenous leader and independence activist Túpac Katari laid siege to the city for a total of six months, but was finally defeated.
  • In 1809 the struggle for independence from the Spanish rule brought uprisings against the royalist forces.
  • In 1828 Peru fought a war against Gran Colombia over control of Jaén and Maynas territory, called the Gran Colombia-Peru War.
  • In 1837, the Peru-Bolivian Confederation was also created, but it was dissolved two years later due to Chilean military intervention.
  • In 1864, Spain organized a so-called naval expedition, whose main objective was to recover control of its former colonies.
  • In 1866, a Spanish attempt to regain possession of Peru was frustrated off the port of Callao.
  • In 1879 Peru entered the War of the Pacific, which lasted until 1884.
  • In 1879, Peru entered the War of the Pacific which lasted until 1884.
  • In 1881, it signed a treaty with Argentina confirming Chilean sovereignty over the Strait of Magellan.
  • In 1886 an Atlanta pharmacist, John Pemberton, took the fateful step of combining coca with cola, thus creating what would become the world’s most famous drink, “Coca-Cola”.
  • In 1886 an Atlanta pharmacist, John Pemberton, took the fateful
    step of combining coca with cola, thus creating what would become the
    world's most famous drink, "Coca-Cola".
  • In 1898, La Paz was made the de facto seat of the national government, with Sucre remaining the nominal historical as well as judiciary capital.
  • In 1903, a piece of Bolivia’s Acre Province, rich in rubber, was ceded to Brazil.
  • In 1929, Chile returned Tacna to Peru.
  • In 1965, a guerrilla movement mounted from Cuba and headed by Maj.
  • In 1969, Colombia, along with Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador and Peru, formed what is now the Andean Community.
  • In 1969, Colombia, along with Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador and Perú, formed what is now the Andean Community.
  • In 1975, Peru became the first country to recognize Quechua as one of its official languages.[17] Ecuador conferred official status on the language in its 2006 constitution, and in 2009, Bolivia adopted a new constitution that recognized Quechua and several other indigenous languages as official languages of the country.[18]
  • In 1975, the first section of a new subway was opened in Santiago; the second section was opened in 1980.
  • In 1977, the county decided to move the county seat of Brunswick County from Southport to Bolivia.
  • In 1990 a National Office of Refugees was established to facilitate the reincorporation of returning exiles into Chilean society.
  • In 1992–93, a major macroeconomic adjustment program was introduced, featuring a sizable currency devaluation (35%) and substantial increases in domestic fuel and electricity prices.
  • In 1993, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Bolivia achieved a customs union, with free trade between the four countries under the auspices of the Andean Pact.
  • In 1996, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office closed after 22 years of operation in Chile, as it was determined that the need for asylum for Chileans no longer existed.
  • In 1998 Ecuador ran a trade deficit, exporting $4.1 billion worth of goods and importing $5.5 billion.
  • In 1998 the top exports were denim cloth, polyester viscose, and combed wool.
  • In 1998-99 the Asian financial crisis reduced that region’s demand for copper, causing the price to significantly decrease.
  • In 2000, exports were US$3.4 billion while imports reached US$5.6 billion.
  • In 2002, of the estimated 72,900 km (45,300 mi) of existing roads, only 8,700 km (5,406 mi) were paved.
  • In 2003, the US Trade Representative (USTR) was raising objections that restrictions on foreign entry into Colombia’s telecommunications sector violated its obligations under the World Trade Organization.
  • In 2003, there were 346,300 automobiles and 234,800 commercial vehicles.
  • In 2004, Chile had 6,585 km (4,096 mi) of broad and narrow gauge railways, of which narrow gauge right of way accounted for 3,754 km (2,335 mi).
  • In 2007, Bolivia became the first country to introduce the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into local law.
  • In 2007, USAID had an $89 million budget for programs in Bolivia.
  • In 2008 Paraguay’s Colorado Party, the longest continuously ruling political party in the world, lost power for the first time since 1947, though it returned to power in 2013.
  • In 2009, an Oxfam report highlighted five main effects that Bolivia could expect as a result of climate change: less food security; less water availability; more frequent and larger-scale “natural” disasters; an increase in mosquito-borne diseases; and more forest fires.
  • In 2012, Tavares was replaced by Cuban coach Israel Blake Cantero who led the national team through the 2012 Caribbean Championship.
  • In 2014, the central bank of Bolivia officially banned the use of any currency or tokens not issued by the government.
  • In 2016, ChildFund Bolivia is planning a traveling workshop to help improve children’s math skills.
  • In 2017 Canada’s U3O8 Corporation leased 4600 ha around the old La Niquelina mine in the north of the province, near the Bolivian border, which produced a little uranium in the early 1950s.
  • In 2017, MAS lawmakers overturned the articles in the constitution setting presidential term limits by consulting a constitutional tribunal the lawmakers themselves had appointed, despite voters rejecting this measure by referendum in 2016.
  • In 2018, the system was implemented in the Subsidiaries of Bolivia and Uruguay, and in October 2019, in the 2 plants that Biogenesis Bagó has in Argentina.
  • In 2019, Bolivia experienced deep political crisis following the October 20 presidential and legislative elections.
  • In 2019, Bolivia GDP was an estimated $42.4 billion (current market exchange rates); real GDP was up by an estimated 2.8%; and the population was 12 million.
  • In 2019, Bolivia made a moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor.
  • In 2019, criminal law enforcement agencies in Bolivia took actions to combat child labor (Table 7).
  • In 2019, labor law enforcement agencies in Bolivia took actions to combat child labor (Table 6).
  • In 2019, on International Day Against Child Labor, the Committee for the Eradication of Prohibited Work, the Social Services Department, and civil society held a round table to discuss issues related to child labor.
  • In 2019, the Bolivian government and the Plurinational Institute for the Study of Languages and Cultures (Ipelec) announced plans to extend constitutional recognition to three additional indigenous languages.[citation needed]
  • In 2019, they made the farthest they ever had in the CONCACAF Gold Cup by going 3-0 in the group stages including a last-minute goal against Costa Rica and coming back from a 2-0 deficit against Canada in the Quarter-Finals, winning the game 3-2.
  • In 2020, the central bank injected more than $500 million into the banking sector by purchasing bonds from the pension funds in an effort to increase liquidity.
  • In the 1920s, Marxist groups with strong popular support arose.
  • On 1 July 2005, the United States reportedly deployed troops and aircraft to the large military airfield of Mariscal Estigarribia as part of a bid to extend control of strategic interests in the Latin American sphere, particularly in Bolivia.