Bolivia is a landlocked country in the center of South America bordering Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, and Peru. The country is high and semi-arid in the west and tropical in the east with almost every possible climate in between. November to April is the rainy season, and May to October are the dry months. Santa Cruz de la Sierra is in the eastern tropics and the largest city in Bolivia. The city buzzes with a laid back tropical vibe, and despite its size, it still seems like a small town, especially in the central plaza where locals spend time at the sidewalk cafes, watch the three-toed sloths in the trees, and while away Sunday afternoons.

Historians have traced Bolivian history back as early as 7000 BC. The first known great civilization in Bolivia was the Tihuanico people who lived on Lake Titicaca. They constructed elaborate temples, had very complex irrigation and farming systems, and produced intricate textiles and sculptures. The Tihuanico culture mysteriously died out and was in decline when the first of the Inca arrived in Bolivia around 1200 AD. The Quecha-speaking Inca gained control of most of what is now Bolivia until the Spanish conquest in the 16^th century. Quecha is still one of the official languages in Bolivia today. In 1538, Bolivia was conquered by the Spanish and became part of the Vice-royalty of Peru. In 1545, silver was discovered in Potosi and Spain began intensive mining. In 1825, Bolivia won independence from Spain and Simon Bolivar became president. Over the next 100 years, Bolivia lost about one fourth of its territory in wars with neighboring countries. In 1884 Bolivia lost the War of the Pacific and ceded its coastal territory to Chile. In 1903, Bolivia lost land to Brazil, and in 1935, Bolivia lost the Chaco war and Paraguay took over some more of Bolivia's territory.

The 20^th century has been characterizedby a few wealthy land owners controlling all mining and agricultural interests subjecting the peasants to a feudal system. In 1967, Ernesto Che Guevara led an unsuccessful peasant uprising and was executed by the Bolivian military. Since then, Bolivian politics have been chaotic, characterized by coups, military juntas, anad civilian uprisings. From 2000 until 2005, Bolivia had five different presidents. In December 2005, Bolivians elected the first indigenous president, Evo Morales. Morales received 54% of the popular vote and has been working hard to create change in Bolivia after promising to alter the traditional political class and empower the poor.

Quick Facts

Official Country Name: Republic of Bolivia

Size: 1,098,580 km²

Population: 9,119,000

Government: Republic

Currency: Boliviano, currently US $1 is about BOB 8

Official Languages: Spanish, Quecha, and Aymara