Bolivia

Lore & Background

Bolivia is named after Simón Bolívar. The original name was 'Republic of Bolívar', later changed to Bolivia. In 2009, a new constitution changed the country's official name to 'Plurinational State of Bolivia' to reflect its multi-ethnic nature. Centuries prior to Spanish colonization, much of what would become Bolivia formed part of the Tiwanaku polity, which collapsed around 1000 AD. Spanish conquistadores took control in the 16th century. The struggle for independence started in Sucre on 25 May 1809.

In Their Own Story

The air was thin inside Estadio Hernando Siles, rarefied enough to make every breath count. Opposing players arrived days early for acclimatization, yet the altitude remained a silent antagonist on the pitch. As the referee blew the whistle, the Bolivian fans in the stands, draped in yellow and green, roared with an energy that seemed to defy gravity. It was not just a match; it was a defense of territory where the mountains themselves felt like teammates.

Reader's Guide

Bolivia is bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. It is divided into nine departments. The largest city and principal industrial center is Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Spanish is the official and predominant language, with 36 indigenous languages also having official status. Bolivia is a developing country and the second-poorest in South America.

Did You Know?

• Bolivia is one of two landlocked countries in the Americas, alongside Paraguay.
• It is the largest landlocked country in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Bolivia had a population of 11.4 million as of the latest census in 2024.
• The country includes part of the Pantanal, the largest tropical wetland in the world.