Ms. Soles Social Studies Lesson 19 South America: BOLIVIA

Are you ready to tour another fascinating country in South America? What are we waiting for?

Where in the world is BOLIVIA?

Flag of Bolivia

At 1,098,580 square kilometres (424,160 sq mi), Bolivia is the world's 28th- largest country

Many ecological zones are represented within Bolivia's territory. The western highlands of the country are situated in the Andes and include the Bolivian Altiplano. The eastern lowlands include large sections of Amazonian rainforests and the Chaco Plain. Andes Altiplanorainforests Chaco Plain

The highest peak is Nevado Sajama at 6,542 metres (21,463 ft) located in the Oruro Department. Lake Titicaca is located on the border between Bolivia and Peru. The Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, lies in the southwest corner of the country, in Potosí Department.Nevado SajamaOruro Department Lake TiticacaSalar de Uyunisalt flat Potosí Department

Climate of Bolivia The weather in Bolivia can vary drastically from one climatic zone to another. The summer months in Bolivia are November through March. The weather is typically warmer and wetter during these months. April through October, the winter months, are typically colder and drier.

In the highlands, the weather can be very cold and temperatures frequently go below zero at night, especially on the Altiplano. Snow is common in Potosí during the winter months and sometimes also falls on La Paz and Oruro. Altiplano Dust Storm Over Bolivia

The weather in the rainforest is usually very hot and often very wet. The drier period of the year is May to October. The section of the rainforest that borders Cordillera Real of the Andes Mountains is a bit cooler,still very wet. Cliffs along Tuichi River, Madidi National Park Madidi National Park

Facts About Bolivia CAPITALS La Paz &Sucre POPULATION 8.5 Million LAND AREA 418,683 mi;1,084,390 sq km ETHNIC GROUPS Quecha, Mestizo, Aymara, White RELIGIONS Roman Catholic, Protestant

GOVERNMENT Republic CURRENCY Boliviano MAIN EXPORTS Soybeans, natural gas, zinc, gold, wood, salt LANGUAGES Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara (official)

The following video gives you a glimpse into Bolivia’s early history: deo.aspx?VideoID=2184&Categor yID=5618

La Paz: Highest Capital in the World

Sucre, also known historically as Charcas, La Plata and Chuquisaca is the constitutional capital of Bolivia and the capital of the department of Chuquisaca.BoliviaChuquisaca

People of Bolivia UroUro person on floating an islet in Titicaca. Bolivians in La Paz city Centre

Bolivia has the highest percentage of the native indigenous people of any South American country. Many of them continue to follow customs and lifestyles that have existed for centuries. Traditional styles may include long full skirts with derby hats for the women and striped ponchos for the men.

Religion in Bolivia Aymara Woman Praying Cristo se la Concordia, Symbol of Catholic Influence

Bolivia’s Government Bolivia has been governed by democratically elected governments since 1982, when a long string of military coups came to an end. National Congress of Bolivia, La Paz

Bolivia’s Economy Bolivia is one of the least developed countries in South America. Almost 2/3 of its people, many of whom are subsistence farmers, live in poverty. Population density ranges from less than one person per square kilometre in the southeastern plains to about ten per square kilometre (25 per sq. mi) in the central highlands.

Why are they less developed? The first major blow to the Bolivian economy came with a dramatic fall in the price of tin during the early 1980s, which impacted one of Bolivia's main sources of income and one of its major mining-industries.

The second major economic blow came at the end of the Cold War in the late 1980s and early 1990s as economic aid was withdrawn by western countries who had previously tried to keep a market- liberal regime in power through financial support.Cold War

Most Common Resources/Exports The US Geological Service estimates that Bolivia has 5.4 million cubic tonnes of lithium which represents 50%–70% of world reserves. It is used to make high-capacity batteries used in electric cars and such.cubic tonneslithium Bolivia also has the largest natural gas reserves in South America.

Agriculture accounts for roughly 15% of Bolivia's GDP. Soybeans are the major cash crop, sold into the Andean Community market.cash crop Salt mounds in Salar de Uyuni. Each mound is about a meter high. Salar de Uyuni

The income from tourism becomes more important. Bolivia's tourist industry has grown gradually since about Bolivia's tourist industry Lake Titicaca from the Bolivian shoreLake Titicaca

Bolivia’s Culture Bolivian culture has been heavily influenced by the Quechua, the Aymara, as well as by the popular cultures of Latin America. The Diablada,Diablada typical of Carnival of Oruro

Bolivia has a rich folklore. Its regional folk music is distinctive and varied. The "devil dances" at the annual carnival of Oruro are one of the great folkloric events of South America. folklorefolk music Diablada Dancer

Before we leave Bolivia, I have a fantastic visit planned for you! m/howstuffworks/41691-lake- titicaca-video.htm

Say “Good-bye” to Bolivia, as we look forward to visiting one of my favorite South American countries! I’ll give you a hint, it has the world’s largest rainforest!

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