Bolivia Fun Facts for Kids

The present-day Aymara people consider themselves to be the native culture of Bolivia, but the area was inhabited by a more ancient civilization for over two thousand years before the Aymara arrived. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1524, the area now called Bolivia was part of the Incan Empire. The Spanish quickly colonized the area, and Bolivia’s natural silver deposits were mined extensively by natives who were forced to work in the mines. While the Spanish Empire was weak during its wars with Napoleon Bonaparte, a series of revolutions took place in Bolivia. Bolivia became a republic in 1825, named for the revolutionary leader Simón Bolívar. A long period of economic hardship followed, where Bolivia lost much of its territory to surrounding countries. In the 1960s, the United States supported a military coup that removed the Bolivian president from office and replaced him with Hugo Banzer Suárez. Suárez was the first in a line of military dictators to rule Bolivia, but in recent decades Bolivia has transitioned to a democratic government.

The present-day Aymara people consider themselves to be the native culture of Bolivia, but the area was inhabited by a more ancient civilization for over two thousand years before the Aymara arrived. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1524, the area now called Bolivia was part of the Incan Empire. The Spanish quickly colonized the area, and Bolivia’s natural silver deposits were mined extensively by natives who were forced to work in the mines. While the Spanish Empire was weak during its wars with Napoleon Bonaparte, a series of revolutions took place in Bolivia. Bolivia became a republic in 1825, named for the revolutionary leader Simón Bolívar. A long period of economic hardship followed, where Bolivia lost much of its territory to surrounding countries. In the 1960s, the United States supported a military coup that removed the Bolivian president from office and replaced him with Hugo Banzer Suárez. Suárez was the first in a line of military dictators to rule Bolivia, but in recent decades Bolivia has transitioned to a democratic government.

Bolivia is located in the center of South America, bordering Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile. Bolivia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with many different climate zones and geographical features. There are high mountains in the Andean region of the country, lush rain-forests in the eastern region, and even geothermal sulfur fields in the southwest.

World Land Mass Ranking: 27th Highest Mountain: Nevado Sajama, 6,438 meters (21,122 ft)

Longest River: Madeira River, 2,100 miles

Spanish, Aymara, Quechua, Guarani, and many other native languages

Bolivia Population: 11.35 million (as of 2018)
Capital City: Sucre, La Paz
Capital City Population:

Sucre. 300,000 (as of 2011)

La Paz. 2.7 million (as of 2012)

Because of its rich geographical diversity, the climate in Bolivia varies greatly from region to region. A large part of Bolivia is considered humid tropical—with high temperatures and lots of rainfall. The more mountainous regions are desert-polar climates, with little precipitation and freezing nights. There are more temperate regions in the valleys.

• Antonio José de Sucre
• Victor Paz Estenssoro
• Adela Zamudio
• Hugo Banzer

• Bolivian cuisine is a varied combination of Spanish influences and the native foods of indigenous people. Dishes have also been brought to Bolivia by German, Italian, Russian, Arabic, and Polish immigrants. Beans, corn, and potatoes are all staples of a Bolivian diet. Saltenas are a type of Bolivian empanada—a baked pastry filled with meat, sauce, vegetables, and other ingredients. Charque or jerky is any meat that has been salted and dried, and is served with many different foods. A wide variety of soups are also popular in Bolivia.

  The picture is a picture of a typical Bolivian meal.

• Football has been described as almost an official religion in Bolivia. Bolivian football fans can become quite heated and passionate about their favorite team, and football is by far the most popular sport in the country. Volleyball, tennis, and Basque pelota are also popular. Indigenous sports and games are also played during festival events. The Bolivian national football team is popular within the country, but has never advanced past the initial round of the World Cup.

  The picture is a picture of the Bolivian national football team.

• Bolivian culture is tied to its roots in pre-Columbian America but has been influenced by the many different nations that have left their mark on Bolivia since then. The annual carnival in the city of Oruro features “devil dances,” an important folklore event and entertaining festival. The Spanish brought their own religion, art, and architecture to Bolivia. The colonial silver mines started a long tradition of fine metalwork in the country. Over 75% of the current population is Roman Catholic, with the rest largely identifying as some other type of Christian.

  The picture is a picture of the devil dance that takes place during the Oruro carnival.

  Bolivia is a beautiful country with wonderful people.

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1. The Bolivian flag is depicted on itself in the coat of arms.

2. Bolivia is one of only two landlocked countries in the Americas.

3. Bolivia is home to the world’s largest salt flat.

4. The Andean condor is the national bird of Bolivia.

5. There are 36 official indigenous languages in Bolivia.

6. Crossing guards in Bolivia dress like zebras.

7. The clock on the Bolivian congress building runs backward.

8. The average lifespan in Bolivia is 69 years.

9. One of the world’s largest butterfly sanctuaries is in Bolivia.

10. The national animal of Bolivia is the llama.

1. Who was Bolivia named after? +

2. What are the capital cities of Bolivia? +

3. What metal did the Spanish mine in Bolivia? +

4. Name a sport that is popular in Bolivia? +

5. Name a key person from Bolivia? +

6. How many countries border Bolivia? +

7. In what year did Bolivia become a republic? +

8. What is the tallest point in Bolivia? +

9. What is the longest river in Bolivia? +

10. Name a popular food in Bolivia? +