Bolivia
Stunning Bolivian scenery (photo: Michael von Geldern)
Bolivia is a country of incredible ecological diversity, with tropical lowlands including large sections of Amazonian rainforests, the windswept Altiplano and the high Andes mountains. La Paz is the highest capital city in the world.
Bolivia shares vast Lake Titicaca with Peru and also contains the world's largest salt flat - the Salar de Uyuni. Many travellers come to Bolivia to experience the many cultural festivals and ceremonies, particularly the ancient rituals of Inti Raymi – the festival of the sun.
Bolivia Essential Information
Capital - La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia while Sucre is the constitutional/judicial capital
Other major towns - El Alto, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, and Cochabamba.
Time Zone - GMT –4
Languages - Spanish, Quechua and Aymara are the official languages
To learn the basics of Spanish visit
www.bbc.co.uk
Bolivia currency - Bolivia uses the Boliviano (BOB). £1 buys around 14 BOB. For up-to-date exchange rates see: www.xe.com/ucc.