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Places in News: Bolivia
Context:
Bolivia has experienced significant political instability, highlighted by recent coup attempts, which showcase the fragility of its democracy.
More on News:
- The military’s intervention has drawn international condemnation, emphasising concerns about the legality of these actions and the challenges faced by fledgling democracies.
- Historical issues and social divisions contribute to Bolivia’s susceptibility to coups.
About Bolivia:
Location & Geography:
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- Landlocked country in western-central South America.
- Official Name: Plurinational State of Bolivia.
- Situated in the Andes Mountains, with a highland plateau and lowland plains in the Amazon basin.
- Borders: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru.
- Capital Cities:
- Constitutional Capital: Sucre.
- Executive Capital: La Paz (seat of government).
- Largest City: Santa Cruz de la Sierra (industrial hub).
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Natural Features:
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- Shares Lago Titicaca with Peru, the world’s highest navigable lake (12,500 feet above sea level).
- Highest Peaks: Illimani and Sajama.
- Largest Inland Lake: Salty Lake Poopó.
- Major Rivers: Madeira, Mamoré, Beni, Pilcomayo, and Desaguadero Rivers.
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History:
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- Ruled by the Inca civilization during the 15th and 16th centuries.
- Spanish conquistadors took control in 1538.
- Gained independence from Spain in 1825.
- History marked by coups, with the last in 1978.
- Democratic civilian rule established in 1982.
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Government:
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- Republic with a “Social Unitarian State” system as per the new constitution.
- Currency: Bolivian boliviano.
- Official Languages: 37, including Spanish.
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Economy:
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- Mixed economic system with centralised planning, and regulation.
- Major Producer of natural gas.
- Rich in minerals, with significant exports of zinc, silver, tin, and lead.
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Vegetation:
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- Altiplano: Dry, saline areas with grasses and shrubs.
- Yungas: Mountain rainforest with diverse hardwoods and medicinal plants.
- Oriente: Varied vegetation, from Amazonian rainforest in the north to scrub in the Chaco.
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