Bolivia: flag, capital, currency and history
Bolivia, officially the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a country in South America, the Americas. Its capital is Sucre. The currency is the Bolivian boliviano. Languages spoken include Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua and Spanish.
Quick facts about Bolivia
- Official name
- Plurinational State of Bolivia
- Capital
- SucreSucre is the constitutional capital and La Paz is the seat of government.
- Region
- Americas, South America
- Currency
- Bolivian boliviano (BOB, Bs.)
- Languages
- Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish
- Calling code
- +591
- Internet domain
- .bo
- Area
- 1,098,581 km² (424,164 sq mi)
- Demonym
- Bolivian
- National day
- Independence Day, August 6
Flag of Bolivia
Download the flag of Bolivia as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇧🇴.
History of Bolivia
The Andean highlands were home to the Tiwanaku culture before being absorbed into the Inca Empire. Spanish forces conquered the region in the 1530s, and the silver mines of Potosi, founded in 1545, made it a major colonial centre under the Audiencia of Charcas. Uprisings against Spanish rule began in 1809, and independence was proclaimed in 1825, with the republic named after Simon Bolivar. Bolivia lost territory in the War of the Pacific and the Chaco War. A 2009 constitution renamed it the Plurinational State of Bolivia, recognising its Indigenous nations.
Key dates
- 1545Spanish found Potosi after silver is discovered at Cerro Rico.
- 1809Uprisings against Spanish rule begin in Chuquisaca and La Paz.
- 1825Independence is declared on 6 August and the republic is founded.
- 1879The War of the Pacific begins; Bolivia later loses its coastline.
- 1932The Chaco War with Paraguay begins and lasts until 1935.
- 1952A national revolution brings sweeping social and political reforms.
- 2009A new constitution establishes the Plurinational State of Bolivia.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Bolivia
Bolivia uses the Bolivian boliviano (BOB, Bs.). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in Bolivia
Celebrations observed in Bolivia, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Bolivia?
The capital of Bolivia is Sucre. Sucre is the constitutional capital and La Paz is the seat of government.
What currency does Bolivia use?
Bolivia uses the Bolivian boliviano (BOB, symbol Bs.).
What languages are spoken in Bolivia?
Languages used in Bolivia include Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua and Spanish.
What is the calling code of Bolivia?
The international calling code of Bolivia is +591. Its internet domain is .bo.
Which countries border Bolivia?
Bolivia shares land borders with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Peru.
On which continent is Bolivia?
Bolivia is in South America, part of the Americas, in the region of South America.
What is the national day of Bolivia?
Bolivia marks Independence Day on August 6.
Neighbours of Bolivia
More countries in South America
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).