There is no doubt that Bolivia is one of the most unique countries in the world. From it’s geography to it’s people, there is much diversity from one area to another. For example we have the highest capital city in the world, the largest salt flats, and two main people groups that vary greatly in culture and language. These differences are what makes the country so beautiful in many ways and challenging in other ways. Recently I came across a website that has some interesting facts about Bolivia that I had not heard. While I don’t agree with everything they say, I thought you might be interested in some of these facts. (www.factslides.com/s-Bolivia)
1. Bolivia Has 37 Official Languages
The government of Bolivia has now changed the countries official name to the Multi National State of Bolivia. This is because there are many groups of people and besides the 37 official languages, there are many other languages spoken by the smaller groups. The main languages are Spanish, Quechua, Ayamara and Guaraní but most people will speak Spanish unless you go into rural areas.
2. La Paz, Bolivia was the first South American to get an electricity supply.
While Bolivia is one of South Americas poorest countries this is one way that it was ahead of it’s time. While not the whole city had power, some parts did, and most likely it was the more wealthy people that had access. The only ironic thing about this electric supply was that it was powered by llama dung.
3. There is a prison in Bolivia where the inmates pay rent, their families can live with them and tourist pay to see it.
The prison system in Bolivia would be way off par compared with what you see in the US and other developed countries. Living conditions would be less than desirable and often the inmates do not even have a bed to sleep on unless they have lots of money. There is also rampant corruption and drugs and at one time, in this particular jail, they produce the majority of cocaine in Bolivia.
4. The main exporter of Brasil nuts is not Brasil but Bolivia.
The majority of Bolivia’s north and eastern side borders Brasil and is covered by lush jungles and fertile plains. It is here that many animals live and fruits and nuts are grown that would be typical to Brasil. Since these areas are often very poor, the Brasil nuts offer a great source of income for the people.
5. Demand for Quinoa in western nations has made it too expensive for even the Bolivian people to buy.
Quinoa is known as the golden grain or the mother grain and is a highly nutrient rich grain that is native to Bolivia. In recent years, because Quinoa has been recognized as such a great source of nutrients and vitamins and maybe most importantly a gluten free substitute for wheat, the demand has grown and of course it’s value. This has caused the price of Quinoa to skyrocket not only around the world but also in Bolivia, so much so that it is too expensive for many to buy.
6. There is a hotel in Bolivia made almost entirely of salt.
Bolivia is known to have the largest salt flats in the world covering over ten thousand five hundred square miles and is at an elevation of almost twelve thousand feet. You can take tours out on the salt flats for up to four days where you see mineral covered lakes, a dormant volcano, geysers and more. Also out on these salt flats is a hotel that is made of salt from the area. The beds, chairs, tables and walls are all made of salt which makes for a unique sleeping experience.
7. Most homes in Bolivia have a dried llama fetus thrown under it’s foundations for good luck.
In Bolivia today you can see many of the same traditions that were practiced dating all the way back to the time of the Incas. They are known for worshiping what is called the Pachamama or the mother earth. One of the ways that they do this is by burning incense on special days and yes, burying llama fetus’ in the foundation of their buildings to appease the mother earth and bring them good luck.
8. One of Bolivia’s oldest silver mines has claimed the lives of an estimated eight million people over the last five hundred years and is called “the mountain that eats men”.
Bolivia was once one of the largest producers of silver and gold and was the focus of much of the Spanish conquest because of these riches. Once the largest and most wealthy city in all of South America, Potosí is where the majority of this silver and gold was mined. The conditions in these mines has always been traitorous to say the least. Little concern for safety and a lack of modern equipment and techniques has caused many lives to be lost in these places.
9. Tinku is a festival in Bolivia where the people beat each other for two or three days.
This is a festival that takes place near the city of Potosí by the indigenous Ayamara people. The women dance around in a circle and the men fight each other, often using rocks and even shards of glass. It is in a sense a celebration and also an offering to the mother earth in hopes of a fruitful harvest. In their minds, any blood that is shed is an offering to the Pachamama and will bring them great blessings. Almost every year, this celebration escalates until the police finally come and break things up.
10. Bolivia, although they have no access to the ocean, maintains a standing navy, in preparation for the day is reconquers its coastline.
The War of the Pacific was a war that took place in the late 1800’s where Chile fought with Peru and Bolivia over a section of land that had great financial potential. Although it is part of one of the driest deserts in the world, it is rich in minerals that at that time were used for fertilizer and gunpowder. The battle lasted almost five years but in the end Bolivia lost it’s access to the ocean and became a landlocked country. This hasn’t discouraged them all these years in hopes that one day they will have access again and be able to operate it’s navy.
While there are many other interesting things that you can learn about Bolivia, here you can see what makes Bolivia not only unique in it’s geography and culture, but also in it’s great spiritual need. Many of these things show the great conflict and turmoil that goes on in the Bolivia heart and the great need they have for the gospel. Only Christ can bring peace and blessings to the people of Bolivia