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INTRODUCTION
Bolivia, a South American state, derives its name from famous South American freedom fighter, Simon Bolivar. Bolivia has been through many coups and after nearly 18 years of military rule finally restored independence in 1982.
Location of Bolivia
Bolivia is bound on the north and east by Brazil, on the southeast by Paraguay, on the south by Argentina, and on the west by Chile and Peru.
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Flora And Fauna of Bolivia
Owing to wide variations in elevation, plant and animal species of nearly every climatic zone are found in Bolivia. The flora of Bolivia includes a coarse grass, called ichu, which is mainly grown on barren high plateau in the west. Other trees include para rubber trees, more than 2,000 species of hardwood trees, and vanilla, sarsaparilla, and saffron plants, which mainly grow in the tropical forests of the east. The fauna of Bolivia include the llama, found chiefly on the Altiplano which is used for carrying goods. Monkeys, pumas, jaguars, armadillos, and a variety of reptiles, birds, and insects are also found in Bolivia.
Physical Map of Bolivia
The main physical feature of Bolivia is the Andes mountain range, which extends from north to south, across the western part of the country. The Andes form two ranges in Bolivia, the western range, the Cordillera Occidental that runs along the Chilean border; and the eastern range, the Cordillera Oriental, the main range, which crosses the west central part of Bolivia. The Cordillera Oriental contains some of the highest Andean peaks, notably Ancohuma, Illampu and Illimani. The rivers that flow through Bolivia are the Beni and its main affluent, the Madre de Diós; the Guaporé, which forms part of the boundary with Brazil; and the Mamoré.
Climate of Bolivia
The climate of Bolivia is mainly governed by its various elevations. While the higher regions experience cold and dry climate, the low-lying areas have warmer climate. The mean annual temperatures range from 8°C to 26°C.
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