Bolivia: Introduction

Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America that borders the countries of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru. The country is located in the rugged Andes Mountain with a highland plateau and lowland plains of the Amazon basin. Bolivia shares control of Lago Titicaca, the world’s highest lake navigable to large vessels, at 12,500 feet above sea level. The government system is a republic; the new constitution defines Bolivia as a “Social Unitarian State.” The chief of state and head of government is the president. Bolivia has a mixed economic system that includes a variety of private freedom combined with centralized economic planning and government regulation. In addition, Bolivia is a member of the Andean Community (ANCOM).