South America.

GMT - 4.

1,100,000 sq km (424,164 sq miles).

9.5 million (UN estimate 2007).

8.4 per sq km.

Constitutional: Sucre. Population: 288,290 (2007). Administrative: La Paz. Population: 839,900 (2007).

Bolivia is a landlocked country bordered by Peru to the northwest, Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the southeast, Argentina and Paraguay to the south and Chile to the west. There are three main areas: the first is a high plateau known as the ‘Altiplano', a less fertile but populous region lying approximately 4,000m (13,000ft) above sea level. The second area is a fertile valley situated 1,800m (5,900ft) to 2,700m (8,850ft) above sea level, which is less populous but more productive. The third area comprises the lowland tropics that stretch down to the frontiers with Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, where the tropical climate and heavy rainfall foster lush vegetation and exotic produce.

Democratic republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1825.

President Evo Morales since January 2006.

Presidential elections took place in December 2005 against a backdrop of political turmoil and social unrest. Evo Morales, a leftist from Bolivia's native community, won a decisive victory and was inaugurated as president in January 2006, vowing to break with the policies left over from colonial era.

Since taking office, Morales has aligned himself politically with Venezuela and Cuba, moving to nationalise industries and bring the country's wealth of natural gas reserves under state control. 

But political instability has continued to mar reform efforts with the gas-rich Santa Cruz region leading calls for autonomy from the La Paz government.

An August 2008 referendum on his government granted Morales a mandate to continue reforms, but left the country divided along economic and ethnic fault lines with little sign of resolution.

The official language is Spanish, but the main indigenous languages are Quechua, Aymará and Guaraní. English is often spoken by a small number of officials and businesspeople in commercial centres.

Primarily Roman Catholic with a Protestant minority and indigenous beliefs.

110 and 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European two-pin (circular) plugs or US-style, two-pin (perpendicular flat) plugs.

Normal social courtesies in most Bolivian families and respect for traditions should be observed. Remember to refer to rural Bolivians as campesinos rather than Indians, which is considered an insult. Female campesinos still adhere to their traditional dress. A suit and tie for men and dress for women should be worn for smart social occasions. Casual wear is otherwise suitable. Smoking is accepted unless indicated otherwise. Time keeping is poor.