Bolivia

Beginning in the second century B.C., the Tiwanakan culture developed at the southern end of Lake Titicaca. This culture, centered on and named for the great city of Tiwanaku, developed advanced architectural and agricultural techniques before it disappeared around 1200, perhaps because of extended drought. In about 1450, the Quechua-speaking Incas entered the area of the Bolivian highlands and added it to their empire. They controlled the area until the Spanish conquest in 1525.

During most of the Spanish colonial period, this territory was called "Upper Peru" or "Charcas" and was under the authority of the Viceroy of Lima. Local governments came from the Audiencia de Charcas located in Chuquisaca (La Plata, modern Sucre). Bolivian silver mines produced much of the Spanish empire's wealth, and Potosi, site of the famed Cerro Rico ("Rich Mountain"), was for many years the largest city in the Western Hemisphere. As Spanish royal authority weakened during the Napoleonic wars, sentiment against colonial rule grew. Independence was proclaimed in 1809, but 16 years of struggle followed before the establishment of the republic, named for Simon Bolívar, on Aug. 6, 1825.

Since then, Bolivia has experienced numerous coups, the last of which happened in 1978. Democratic civilian rule was established in 1982, but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest and illegal drug production.

Art

Bolivian art includes Indian relics and other forms of folk expression. Like their Tiwanaku ancestors, Bolivians still create textiles by spinning and weaving; those from each region have their own styles.

Music

Each region in Bolivia has a distinct musical tradition. Music from the Altiplano sounds sorrowful, while music in the warmer Tarija sounds cheerful. Dances such as the cueca, auqui-auqui and tinku hold a reverent place in popular culture.

Language

Spanish: Hola (Hello), Tchau (Goodbye), ¿Como está? (How are you?)

Quechua: ari (yes), waliki (well), Askini punijuttata (Welcome), Imaynalla kasanki? (Hi, how are you?), Ripusani (used for Goodbye; literally means, "I am leaving."), Wuaj dia kama (See you later)

Aymara: Imaynalla? (How are you?), Kamisaki? (Hello, how are you?), Yaqhaurkama (used for Goodbye; literally means, "I am leaving."), Waliki (See you later)

Sports & Games

Bolivians play soccer, marbles, checkers, group games, outdoor racquetball and basketball.

Typical Foods

Bolivians eat meat, rice, potatoes, shredded lettuce, hot sauce, soup, fruit, cheese and milk.

The typical school year runs from February through November. Eight years are required for primary school; then another four years are necessary to graduate from high school.

In the face of poverty and long-term political instability, Bolivians view education as a tool to improve their incomes and a way to improve their quality of life.

Even though an education is a basic requirement to get a better job, it is still considered a privilege to have an educated person in the family. Those who are educated enjoy better health care for themselves and their children. They also have better possibilities to improve their incomes. However, unemployment is high, and many people are overqualified and underpaid for the jobs they have.

Many Bolivians who attend school do not complete their secondary education. In recent years, many adult educators have been working toward social justice, focusing students on economic opportunities while maintaining their indigenous cultures. The process, particularly for women and minorities, is complex due to the socio-cultural context in which the learning takes place. However, when the educational model takes daily life within the local cultures into account, true learning and change can be seen.

Bolivia’s 2009 constitution declares a separation between church and state and guarantees the freedom to worship. About 77% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic, 16% are Protestant Christians, and 7% profess other or no religion.

Carnival: February or March — This is one of the most flamboyant and dazzling festivals in South America, filled with dancing and feasting. Carnival occurs just before Lent, the season of fasting leading up to Easter. The largest Carnival celebration takes place in Oruro.

Independence Day: Aug. 6

Christmas: Dec. 25 — Bolivians prepare the nativity scene and the Christmas tree. Church members present special dramas and choral events.