5 Things Bolivia Is Best Known For

Every country is famous for something. Whether it be the Swiss and their perforated cheese or the Canadians and their tendency to be polite, we’ve all got our own unique characteristics that set us apart from the rest. And even though Bolivia may not be so well known on the international stage, there are a few quintessential traits that personify the nation. Here are 5.

* A multitude of mountains

Bolivia conjures up images of the epic Andes, a towering mountain range characterized by countless snow-capped peaks.

* Dizzying heights

It’s not just the Andes that stretch into the sky. Bolivia has the highest salt flats, lake, administrative capital city, golf course, Irish pub, road, and cable car in the world. At these lofty heights, altitude sickness is a given.

* Lots of llamas

With such altitude comes an abundance of furry alpacas who can be seen wandering through the mountainous terrain with their traditionally dressed shepherds in tow. Equally famous are the colorful alpaca wool jumpers which serve as the perfect Andean souvenir.

* A cornucopia of cocaine

Bolivians won’t want to hear this, but it’s undeniable many outsiders associate the country with the cocaine trade. Bolivia produces the third largest crop of coca leaf in the world (after Peru and Colombia), yet most locals think poorly of the destructive derivative that is cocaine.

* Political unrest

South America has had its fair share of dictators and Bolivia is certainly no exception. Throughout its turbulent history, the country has seen revolutions, uprisings, riots, and a revolving door of presidencies.