Diario las Américas., 1958-02-19
Know thy
Neighbot

BY NToNIo RUIZ

the center of South America, b.
livia has the distinction, with Tt
bet, of being one of the highest in
habited regions in the whole world.
1t has been frequently called the
Switzerland of South America,
because it is very mountainous and
had no seacoast. It carries on all
her overseas trade using the Paci-
fic ports Antofagasta and africa, in
Chile, and Mollendo in Peru, from
where there are railroads to La
PaZ. Most of the population and
activity of the country are in the
"altiplano' or plateau, high in the
Andes Mountains. The population
of Bolivia is over 100000 and the
country has an area Of 4l6,O00
square miles.
The official language of the coun
try is Spanish, and the form of
Government a Republic. The prin-
cipal exports are tin, tungsten, an
timony, silver, zinc, lead, and cop
per, with a small portion of quin-
inc bar, nuts rubber and coca
leaves. Almost everything else has
to be imported, mainly livestock
wheat, sugar, machinery and ac-
c~essories, textiles, automobiles and
trucks, drugs and chemical pro-
ducts, etc.
La Paz, leading city Of Bolivia,
is the seat of the National Govern
ment, and has about 100000 in
habitants. 1t was founded in 1548
by the Spaniards, and is located
at an altitude of about $4,000 feet
above sea level, which makes 1t the
highest capital city in the world.
Some foreigners find the altitude
very difficult during the first few
days, and usually are advised to
walk as little as possible. The
weather is cool all year round, and
cold in the winter.
In and around La Paz there are
many picturesque Indian markets,
which constitute a real novelty to
all foreign visitors. The Cathedral
is one of the largest churches in
the Western Hemisphere. A tour
around the city shows the different
| stages of history in its various
architectures. The Tiahuanaco Mu'
scum and the Prado with its
beautiful prometade, r the pride
of the city.
Although the Government has its
headquarters at La Paz, the legal
capital of the country is Sucre with
a population of 100000. There the
Supreme Court holds its sessions,
1t is also the capital of the De
, partment of Chuquisaca, and seat
of the Archbishopric OF La Plata
and the University of San Francis
co Xavier.
Historically, Sucre is one of the
most interesting cities of Bolivia. II
is located about 316 miles south
east of La PaZ, in a fertile valley
surrounded by bills, at an altitude
of 9,313 feet. 1t has a mild climate
which has made it the favorite of
weather. Bolivian families and Of
many Government officials. 1t is
important distribution center fol-
the surrounding region, which is
largely agricultural and it also has
a good number of industries. SUI
ere is also a cultural center, with
numerous schools libraries and
museums.
Cochabamba, with 10000 inhab
itants ranks second in size. 1t is the
capital of the Department of the
same name, and is located 19(
miles southeast of La Paz. 1t Ii
the distributing center of Eastern
Bolivia, being strategically located
on the main road from the "alti
plano" to the eastern lowlands
Outstanding public buildings are
the Government Palace, the Cathe
dral, the Acha Theatre and the
Stadium. Most Of the private dwell
ings are two-story houses of Span.
ish colonial style, with balconies
and patios. Cochabamba has a mild
er and more even climate than La
Paz, being only 8,448 feet above
sea level. Aside from its significant
location on the main east-west art
cry of Bolivia, Ccchabamba is also
important as the center of the cour
try's richest agricultural region
1t also engages in some manufact
uring activity.
Spanish Version Page 3