Bolivia

As of 2023, Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and home to an estimated 30,000 orphans (institutionalized and/or abandoned children). Spanish is the official language of Bolivia, but the country holds over 36 native indigenous languages. The country is divided into nine departamentos, of which La Paz is the political capital, but Santa Cruz is the largest and industrial center.

Traditional Foods

  • Cuñapé

    A traditional bolivian bread made from yucca flour, mixed with cheese, milk and egg. Bread and coffee are a common dinner.

  • Sonso

    Another yucca and cheese based food: the two ingredients are fried together on a stick and sold at the markets.

  • Salteñas

    Salteñas have a sweet crust with varying ingredients inside: chicken, beef, potatoes or vegetables are mixed with a green sauce to create this empanada-like breakfast.

  • Mochochinchi

    A peach based refresco. This is common to find at markets, in restaurants or to make at home.

  • Bolos de Leche

    Bolos are almost equivalent to a popsicle: they are made from condensed milk, evaporated milk and typically coconut or oreo flavor.

  • Somo

    It is typical to find sellers of this corn-based refresco on the corners of any street market. Could be described as a bolivian horchata.

  • Sopa de Maní

    Peanut soup. It is made with thick noodles, milk, onion, peas and garlic. It is often topped with potatoes.

  • Sopa de Patas

    In Bolivia, nothing is wasted, not even the chicken feet. They boast the high collagen content of this delicacy, but I still refuse to eat it.

  • El Duende

    In the forest lives a little man with a large sombrero. Whenever he sees little girls with long hair, he bribes them with toys and candy to follow him into the forest where he braids their hair to become part of the tree branches, trapping them forever. So, beware lest you allow your hair to grow too long: your vanity might be your end.

  • El Jichi

    In rivers and great lakes, lives a sea monster: El Jichi. Many believe drought is caused by the Jichi leaving their water for another, more pleasing, location. It is an ancient myth now, but some old fisherman have witnessed this monster lurking. So, think twice before heading into deep waters.

  • El Guajojo

    At night, if you listen closely, you can hear the cry of the Guajojo. This bird embodies the spirit of a princess whose lover was killed by her disapproving father. She died of grief and continues crying to this day.

  • Siete Calles

    In one part of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, join six streets. However, of old, there were seven. Years ago, the seventh street led straight to a wealthy man’s home, dividing it in two. To fix this dilemma, he simply closed the street. The outraged public sent an inspector to stop this vigilante. The dimwitted inspector and the clever land owner together agreed that the six streets were indeed seven, and that the seventh was merely frivolous. To this day, the six streets are called “Siete Calles”.

  • Bolivia is a highly religious country, with approximately 70% identifying as Catholic, 17% varying denominations of Protestant, 9% as non religious, 1.5% Mormon or JW and 1.5% other

  • Bolivia’s current constitution was adopted in 2009. Similar to the US, Bolivia has three branches: Executive, Legislative and Judicial. The President is elected by popular vote from a diverse multi-party system for a five year term.

    Bolivia is a unitary state divided into nine departamentos. The most populous departamento, Santa Cruz, is where I will be living.

  • Bolivia has a population of 12.08 million people, with 3.32 million living in Santa Cruz, which is roughly the same population as LA. Santa Cruz de la Sierra has a large metropolitan area (1.8 million) with many modern amenities.