LANDSCAPE AND CLIMATE
Bolivia is located in the west-central part of South America. It is bordered on the north and east by Brazil, on the south by Paraguay and Argentina, and on the west by Chile and Peru. The nation is divided into nine areas, called departments.

 The five main geographical areas of Bolivia are the altiplano, the highland valleys, the yungas, the lowland rainforests, and the Chaco region. The altiplano (which means "high plain") is located in the west and is bordered by two Andean mountain ranges. The Western Cordillera is the natural boundary between Chile and Bolivia, and the Eastern Cordillera separates the altiplano from the highland valleys and the lowlands. South America's second largest lake, Lake Titicaca, is located in the altiplano. Lake Titicaca drains into the Desaguadero River, which empties into a shallow, salt-water lake, called Lake Poopó. 
The altiplano is home to most of the indigenous Quechua and Aymara people in the country as well as to Mestizos (people of mixed race). La Paz, Bolivia's largest city, is located in this region, as are the cities of Potosí and Oruro. Potosí is known for its tin mines. The altiplano has a dry and cool climate. During the day, the temperature can go up to 18°C, but at night it can fall below freezing.

 The highland valleys to the southeast of the altiplano have a moderate climate. This area has a spring-like climate all year round. The cities of Sucre, Cochabamba and Tarija are in this area. The yungas are northeast of La Paz. They mark the boundary between the altiplano and the lowlands. The word yunga means "warm land"; this is a tropical region. The crops grown in this area include coffee, sugar cane, coca and citrus fruits. 
  Did you know?
Palaeontologists come to Bolivia to study its preserved dinosaur footprints. The footprints of titanosauruses, ankylosauruses and theropods have been found near Sucre.
The lowlands in the Amazon Basin to the north and the Oriente region to the east are mainly rainforest. The climate is very hot and humid, with heavy rains. Many indigenous peoples, such as the Guaraní, live in this region. The rainforests are home to abundant wildlife, including capybaras (the largest rodents in the world), sloths, lizards, giant river otters and freshwater dolphins. Santa Cruz is the largest city in the Oriente. 

The Chaco region is located in the southeastern part of the country. Although it is also in the lowlands, it is very dry and windy. This is quite an isolated area. Flamingos, giant anteaters and tapirs live in the region.
  Did you know?
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. There are ancient ruins near the lake and on the island called Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun).