BOLIVIA: Capital Confusion

Bolivia is unique with two capital cities.

It is because of a political compromise reached after a civil conflict in the late 19th century.

Originally, Sucre was Bolivia's sole capital and the center of political power.

However, as the country's economy shifted from the silver mines around Sucre to the booming tin industry centered near La Paz, La Paz became more economically and politically influential.

So now, Sucre is the constitutional and official capital, where the Supreme Court is located.  

La Paz is the seat of government (administrative capital), where the executive and legislative branches operate.

 The coat of arms basically tells Bolivia’s story in symbols: wealth from mining (Potosí silver), Andean identity (llama, mountains, condor), independence and war history, peace and national unity.

The modern city of Sucre was founded by the Spanish in 1538, but the area had been home to Indigenous communities for centuries before European arrival. 

Bolivia's declaration of independence from Spain was signed in 1825 in Sucre. Antonio José de Sucre was the first constitutional president of Bolivia and is seen as one of the founding figures of the country.

Sucre sits about 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) above sea level.

 It is called the "White City" because of its whitewashed colonial buildings. 

Its historic center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its colonial architecture, churches, convents, and plazas.

From Sucre we flew up to La Paz, Bolivia's second capital. It sits in a bowl-shaped valley at higher elevations ranging from about 3,200–4,100 meters (10,500 to 13,500 feet). I am going to put that into perspective again by using Denver, the Mile High City. Denver sits at 1,069 metres (5,280 ft) above sea level. So, we're talking serious elevation at about 3 times higher than Denver.

Before the Spanish founded La Paz in 1548, the valley was already inhabited by Indigenous groups for centuries. The area was also became part of the expanding Inca Empire in the 15th century.

La Paz grew as a trading center connecting the mining regions with the rest of the Andes. 

Today it is Bolivia's political and administrative heart, home to the president, government ministries, and the national legislature.

Cocktail Party Trivia: La Paz is the world's highest administrative capital

The steep terrain complicates getting around the city. Cable cars are a great solution to the problem. Mi Teleférico (the cable car system) was first inaugurated in 2014.

One country.

Two capitals.