Bolivia, a landlocked nation in western-central South America, is bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. While its administrative capital is La Paz, housing the executive, legislative, and electoral branches, Sucre serves as the constitutional capital, home to the judiciary. The largest city and industrial hub is Santa Cruz de la Sierra, situated in the eastern lowlands (Llanos Orientales).
October 1904: Treaty of Peace and Friendship with Chile
In October 1904, Bolivia and Chile signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship. This treaty included provisions such as Chile building a railway between Arica and La Paz to improve access for Bolivian products to the ports.
1909: Loss of Territory to Peru
In 1909, Bolivia ceded a significant portion of its territory to Peru, including the Madre de Dios River basin and land in the Amazon, totaling 250,000 square kilometers.
1932: Start of the Chaco War
The Chaco War, a territorial dispute between Bolivia and Paraguay, commenced in 1932.
1935: End of the Chaco War
The Chaco War concluded in 1935, with Bolivia suffering defeat and relinquishing a substantial part of the Gran Chaco region to Paraguay.
1939: Start of Temperature Increase in the Andes
From 1939, temperatures in the Andes began to rise, impacting Bolivia's glaciers.
1945: Bolivia Becomes a Founding Member of the United Nations
In 1945, Bolivia joined the ranks of nations that established the United Nations, solidifying its place in the newly formed international organization.
1945: Establishment of TAM
TAM, also known as TAM Group 71, became a part of the Bolivian Air Force (FAB) in 1945.
1950: Population Growth in Bolivia (1950-1976)
Between 1950 and 1976, Bolivia experienced a population growth rate of approximately 2.05%.
1951: Disputed Presidential Election
The 1951 presidential election in Bolivia was marked by controversy, with the Revolutionary Nationalist Movement (MNR) being denied victory despite widespread popular support.
1952: MNR Revolution and Reforms
In 1952, the MNR, fueled by the contested 1951 election, led a successful revolution. Under President Víctor Paz Estenssoro, the MNR implemented significant reforms, including universal suffrage, land redistribution, the promotion of rural education, and the nationalization of major tin mines.
1956: Beginning of Siles Zuazo's First Term
Hernán Siles Zuazo commenced his first term as President of Bolivia in 1956, marking the start of his initial foray into leading the country.
1960: End of Siles Zuazo's First Term
Hernán Siles Zuazo's first presidential term concluded in 1960.
1964: Military Coup Ousts Estenssoro
A military junta seized power in 1964, overthrowing President Víctor Paz Estenssoro at the beginning of his third term in office.
1964: Bolivian Free Port in Rosario, Argentina
Since 1964, Bolivia has maintained its own port facilities in the Bolivian Free Port in Rosario, Argentina. This port is located on the Paraná River, providing direct connection to the Atlantic Ocean.
1966: René Barrientos Ortuño Elected President
René Barrientos Ortuño, who had previously been part of the military junta, ascended to the presidency through an election in 1966.
October 1967: Che Guevara's Execution
Revolutionary figure Che Guevara was captured and executed in October 1967 by a joint force of CIA operatives and the Bolivian Army. Félix Rodríguez, a CIA officer present at the scene, later confirmed the execution was carried out under orders from the Bolivian government.
1969: Death of President René Barrientos Ortuño
The year 1969 saw the passing of President René Barrientos Ortuño, a former junta member who had been elected president in 1966. His death led to a period of political instability.
1971: Hugo Banzer's Coup d'état
In 1971, Hugo Banzer, backed by the CIA, overthrew the socialist government of Juan José Torres, installing a military dictatorship that targeted left-wing opposition and dissenters, leading to widespread human rights abuses.
1971: Hugo Banzer Installed as President
Amidst concerns over the growing influence of leftist movements, Colonel Hugo Banzer Suárez was installed as president in 1971 through a coup supported by the military, the MNR, and other factions.
1976: Population Growth in Bolivia (1950-1976)
Between 1950 and 1976, Bolivia experienced a population growth rate of approximately 2.05%.
1976: Assassination of Juan José Torres
Former President Juan José Torres, who had sought refuge in Argentina after being ousted in the 1971 coup, was abducted and murdered in 1976 as part of Operation Condor, a coordinated campaign of political repression by right-wing dictatorships in South America.
1977: Creation of TAB
Transportes Aéreos Bolivianos (TAB) was established in 1977 as a subsidiary of the Bolivian Air Force (FAB).
1978: End of Banzer's Regime
After seven years in power, Hugo Banzer's dictatorship came to an end in 1978.
1979: Inconclusive and Fraudulent Elections
Bolivia held elections in 1979, but the results were considered inconclusive and marred by accusations of electoral fraud, perpetuating political instability.
1979: OAS Resolution on Bolivian Maritime Claim
In 1979, the Organization of American States (OAS) passed Resolution 426, which declared Bolivia's maritime claim to be a hemispheric problem. This resolution was part of Bolivia's ongoing state policy to seek sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean following the loss of its maritime coast after the War of the Pacific.
1980: Accelerated Temperature Increase in the Andes
From 1980 onwards, the rate of temperature increase in the Andes tripled to 0.33 °C per decade.
1980: Luis García Meza Tejada's Coup and Repression
General Luis García Meza Tejada orchestrated a violent coup in 1980, overthrowing the existing government. The coup, met with resistance, was marked by brutal repression, resulting in the deaths of over a thousand people within a year.
1980: Establishment of Universidad Evangélica Boliviana
Universidad Evangélica Boliviana (UEB) was founded in Santa Cruz de la Sierra in 1980.
1981: Inconclusive and Fraudulent Elections
Similar to the 1979 elections, the 1981 elections in Bolivia were also tainted by fraud and failed to produce a clear outcome, further deepening the political crisis.
October 1982: Hernán Siles Zuazo's Second Presidency
Hernán Siles Zuazo assumed the presidency for the second time in October 1982, marking a return to the office he had previously held from 1956 to 1960.
1982: Beginning of Democratically Elected Governments
Since 1982, Bolivia has been under the governance of democratically elected governments, marking a departure from its history of dictatorships.
1985: Dominance of Political Parties
From 1985 to 2005, the Revolutionary Nationalist Movement, Nationalist Democratic Action, and the Revolutionary Left Movement held significant dominance in Bolivian politics, influencing both the presidency and parliament.
1985: Peaceful Transition of Power
Hernán Siles Zuazo (1982–85) and Víctor Paz Estenssoro (1985–89) initiated a tradition of peaceful transfer of power in Bolivia.
1990: Improvement in Drinking Water and Sanitation Coverage
Since 1990, Bolivia has witnessed substantial improvements in its drinking water and sanitation coverage due to increased investment in the sector.
1992: Population Growth in Bolivia (1976-1992)
From 1976 to 1992, the population growth rate in Bolivia remained around 2.05%.
1992: Special Economic Zone for Bolivia in Ilo
In 1992, the Special Economical Zone for Bolivia in Ilo (ZEEBI) was established. This area provides Bolivia with a 5-kilometer stretch of maritime coast and a free port near Ilo, Peru, to be administered and operated by Bolivia for 99 years.
1993: Election of Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada and Implementation of Plan de Todos
Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada was elected president of Bolivia in 1993. During his presidency, he introduced the Plan de Todos, which focused on decentralizing the government, introducing intercultural bilingual education, implementing agrarian legislation, and privatizing state-owned businesses.
1994: Constitutional Revisions and Judicial Reforms
In 1994, Bolivia implemented revisions to its constitution, paving the way for significant reforms in the judicial system and increased decentralization of power to departments, municipalities, and indigenous territories.
1994: Rediscovery of Bolivian Baroque Music
A significant collection of Native Baroque religious music from Bolivia's colonial period was rediscovered and performed internationally, gaining global recognition in 1994.
1994: Social Unrest and Opposition to Reforms
From 1994 onwards, segments of Bolivian society, particularly in La Paz and the Chapare region, initiated frequent protests against the government's economic and social reforms, including privatization.
1995: Teachers' Strike and Weakening of Labor Unions
A teachers' strike in 1995 faced difficulties in gaining widespread support due to the inability of the Central Obrera Boliviana (COB), Bolivia's main labor union, to unite its members, showcasing a weakening in organized labor's power.
1996: Continued Social Unrest and Opposition to Reforms
Protests against the government's reforms continued through 1996, highlighting the social tensions and inequalities exacerbated by the neoliberal policies.
1996: Satellite Imaging Reveals Tiwanaku's Potential Population
Satellite imaging conducted in 1996 offered new insights into the scale of the Tiwanaku civilization. By mapping the preserved "suka kollus" (raised fields), researchers suggested a potential population capacity ranging from 285,000 to 1,482,000, considerably higher than previous estimates.
1997: Hugo Banzer's Election and Coca Eradication Policy
General Hugo Banzer, a former dictator, won the presidential election in 1997 and launched the "Dignity Plan," which focused on eradicating coca production in the Chapare region using specialized police units.
1997: Banzer's Return to Presidency
Hugo Banzer successfully returned to the Bolivian presidency in 1997, marking his second stint in the office.
1997: Gender Quotas Introduced for Public Office
In 1997, Bolivia implemented a law mandating political parties to ensure that at least 30% of their candidates for public office were women, aiming to increase female representation in politics.
1997: Banzer's Return to Power
Two decades after being ousted, Hugo Banzer returned to Bolivian politics, this time being democratically elected as President in 1997.
1998: Temperature Increase in the Andes
Between 1939 and 1998, temperatures in the Andes increased at a rate of 0.1 °C per decade.
January 1999: Cochabamba Water Protests Begin
In January 1999, large-scale protests started in Cochabamba, Bolivia, triggered by the privatization of the city's water resources to foreign companies, leading to a significant increase in water prices.
April 2000: Cochabamba Water Protests Continue
Protests against water privatization continued until April 2000, demonstrating widespread public discontent with the government's economic policies and their impact on essential resources.
2000: Termination of Foreign Concession in Cochabamba
A foreign private company's concession for water and sanitation services in Cochabamba, Bolivia, was ended prematurely in 2000.
May 2001: Carnaval de Oruro Recognized by UNESCO
In May 2001, the Carnaval de Oruro was proclaimed by UNESCO as one of the first 19 "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity." This festival is the best-known of the various cultural festivals in Bolivia.
August 2001: Banzer's Resignation and Quiroga's Succession
On August 6, 2001, President Hugo Banzer resigned due to his declining health after being diagnosed with cancer, and Vice President Jorge Fernando Quiroga Ramírez assumed the presidency for the remaining year of Banzer's term.
2001: Bolivian Household Growth
The 2012 Bolivian census indicated a substantial increase in the number of households in Bolivia since the previous census in 2001.
2001: Bolivian Census Reveals Religious Demographics
The National Institute of Statistics of Bolivia conducted a census in 2001, revealing that 78% of the population identified as Roman Catholic, 19% as Protestant, and 3% as non-religious.
2001: Population Growth in Bolivia (1992-2001)
The period between 1992 and 2001 witnessed a higher annual population growth rate of 2.74% in Bolivia.
2001: Spanish as the Most Spoken Language in Bolivia
The 2001 census revealed that Spanish was the most spoken official language in Bolivia, used by two-thirds of the population. All legal and official documents, as well as activities in various sectors, were conducted in Spanish.
2001: End of Banzer's Second Presidency
Hugo Banzer's second tenure as president came to a close in 2001.
2001: Main Indigenous Languages in Bolivia
According to the 2001 census, the primary indigenous languages spoken in Bolivia were Quechua (21.2%), Aymara (14.6%), Guarani (0.6%), and others (0.4%), including Moxos in the Beni department.
2001: Bolivian Population in 2001 Census
According to the 2001 census conducted by the Bolivian National Statistics Institute (INE), the population of Bolivia was recorded as 8,274,325, with 4,123,850 males and 4,150,475 females.
2001: End of Banzer's Presidency
Hugo Banzer's term as democratically elected President concluded in 2001.
June 2002: Re-election of Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada and the MNR Platform
Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada was re-elected as president in June 2002. His MNR party's platform focused on economic recovery, anti-corruption measures, and social inclusion.
October 2003: Bolivian Gas Conflict and Sánchez de Lozada's Resignation
On October 12, 2003, following violent clashes between protesters and police over the government's proposal to export natural gas through Chile, President Sánchez de Lozada resigned and fled to the United States. The protests and subsequent government response, which included martial law in El Alto, became known as the Bolivian Gas War.
2003: Resignation of Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada
In 2003, President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada stepped down from his position due to extraordinary circumstances.
January 2005: Carlos Mesa's First Resignation Attempt
Facing continued social unrest and protests related to the gas conflict and economic inequality, President Carlos Mesa, who had succeeded Sánchez de Lozada, attempted to resign in January 2005, but Congress rejected his offer.
March 2005: Carlos Mesa's Second Resignation and Eduardo Rodríguez's Interim Presidency
After facing weeks of protests, Carlos Mesa offered his resignation to Congress again in March 2005. His resignation was accepted in June 2005, and Eduardo Rodríguez, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was appointed as interim president.
2005: End of Dominance of Certain Political Parties
The dominance of the Revolutionary Nationalist Movement, Nationalist Democratic Action, and the Revolutionary Left Movement in Bolivian politics came to an end in 2005.
2005: Hydrocarbon Law Referendum
In 2005, Bolivia held a binding referendum on the Hydrocarbon Law. The law required companies to sell their production to the state hydrocarbons company Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) and prioritized meeting domestic demand before exporting hydrocarbons. The law also increased state royalties from natural gas.
2005: Resignation of Carlos Mesa
President Carlos Mesa resigned from office in 2005 due to extraordinary circumstances.
2005: Financial Reserves Increase
In 2005, Bolivia's financial reserves were a fifth of its GDP. By 2016, these reserves had significantly increased, reflecting the country's economic growth and fiscal stability.
2005: Evo Morales's Election Victory
Evo Morales, a prominent figure in the coca growers' movement and leader of the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party, won the 2005 presidential election with a significant majority, marking a turning point in Bolivian politics.
2005: Glacier Recession and Water Shortages
Between 1980 and 2005, the accelerated temperature increase in the Andes led to rapid glacier recession, resulting in unforeseen water shortages in Andean agricultural communities.
May 2006: Morales Announces Hydrocarbon Nationalization
In response to public pressure and fulfilling a campaign promise, President Evo Morales declared his intention to re-nationalize Bolivia's hydrocarbon assets in May 2006.
August 2006: Establishment of the Bolivian Constituent Assembly
On August 6, 2006, President Morales officially opened the Bolivian Constituent Assembly to draft a new constitution aimed at granting greater autonomy and rights to the country's indigenous majority.
2006: High Child Mortality Rates in Bolivia
UNICEF reported that Bolivia's under-five mortality rate in 2006 was 52.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, while the infant mortality rate stood at 40.7 deaths per 1,000 live births. Additionally, almost half of all infants in Bolivia lacked access to vaccinations at this time.
2006: Drafting of a New Constitution
The process of drafting a new constitution for Bolivia commenced in 2006.
2006: White Population in Bolivia
In 2006, white Bolivians constituted approximately 14% of the population, primarily concentrated in major cities like La Paz, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, and Cochabamba, as well as some smaller cities like Tarija and Sucre.
2006: Beginning of Economic Reforms
In 2006, Bolivia initiated economic reforms that aimed to make its economic system more stable and successful.
2006: Soy Production in Bolivia
In 2006, almost 50% of soy producers in Bolivia were either Brazilians or descendants of Brazilians. The introduction of soy cultivation by Brazilians in the 1990s transformed previously unused land or subsistence agriculture plots into significant agricultural production areas.
2006: Start of Evo Morales' Presidency
Evo Morales assumed the presidency in 2006, marking the beginning of his lengthy tenure.
2006: Termination of Foreign Concession in La Paz/El Alto
Another foreign private company's concession for water and sanitation services in La Paz/El Alto met a similar fate and was terminated prematurely in 2006.
2006: High Levels of Extreme Poverty in Bolivia
In 2006, Bolivia faced a significant challenge with a high extreme poverty rate of 38.2%.
2006: Economic Growth Under Morales
In 2006, Bolivia began experiencing notable economic growth under the Morales administration. The per capita GDP doubled from $1,182 in 2006 to $2,238 in 2012, with an average annual GDP growth rate of 5 percent.
2006: Creation of Ministry of Environment and Water
Following the election of Evo Morales in 2006, a dedicated Ministry of Environment and Water was established.
2007: Natural Gas Revenue
From 2007 to 2017, Bolivia's natural gas exports generated significant revenue for the country. The "government take" on gas during this period totaled approximately $22 billion, contributing substantially to the national economy.
2007: Establishment of Bank for Productive Development
In 2007, the Bolivian government established the "Bank for Productive Development" to provide small workers and agricultural producers with easier access to loans.
2008: Bolivian Armed Forces Overview
In 2008, the Bolivian Armed Forces comprised around 31,500 personnel, organized into six military regions and ten divisions. Despite being landlocked, Bolivia also maintained a navy, the Bolivian Naval Force, with about 5,000 members.
2008: Bolivia Achieves Illiteracy Eradication
In a landmark achievement, Bolivia was declared free from illiteracy in 2008, based on UNESCO standards. This accomplishment positioned Bolivia as the fourth South American country to achieve this milestone.
2009: New Constitution and Renaming of Bolivia
Bolivia adopted a new constitution in 2009, changing the country's name to the Plurinational State of Bolivia to reflect its multi-ethnic character. The constitution also allowed for one presidential re-election.
2009: Name Change to Plurinational State of Bolivia
Bolivia adopted a new constitution in 2009, officially changing the country's name to the "Plurinational State of Bolivia" to recognize its multi-ethnic composition and enhance indigenous rights.
2009: Continued Economic Growth
In 2009, Bolivia continued to experience significant economic growth under the Morales administration. The economic expansion was one of the highest in 30 years, contributing to a moderate decrease in inequality.
2009: Housing Types in Bolivia
In 2009, data revealed that a majority (75.4%) of Bolivian homes were categorized as houses, huts, or Pahuichis, while apartments made up 3.3%, rental residences constituted 21.1%, and mobile homes represented a mere 0.1%.
2009: Constitutional Capital Assigned to Sucre
In 2009, the Bolivian Constitution assigned Sucre as the national capital. Sucre also serves as the judicial capital, housing the Supreme Court of Bolivia. However, La Paz continues to be the seat of government, hosting the Presidential Palace, National Congress, and Plurinational Electoral Organ.
2009: Compromise on Agrarian Reform
The Bolivian government, under Evo Morales, made a concession to the agribusiness sector in 2009 regarding the proposed agrarian reform, aiming to reduce pressure and stabilize the situation until the new constitution was in place.
2009: Approval of the New Constitution
The new Bolivian Constitution, drafted between 2006 and 2007, was officially approved in 2009.
2009: New Constitution Recognizes Right to Water
The new Bolivian Constitution, ratified by referendum in 2009, enshrined access to water as a fundamental right.
July 2010: UN Resolution on the Right to Water
In July 2010, following Bolivia's initiative, the United Nations adopted a resolution affirming the "right to safe and clean drinking water" as "fundamental".
2010: Formation of Plurinational Electoral Organ
In 2010, the Plurinational Electoral Organ was established, replacing the National Electoral Court. This independent branch of government, mandated by the Constitution and regulated by the Electoral Regime Law (Law 026), consists of various electoral bodies including the Supreme Electoral Courts and Departmental Electoral Courts.
2010: Religious Identification in Bolivia
In 2010, the Association of Religion Data Archives, using data from the World Christian Database, reported that 92.5% of Bolivians identified as Christian, 3.1% followed indigenous religions, 2.2% identified as Baháʼí, and 1.9% as agnostic.
2010: Prison System Overview
In 2010, Bolivia's prison system, managed by the Penitentiary Regime Directorate, housed around 8,700 inmates across 54 prisons. These facilities included 17 prisons in departmental capitals and 36 provincial prisons.
October 2011: First Judicial Elections
Bolivia held its inaugural judicial elections in October 2011, a reform introduced during Evo Morales' tenure. This landmark event allowed citizens to directly elect members of the national courts.
October 2011: First judicial election
In October 2011, Bolivia held its first judicial election. This event marked the inaugural elections organized by the Plurinational Electoral Organ, which had replaced the National Electoral Court in 2010. The elections included the country's first judicial election and five municipal special elections.
2011: Bolivia's Young Population Profile
The 2011 census highlighted Bolivia's youthful population, with 59% aged between 15 and 59, 39% under 15, and almost 60% under 25 years old.
November 2012: Exclusion of "Mestizo" in Census
The Bolivian government did not include "mestizo" as a cultural self-identification option in the November 2012 census, despite a significant mestizo population.
2012: Economic Growth and GDP
In 2012, Bolivia's GDP was estimated at $27.43 billion at official exchange rates and $56.14 billion at purchasing power parity. The Morales administration had spurred significant economic growth between 2006 and 2009, with a moderate decrease in inequality.
2012: Bolivian Census Highlights Housing Trends
The 2012 Bolivian census revealed a total of 3,158,691 households, indicating an increase of 887,960 households since the 2001 census.
2012: Bolivian Population in 2012 Census
The 2012 census conducted by the Bolivian National Statistics Institute (INE) revealed a population increase to 10,059,856 in Bolivia.
2013: Law of the Rights of Mother Earth
In 2013, Bolivia enacted the groundbreaking 'Law of the Rights of Mother Earth,' granting nature the same rights as humans.
2013: Morales's Third Term Controversy
Evo Morales sought a third term as president in 2013, which sparked controversy due to constitutional term limits. The Constitutional Court ruled that his first term under the previous constitution didn't count, allowing him to run.
2013: Comprehensive Law to Guarantee Women a Life Free from Violence
Bolivia enacted the Comprehensive Law to Guarantee Women a Life Free from Violence in 2013 to address the high rates of femicide and gender-based violence in the country. This law recognized sixteen forms of gender-based violence and implemented measures for prevention, victim protection, and perpetrator punishment.
2014: Reduction in Borrowing Rates for Agricultural Producers
Between 2014 and 2019, borrowing rates for small and medium-sized agricultural producers in Bolivia were significantly reduced due to improved banking supervision.
2014: Morales's Third Term Re-election
Evo Morales won a third term as president in 2014, securing over 60% of the vote.
2014: Economic Performance in Latin America
In 2014, Bolivia was one of the top economic performers in Latin America, with only Panama and the Dominican Republic showing better economic growth. This was part of the sustained economic growth experienced under the Morales administration.
2014: Bolivia's Underdeveloped Road Network
Researchers from CIFOR reported that Bolivia's road network was still underdeveloped in 2014, with limited paved roads in lowland areas.
2014: Religion in Bolivia
This entry pertains to the religious landscape of Bolivia in 2014.
2015: Bolivia's First Duplicated Highway
Bolivia inaugurated its first duplicated highway in 2015, a 203 km stretch connecting La Paz and Oruro.
2015: Planned Nuclear Reactor in Bolivia
In 2015, Bolivia announced plans for a $300 million nuclear reactor to be developed by Rosatom, a Russian nuclear company.
2016: Highest Proportional Financial Reserves
In 2016, Bolivia had the highest proportional rate of financial reserves in the world. The country's rainy day fund totaled approximately $15 billion, which was nearly two-thirds of its total annual GDP.
2016: Constitutional Referendum on Term Limits
A referendum was held in 2016 to amend the constitution and allow Morales to run for a fourth term. The referendum narrowly failed.
2016: Extreme Poverty in Bolivia Reduced
By 2016, Bolivia achieved a considerable reduction in extreme poverty, with the rate falling to 16.8%.
2017: Morales's Party Petitions Constitutional Court
Morales's party appealed to the Constitutional Court to overturn the referendum result, arguing that term limits violated human rights based on the American Convention on Human Rights.
2017: Natural Gas Revenue
From 2007 to 2017, Bolivia's natural gas exports generated significant revenue for the country. The "government take" on gas during this period totaled approximately $22 billion, contributing substantially to the national economy.
2018: Racial Classification Estimate in Bolivia
A 2018 estimate provided a breakdown of Bolivia's racial classification: 68% mestizo, 20% indigenous, 5% white, 2% cholo, 1% black, 4% other, and 2% unspecified, with 44% identifying with an indigenous group, mainly Quechuas or Aymaras.
2018: Implementation of Social Welfare Programs
By 2018, the Morales government implemented various social programs funded by revenue from the nationalized hydrocarbon industry. These programs included Renta Dignidad (elderly pensions), the Juana Azurduy voucher (healthcare for pregnant women and children), the Juancito Pinto voucher (financial aid for school attendance), and the Single Health System (universal healthcare).
2018: Forest Landscape Integrity Index Ranking
In 2018, Bolivia achieved a mean score of 8.47/10 on the Forest Landscape Integrity Index, securing the 21st position globally out of 172 countries.
2018: UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
In 2018, Bolivia signed the UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This treaty aims to eliminate nuclear weapons and promote global disarmament.
2018: Death on the Yungas Road
In 2018, an Israeli woman was killed by a falling rock while cycling on the Yungas Road, known as the "world's most dangerous road".
2018: Racquetball's Popularity in Bolivia
The 2018 Odesur Games, held in Cochabamba, highlighted racquetball as the second most popular sport in Bolivia.
2018: Inter-American Court of Human Rights Ruling
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights determined that term limits don't inherently violate human rights.
September 2019: TAM Airline Suspension
TAM, the civilian wing of the Bolivian Air Force, suspended its operations in September 2019.
November 2019: Resignations and Self-Proclamation of Jeanine Áñez
Following the resignation of Evo Morales and his government in November 2019, all senior government positions became vacant. Jeanine Áñez, a former senator from Beni, declared herself acting President of Bolivia on November 13, 2019.
2019: Resignation of Evo Morales
Evo Morales resigned from the presidency in 2019 due to extraordinary circumstances.
2019: Bolivia Implements Universal Healthcare System
The Bolivian government established a universal healthcare system in 2019, a move that earned recognition from the World Health Organization as an exemplary model.
2019: Mining Sector Performance
In 2019, Bolivia was a major player in the global mining sector. The country was the eighth largest producer of silver, fifth largest producer of tin and antimony, and seventh largest producer of zinc.
2019: End of Evo Morales' Presidency
Evo Morales' time in office concluded in 2019, ending his presidency that was marked by both economic growth and accusations of authoritarianism.
2019: Bolivia's Previous Global Innovation Index Ranking
In 2019, Bolivia held the 110th position in the Global Innovation Index.
2019: Disputed Election and Interrupted Quick Count
During the 2019 elections in Bolivia, the quick count process (TREP) was interrupted. At the time of interruption, Morales was leading with 46.86% of the votes, while Mesa trailed with 36.72% after 95.63% of the tally sheets were counted. The official count, released two days later, showed Morales narrowly surpassing the 10-point margin needed to avoid a runoff, triggering protests and unrest across the country.
2019: Nominal GDP Growth
By 2019, Bolivia's nominal GDP had increased substantially from $11.5 billion in 2006 to $41 billion. This growth was part of the broader economic development trends under the Morales administration.
2019: Significant Decrease in Child Mortality in Bolivia
By 2019, Bolivia made significant progress in reducing child mortality rates. The under-five mortality rate dropped to 26 deaths per 1,000 live births, and the infant mortality rate decreased to 21.2 deaths per 1,000 live births.
2019: Economic Growth and Reduction in Poverty
By 2019, Bolivia experienced significant economic growth, with GDP increasing from $9 billion to over $40 billion. The country also saw a rise in real wages, a tripling of GDP per capita, increased foreign exchange reserves, reduced inflation, and a drop in extreme poverty from 38% to 15%.
2019: Bolivian Success in Racquetball at Pan American Games
Bolivia's prowess in racquetball was evident at the 2019 Pan American Games, where the country secured its only gold medal in the Men's Team event, contributing to a total of 10 medals won in racquetball out of their overall tally of 13 medals.
2019: Reduction in Borrowing Rates for Agricultural Producers
Between 2014 and 2019, borrowing rates for small and medium-sized agricultural producers in Bolivia were significantly reduced due to improved banking supervision.
2019: Bolivian Constitutional Court Allows Morales to Run
Despite the Inter-American Court's ruling, the Bolivian Constitutional Court ultimately ruled in favor of Morales, permitting him to seek a fourth term in the 2019 elections and effectively removing term limits for all elected positions.
April 2020: IMF Loan and Election Postponement
In April 2020, Bolivia's interim government secured a loan of over $327 million from the International Monetary Fund to address the country's needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The election, initially planned for May 3, 2020, was postponed multiple times due to the pandemic and subsequent protests, with the final date set for October 18, 2020.
May 2020: Election Postponement Amidst Pandemic
Initially scheduled for May 3, 2020, the Bolivian election was postponed by the electoral body (TSE) in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
June 2020: Report on Irregularities in the 2019 Election
In June 2020, the New York Times reported that the Organization of American States (OAS) analysis of the Bolivian election immediately following the October 20th election, was flawed. This analysis fueled a chain of events that changed the South American nation's history.
October 2020: Election of Luis Arce
Luis Arce secured victory in the Bolivian presidential election held on October 23, 2020.
October 2020: New Elections and Observer Reports
On October 18, 2020, Bolivia held new elections, with observers from the OAS, UNIORE, and the UN reporting no evidence of fraudulent activities.
November 2020: Luis Arce Sworn in as President
On November 8, 2020, Luis Arce assumed the presidency of Bolivia alongside Vice President David Choquehuanca.
November 2020: Luis Arce Assumes Presidency
On November 8, 2020, Luis Arce officially took office as the President of Bolivia.
2020: Discovery of New Snake Species
A new species of snake, the Mountain Fer-De-Lance Viper, was discovered in Bolivia in 2020.
February 2021: Repayment of IMF Loan
In February 2021, the Arce government repaid approximately $351 million to the IMF, including the $327 million loan taken by the interim government in April 2020 and accrued interest of around $24 million. The government stated that this decision was made to safeguard Bolivia's economic sovereignty and reject the loan's unacceptable conditions.
2021: Coca Cultivation and Cocaine Production Estimates
In 2021, estimations placed Bolivia's coca cultivation at 39,700 hectares, yielding approximately 317 metric tons of cocaine.
2022: Women's Representation in Bolivian Parliament
As of 2022, women held 46% of the seats in Bolivia's parliament.
2023: Bolivia's Freedom House Ranking
As of 2023, Freedom House designates Bolivia as a "partly-free democracy," awarding the country a score of 66 out of 100.
2023: Bolivia's Global Innovation Index Ranking
Bolivia climbed to the 97th position in the Global Innovation Index in 2023, up from its 110th ranking in 2019.
June 26, 2024: Military Coup Attempt
On June 26, 2024, Juan José Zúñiga initiated a military coup attempt.