Discover
The identity of the nation
Bolivia is the most indigenous nation in Latin America. More than a third of the population identifies with one of the original peoples, and the 2009 Constitution recognizes Spanish and 36 native languages as official languages. Quechua and Aymara, heirs of the Andean world and the ancient Inca empire, are still spoken by millions of people on the high plateau and in the valleys.
Landlocked since the war with Chile in the 19th century, the country stretches from the cold, high altiplano through temperate valleys down to the tropical lowlands that reach into the Amazon and the Chaco. This extreme geography has shaped a resilient people, deeply tied to the land, the mountains and the traditions of the community.
The Christian faith arrived with Spanish colonization, and today Bolivia has a broad Christian majority. Catholicism is predominant, and the gospel has been growing strongly, especially among evangelical and Pentecostal churches. At the same time, Andean religiosity remains alive: devotion to Pachamama, the earth mother, and rituals tied to the mountains coexist and blend with Christian practice.
This mixing of religions is the nation’s great spiritual challenge. In many communities, baptism and mass coexist with offerings to the earth and consultations with folk healers, and the name of Christ is layered over ancient cults without the heart being transformed. The need is not simply for more Christians, but for a rooted, discipled faith.
Even though it is a Christian-majority country, dozens of lowland peoples and remote communities still have little access to the gospel in their own language and culture. Bolivia is a nation that needs the gospel to come down from the colonial cathedrals to the heart of its peoples.
- Before colonization The Bolivian Andes were the cradle of the Tiwanaku culture and later part of the Inca empire; millions of indigenous people inhabited the territory.
- 1538 The Spanish conquer the region, which becomes known as Upper Peru, under the Viceroyalty of Peru.
- 1545 The discovery of silver in Potosí makes the city one of the richest in the world, sustained by forced indigenous labor.
- 1781 Túpac Katari leads a great indigenous siege of La Paz, a symbol of resistance against colonial rule.
- 1809 The uprisings of Chuquisaca and La Paz begin the independence struggles in Upper Peru.
- 1825 On August 6, the country declares independence and adopts the name Bolivia in honor of Simón Bolívar; Antonio José de Sucre is one of the liberators.
- 1879-1884 The War of the Pacific against Chile costs Bolivia its coastline, leaving it landlocked.
- 1952 The National Revolution brings universal suffrage, land reform and the nationalization of the tin mines.
- 2006 Evo Morales takes office as the country's first president of indigenous origin.
- 2009 The new Constitution recognizes Spanish and 36 indigenous languages as official languages.
- Today An Andean, Christian-majority country with a strong indigenous identity and the challenge of religious syncretism.
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Spanishofficial and the most widely used language in cities and public life
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QuechuaAndean and Inca heritage, spoken by about 2.3 to 2.8 million people
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Aymaralanguage of the altiplano, with about 2 million speakers
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Guaranimain indigenous language of the southern lowlands
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Indigenous languagesin all, 36 original languages recognized as official
Bolivia occupies the heart of South America and has no outlet to the sea. Its territory runs from the snow-capped Andes, with the high, cold altiplano, through temperate valleys, and down to the tropical lowlands that reach into the Amazon and the Chaco. This variation in altitude creates very different climates and landscapes within a single country.
Major cities
- SucreConstitutional capital, seat of the judiciary, historic colonial city
- La PazSeat of government, the highest administrative capital in the world
- Santa Cruz de la SierraLargest city and main economic hub, in the lowlands
- CochabambaCenter of the valleys, known for its cuisine and mild climate
- El AltoCity neighboring La Paz, majority Aymara with a strong indigenous identity
- PotosíHistoric silver city at the foot of Cerro Rico
Climate and temperature
Salteña
A juicy empanada-style pastry filled with beef or chicken, egg and seasoned broth, a breakfast classic.
Silpancho
Thin breaded steak served over rice and potatoes, with a fried egg and salad, a typical dish of the valleys.
Pique macho
Strips of beef and sausage over french fries, with egg, tomato and bell pepper, a hearty dish to share.
Api
A hot, sweet purple corn drink with cinnamon and cloves, common at breakfast.
Humintas
Seasoned fresh corn dough, baked or steamed in its own husk.
Sopa de maní
Creamy peanut soup with meat, potatoes and noodles, much loved in the valleys.
Understand
Culture and spirituality
2a · The culture
Living indigenous identity
Bolivia is the most indigenous nation in Latin America, with 36 recognized original peoples.
Value of community
Life revolves around the extended family and the community, with strong mutual support.
Bond with the land
The relationship with the land, the mountains and Pachamama is central to the Andean worldview.
Festivals and colors
Festivals like the Oruro Carnival bring together music, dance and colorful costumes, a heritage that blends faith and Andean tradition.
Life on the altiplano
The altitude and cold have shaped a patient, resilient people tied to the rhythms of the land.
Regional contrasts
The Andean altiplano and the tropical lowlands have distinct cultures, accents and paces of life.
- Looking down on indigenous culture Indigenous identity is a source of pride; treating it as backwardness is deeply offensive.
- Ignoring the altitude In La Paz and on the altiplano, overexertion right after arrival can cause altitude sickness; take it slowly.
- Generalizing the country Life on the altiplano is very different from the lowlands; each region has its own culture.
- Treating poverty with pity Dignity and partnership are worth more than handouts or superiority.
- Disrespecting the pace of relationships Trust is built slowly; haste and cold formality push people away.
2b · The field
Areas of spiritual battle and cultural captivity to cover in prayer. Tap each point to understand:
The Christian faith is mixed with the cult of Pachamama and Andean rituals, diluting the gospel.
Offerings to Pachamama and to mountain spirits take the place of devotion to God.
Consulting yatiris and folk healers seeks protection and power apart from Christ.
Ritual offerings become the trading of spiritual favors for prosperity.
Dishonesty and political instability undermine trust and justice.
Indigenous and rural communities remain on the margins of development.
Excessive alcohol consumption at festivals and in daily life wounds families.
The sense that nothing ever changes traps entire communities in resignation.
Tensions between the altiplano and the lowlands feed rivalry and separation.
Dozens of Amazonian peoples still lack full access to the gospel.
Tradition and ritual layered over Christ without real change of heart.
In Bolivia there is broad religious freedom and Christianity is the majority faith, so persecution is low. Christians can gather, evangelize and live out their faith freely in most of the country.
The tensions that exist are isolated and local. In some rural indigenous communities, those who abandon Andean rituals and devotion to Pachamama to follow Christ alone may face social pressure or rejection from their own community. The central challenge, however, is less persecution and more healthy discipleship, confronting religious syncretism and reaching the lowland peoples who still have little access to the gospel.
The persecution score runs from 0 to 100: the higher it is, the greater the pressure on Christians.
Bolivia is the most indigenous nation in Latin America, with 36 recognized original peoples. Even though the country has a broad Christian majority, dozens of lowland peoples, in the Amazon and the Chaco, still have little access to the gospel in their own language and culture, and some languages still have no translated Bible. The great challenge is to carry a rooted, discipled faith from the altiplano to the most remote communities.
- 23K Unreached 0,2%
- 23K Minimally reached 0,2%
- 8K Superficially reached 0,1%
- 585K Partially reached 4,7%
- 11.8M Significantly reached 94,9%
- 2 Unreached 4,7%
- 2 Minimally reached 4,7%
- 3 Superficially reached 7%
- 20 Partially reached 46,5%
- 16 Significantly reached 37,2%
Source of people group data: Joshua Project (joshuaproject.net). Estimates, may vary.
Toromono Frontier
Japonês
Deaf Frontier
Chineses
Yaminahua
Guarani, Eastern Bolivian
Source: Joshua Project. Estimates, may vary.
Pray
Intercede for this nation
Every nation carries a redemptive purpose. Marks that seem woven into the identity God desires to restore:
Go
Practical details for those who want to go
Local time
Cost of living
one of the most affordable in South America
Cost by city
Reference values (source: Numbeo). Confirm before traveling.
Practical points for those who go
- Go up slowly: in La Paz and on the altiplano, the altitude requires adjustment; rest during the first days and stay well hydrated.
- Learn Spanish: it is the language of everyday life; a few phrases in Quechua or Aymara open doors in the countryside.
- Carry cash: many places do not accept cards, especially outside the big cities.
- Respect indigenous traditions: ask before photographing people and ceremonies.
- Be ready for the cold of the altiplano: nights are freezing even in summer.
- Prefer bottled water and be careful with street food in the first days.
Send and sustain
Not everyone goes, everyone takes part
Not everyone goes. Everyone takes part.
Behind every worker among these peoples stands a network of people who pray without ceasing, care for the family left behind, and faithfully sustain the work. Sending is mission too.
Start with your church: introduce this nation, adopt it in ongoing prayer, and walk alongside those God is raising up to go.