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Bolivia has a population of about 8.5
million. The largest ethnic group is the Quechua with 30% of Bolivia’s
population. About another 30% are mestizo, or a mix of indigenous and
European lineage. 25% of Bolivians are Aymara, about 14% are European
descent and less than 1% have African heritage. Over half of the
population is full-blooded indigenous and the vast majority has some
ethnic connection to the indigenous cultures that lived in the region
before the arrival of Europeans.
About 70% of the population lives in the Altiplano, despite the cold and
harshness of the region. Most Bolivians speak Quechua or Aymara in
addition to Spanish. The standard of living is relatively low in Bolivia
compared to other countries in South America, mostly due to its
historically slow economic development.
The national dance is the cueca, which originated from the Chilean
version of the dance. Cueca consists of couples moving to three quarters
time while waving handkerchiefs. The Cueca dance of Bolivia is most
commonly seen during festivals.
Bolivia’s national holiday is Independence Day on August 6th. Almost all
Bolivians are Roman Catholic (mixed with traditional indigenous beliefs
in many communities) and so Catholic holidays such as Christmas and
Easter are also nationally celebrated. In addition, all towns and
communities have their own festivals and rituals throughout the year.
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