La Paz
La Paz
La Paz
Nuestra Señora de La Paz or Chuquiyapu ("chuqui", 'gold', "yapu", 'farm') is the administrative capital of Bolivia, as well as the departmental capital of La Paz Department. As of the 2001 census, the city of La Paz had a population of around one million.
La Paz is situated in the valley of the Choqueyapu River below a plateau with an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,811 feet). At this elevation it is the highest administrative capital in the world. Atop the plateau is the city of El Alto, where the El Alto International Airport is located (elev. 13,313 ft.). Transportation links between the two cities have improved in recent years. The city is located at 16°30' South, 68°8' West (-16.5, -68.1333). Its name is translated into English as "Our Lady of Peace"
La Paz is renowned for its unique markets, very unusual topography, and traditional culture. It is the capital of a country that is often referred to as the "Tibet of the Americas".
La Paz is one of the world's most fire-resistant cities. Because of its altitude, the oxygen content of the air is about a third less than at sea level, making it difficult for a small flame to sustain itself.
Climate
Due to the very high altitude at which the city is located, cold and dry temperatures are common throughout the year. Rainfall, however, is mainly concentrated in the warmest months of November to March.
