Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Indigenous Culture
Bolivia is a multiethnic society with a remarkable diversity of linguistic, cultural and artist-
ic traditions. In fact, the country has the largest population of indigenous peoples in South
America, with most sociologists and anthropologists agreeing that more than 60% of the
population is of indigenous descent.
Bolivia has 36 identified indigenous groups. The vast majority of those who identify
themselves as indigenous are Aymará (about 25%) and Quechua (about 30%), many of
whom are located in the highlands. The remaining groups (including Guaraní and Chiquit-
ano) are located almost entirely in the lowlands.
Mestizos (people of mixed indigenous and Spanish blood) make up a substantial portion
of the population. Mestizos sometimes fall into mainstream society, while others retain
their roots within the indigenous societal makeup.
