There are five geophysical zones: three are part of the Andes, one part of the Amazon basin and one low scrublands (chaco). The Western Range (Cordillera Occidental) runs along southern Bolivia's west, reaching its highest at Nevado (Snowy Peak) Sajama. The Royal Range (Cordillera Real) swings through west-central Bolivia from northwest to south. It tops out at Nevado Illampu. Between is the High Plain (Altiplano), a plateau average 3,600 meters but rising higher in its dry south end, culminating in the Lípez Range. The High Plain's main attraction is Lake Titicaca, part of which is in Bolivia. Farther south are more lakes, mostly salty, and salt flats (salars).
The forested Amazonian lowlands receive rivers from these highlands, and flow north or northeast, ultimately bound for the Madeira. That river begins in northernmost Bolivia from the confluence of the Madre de Dios (Mother of God) and Mamoré. The Madre de Dios flows out of Perú and across northern Bolivia, receiving the Beni from the south. The Beni drains most of the northern Royal Range. The Mamoré's headwaters flow out of the central Royal Range, and its tributary, the Guaporé, forms much of Bolivia's northeast boundary. The southern Royal Range gives rise to the Picomayo, part of the Paraná system, which heads southeast across the chaco scrub.
The majority in Pando, Beni and Santa Cruz (Holy Cross) Departments, and in the southeast, speak Spanish as a first language, and it is learned by most city dwellers. Aymara is the majority in central and southern La Paz (Peace) Department, and further south. Quechua is the majority in the central and southern Royal Range, and in the northeast and southern High Plain.
Nearly everyone--about 19 in 20--is a Roman Catholic Christian, albeit with the retention of many older beliefs among the Aymara and Quechua.
While La Paz is the capital, Santa Cruz is the largest city.
Pando, Beni and Santa Cruz Departments
La Paz Department
Chuquisaco, Tarija, Chochabamba, Oruro and Potosí Departments