an inland republic in central S America: original Aymara population conquered by the Incas in the 13th century; colonized by Spain from 1538; became a republic in 1825; consists of low plains in the east, with ranges of the Andes rising to over 6400 m (21 000 ft) and the Altiplano, a plateau averaging 3900 m (13 000 ft) in the west; contains some of the world's highest inhabited regions; important producer of tin and other minerals. Official languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, and other indigenous languages. Religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: boliviano. Capital: La Paz (administrative); Sucre (judicial). Pop: 11 051 600 (2017 est). Area: 1 098 580 sq km (424 260 sq miles)

inland country in WC South America: secured independence from Spain, 1825: 424,165 sq mi (1,098,583 sq km); pop. 7,610,000; caps., La Paz & Sucre

a woolen cloth resembling plush