Bolivia, located in western-central South America, features diverse geography, ranging from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the lowlands of the Amazon basin. With a population of 12 million, the country is home to a mix of cultures, with Spanish as the official language and 36 recognized indigenous languages. Bolivia's history includes being part of the Incan Empire and later colonization by Spain, which exploited its abundant silver mines. Beyond its geological wealth, Bolivia is known for its rich biodiversity (it is one of 17 “megadiverse” countries), with a variety of ecoregions and altitudes ranging from over 3000 meters above sea level to less than 100.Bolivia is renowned for its vast areas of wild cacao, primarily found in the dense forests along the Amazon plain. These cacao varieties are endemic to the ancient cocoa family of Amazonia, known for their low bitterness and acidity. Traditionally, indigenous communities harvested this cacao, and much of it is still sourced through direct trade with indigenous farmers and foragers. While cocoa production was historically overlooked, the Bolivian government has recently supported local farmers. Despite the growing international recognition of Bolivian cocoa, the country imports lower-quality cocoa beans for domestic consumption.
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Discover the world’s diverse cocoa growing regions – from sun-drenched islands to tropical rainforests to lush mountainsides.