La Paz (city)

Capital city of Bolivia and of La Paz department, in Murillo province, 3,800 m/12,400 ft above sea level; population (2001 est) 792,500, metropolitan area (2001 est) 1,487,200). It is in a canyon formed by the La Paz River, and is the world's highest capital city. It is the chief trade centre of the altiplano plateau, and industries include textiles, copper, glass, and electrical equipment. It has been the seat of government since 1898, but Sucre is the legal capital and seat of the judiciary.

La Paz was founded in 1548 by Spanish captain Alonso de Mendoza on the site of an Inca village. Notable features include the city cathedral (1835), the Museo Nacional de Arte (1775; National Art Museum), the University of San Andrés (1830), and the Presidential Palace. The world's highest ski run is on nearby Mt Chacaltaya.