LA PAZ. The largest and best populated de partment of Bolivia. occupying the northwestern portion of the Republic (Map: Bolivia, 1) 7). It is bounded by Brazil on the north the Bolivian departments of Cochabamba and Beni on the east, by (Intro on the south, and Peru on the west. Its area cannot lie git en et ly, owing to the indefiniteness of the boundaries, but may be taken as over 200,000 square miles. Geograph ically it is divided into two parts, differing radically from each other in the formation of their surface. The northern and larger part, which was formerly included in the Department of Beni, is an extensive plain, thickly wooded and well watered by the numerous tributaries of the Beni and the Purus. This region has a hot and unhealthful climate and is inhabited mostly by Indians. The southern portion belongs mostly to the region of the Cordillera Heal, and is exceedingly mountainous. rontaiiiing some of the highest peaks of the continent, such as 'Ili mani and Illampu. It is drained by the upper
portion of the Beni. and takes in a large part of Lake Titicaca with its outlet. the Desagua dero. The generally mountainous surface is di versified by numerous elevated valleys, covered with luxuriant vegetation and having a delight ful climate. The main agricultural products are corn, wheat, potatoes. coffee, sugar, rice, cacao. etc. Cattle-raising is carried on extensively, and the natural conditions of the region are very favorable for the development of that industry. The mining industries of the State are also im portant. Gold, copper. silver, and tin are the chief mineral products. The population. exclud ing uncivilized Indians, was officially estimated in 1S9S at 350,000, including about 250.000 In dians and only about 21,000 whites. Capital, La Paz (q.v.).