9781422286388

Bolivia

14

of the Oriente. Because of its marshy terrain, much of the area suffers from heavy flooding during the rainy season. Covering more than three-fifths of Bolivia, the hot, flat Oriente is much less densely populated than the Altiplano. However, the discovery of natural gas and oil deposits in the region, as well as strong timber and agricultural growth, has brought rapid development, particularly in the former frontier town of Santa Cruz. Climate The weather in Bolivia varies according to the region and elevation—from humid and tropical in the northern lowlands, to temperate in highland valleys, to harsh, semiarid, and cold on the Altiplano. Snow remains on the highest peaks of the Andes year-round. For the most part, the tropical lowlands of the Oriente stay hot and wet year-round, with an average temperature of 75°F (24°C). During the winter, however, cold winds blowing from the south, called surazos , can cause a significant drop in temperature. In the upper and lower valleys of the Andes, the annual average temperature ranges from 60°F to 70°F (16°C to 21°C). Rain falls frequently in the steamy Yungas, regardless of the normal rainy season, while residents of the less humid Valles enjoy mild temperatures and an ideal climate, especially in the winter. Because of its high elevation, the Altiplano is mostly cool, with an average year-round temperature of 50°F (10°C). During the summer months of December, January, and February (because Bolivia is in the Southern