Capital: Sucre (official), La Paz (administrative)

Population: 8,906,624.

Language: The official language is Spanish, but the main indigenous languages are Quechua, Aymará and Guaraní. English is often spoken by a small number of officials and business people in commercial centres.

Border Countries: Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Paraguay.

Visas: A visa is not required by UK citizens for tourist stays of up to 3 months.

Time Difference: GMT -4

International dialling code from the UK: +591

Voltage Requirements: 220 volts (60cycles). Some hotels have the capacity for both electrical outlets (110/220 Volts), it is important to check the current of the outlet before you plug in. European flat-pronged plugs will require round-pronged plug adaptors.

Currency: Boliviano (BOB)

Money Exchange: There are ATMs in larger towns and cities. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in most mid- to top-range hotels and restaurants, but otherwise have limited acceptance.

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1800. Some banks open Sat 0900-1300.

Tipping: It is customary to add 10% as a tip to the 13% service charge added to hotel and restaurant bills. Porters also expect tips for each piece of luggage.

Costs: One litre of petrol 37p, moderate meal £2.40, four-mile taxi ride £3, a beer - 52p. All costs will vary.

Vaccinations: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over one year of age. Hepatitis, Tetanus, Typhoid . Malaria prophylaxis is recommended if the visitor plans to visit tropical-rural areas

Mountain Sickness (AMS), commonly known as "soroche" can affect anyone and care should be taken. Allow time to acclimatise to high altitude, especially upon arrival in Altiplano cities. At local pharmacies they sell soroche pills to help with altitude problems. Coca tea ("mate de coca") is available in tea bags in many markets.

Emergencies: In Bolivia, you can reach the police by dialling 110, firemen by dialling 118 and an ambulance by dialling 119.

British Embassy in La Paz: Avenida Arce No.2732 Casilla (PO Box) 694 Tel: 591-2-243 3424 Fax: 591-2-243 1073

Internet: Just about all five-star and four-star hotels in Bolivia have internet access. Internet cafes, some with Skype, can easily be found in the larger cities of La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and Sucre. Smaller towns have at least a couple.