Independent inland republic in western central South America; approximate area, 560,000 square miles. Christianity was introduced by the Jesuit missionaries in the 16th century, and after the expulsion of the order, 1767, the work was continued by the Franciscans. Catholicism is the official religion, endowed by the state, but other forms of worship are tolerated, and since 1912 the civilmarriage service is obligatory. In 1925 the country was dedicated to the Sacred Heart. Bolivia is represented at the Holy See by an envoy extraordinary and a minister plenipotentiary; an internuncio resides at La Paz.
Archdioceses, past and present, include
Dioceses, past and present, include:
Vicariates Apostolic include:
Terratorial Prelatures include:
Other ecclesiastical designations include:
See also: