Which is the most populous city in Bolivia?

Despite not being the country's capital city, Santa Cruz (or Santa Cruz de la Sierra) with a total of 1,441,406 inhabitants (as per 2012 census) is the most populous city and heart of the second most populous metropolitan area in Bolivia and is the capital of the department of Santa Cruz.

El Alto is the second-largest city by population with a total of 842,378 inhabitants, followed by the capital city, La Paz (757,184 inhabitants).

In contrast to La Paz and the other major Bolivian cities located high in the Andes, Santa Cruz lies at an altitude of 416 meters (1364.83 feet), and its climate is distinctly tropical.

Santa Cruz is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, expanding and growing rapidly, with new high rise apartments going up everywhere, high-class restaurants, offices and new real estate developments everywhere, such is the influx of money into this city that they are now building the worlds 2nd largest crystalized lake which is going to be over 2km long.

The city was first founded in 1561 by Spanish explorer Ñuflo de Chavez about 200 km (124 mi) east of its current location and was moved several times until it was finally established on the Pirai River in the late 16th century.

Another interesting fact about Santa Cruz is that it's the unofficial Sloth Capital of the World, these charming and iconic animals can still be seen frequently today climbing in trees on the outskirts of the city.