# Cochabamba

> city in Bolivia

**Wikidata**: [Q183124](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q183124)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochabamba)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cochabamba

## Summary
Cochabamba is a major city in central Bolivia, serving as the capital of Cochabamba Department and a key cultural, economic, and transportation hub. Known for its gastronomy, historical landmarks, and role in social movements like the Cochabamba Water War, it is also a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and home to significant institutions such as the University of San Simón.

## Key Facts
- **Location and Geography**: Cochabamba is located in the Cercado Province of Bolivia, at coordinates -17.3935419 latitude and -66.1570139 longitude, with an elevation of 2,558 meters above sea level.
- **Population**: As of the 2012 census, the city had a population of 632,013.
- **Founding**: Cochabamba was founded on August 15, 1571.
- **Area**: The city covers an area of 157 square kilometers.
- **Language**: The primary language spoken is Spanish.
- **Time Zone**: Cochabamba operates in the UTC−04:00 time zone.
- **UNESCO Recognition**: Cochabamba is a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, designated as a "City of Gastronomy" in 2017.
- **Capital Status**: It serves as the capital of Cochabamba Department.
- **Notable Landmarks**: Key landmarks include the Cristo de la Concordia (a colossal statue of Jesus), the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian (founded in 1701), and Estadio Félix Capriles (built in 1938).
- **Educational Institutions**: The University of San Simón, founded on November 5, 1832, is a prominent university in the city.
- **Transportation Hub**: Jorge Wilstermann International Airport is a major international airport located in Cochabamba.
- **Sports Teams**: The city is home to football clubs C.D. Jorge Wilstermann (founded in 1949) and Club Aurora (founded in 1935).
- **Historical Events**: Cochabamba was the site of the Cochabamba Water War, a series of protests against water privatization.
- **Religious Significance**: The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cochabamba was established in 1847 and elevated in 1975.
- **Economic Institutions**: BanComunidad, a Bolivian bank, is headquartered in Cochabamba and was founded in 1996.
- **Media**: *Opinión*, a local newspaper, was founded in January 1985.
- **Cultural Influence**: The city is known for its gastronomy and is a center for Bolivian culture and music, including the band Kjarkas.
- **Aliases**: Cochabamba is also known as Ciudad de Cochabamba, Quchapampa, and Quchapampa.
- **Demonym**: Residents of Cochabamba are called Cochabambinos.
- **Official Website**: The city's official website is [https://www.cochabamba.bo/](https://www.cochabamba.bo/).

## FAQs

**What is the significance of Cochabamba in Bolivia?**
Cochabamba is one of Bolivia's largest and most important cities, serving as a cultural, economic, and transportation hub. It is the capital of Cochabamba Department and plays a vital role in the country's gastronomy, education, and social movements.

**What are some notable landmarks in Cochabamba?**
Cochabamba is home to several significant landmarks, including the Cristo de la Concordia, a colossal statue of Jesus; the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, founded in 1701; and Estadio Félix Capriles, a major sports stadium.

**What is the Cochabamba Water War?**
The Cochabamba Water War was a series of protests that took place in the city in the early 2000s, opposing the privatization of the local water supply. The protests gained international attention and highlighted issues of water rights and social justice.

**What is the role of Cochabamba in education?**
Cochabamba is home to the University of San Simón, one of Bolivia's most prominent universities, founded in 1832. The city is also a center for cultural and academic activities.

**What organizations is Cochabamba a member of?**
Cochabamba is a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, designated as a "City of Gastronomy" in 2017. This recognition highlights the city's rich culinary traditions and cultural heritage.

**What are the major industries in Cochabamba?**
Cochabamba is a hub for various industries, including aviation, with Boliviana de Aviación headquartered in the city. It is also a center for banking, with institutions like BanComunidad, and has a thriving cultural and gastronomic scene.

**What is the history of Cochabamba's founding?**
Cochabamba was founded on August 15, 1571, and has since grown into one of Bolivia's most important cities. Its history is marked by cultural, economic, and social developments that have shaped its identity.

## Why It Matters
Cochabamba is a vital city in Bolivia, contributing significantly to the country's cultural, economic, and social landscape. As a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, it plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Bolivian culinary traditions. The city's historical landmarks, educational institutions, and economic activities make it a key player in Bolivia's development. Additionally, Cochabamba's role in social movements, such as the Cochabamba Water War, highlights its importance in advocating for social justice and human rights. The city's strategic location and transportation infrastructure further enhance its significance as a hub for trade and travel in the region.

## Notable For
- Being a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, recognized for its rich culinary traditions.
- Hosting significant landmarks such as the Cristo de la Concordia and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian.
- Being the capital of Cochabamba Department and a major cultural and economic hub in Bolivia.
- The site of the Cochabamba Water War, a pivotal event in the global movement for water rights.
- Home to the University of San Simón, one of Bolivia's oldest and most prestigious universities.
- Serving as a headquarters for major Bolivian institutions, including Boliviana de Aviación and BanComunidad.
- Being a center for sports, with notable football clubs like C.D. Jorge Wilstermann and Club Aurora.
- Having a vibrant cultural scene, including music and media, with the band Kjarkas and the newspaper *Opinión* based in the city.

## Body

### History
Cochabamba was founded on August 15, 1571, and has since evolved into one of Bolivia's most significant cities. Its history is marked by periods of growth and development, with the city becoming a center for culture, education, and commerce. The University of San Simón, founded on November 5, 1832, is one of the oldest universities in Bolivia and has played a crucial role in the city's intellectual and academic life. Cochabamba has also been a site of significant social movements, most notably the Cochabamba Water War, which brought international attention to issues of water privatization and social justice.

### Geography and Demographics
Cochabamba is located in the Cercado Province of Bolivia, at coordinates -17.3935419 latitude and -66.1570139 longitude. The city sits at an elevation of 2,558 meters above sea level and covers an area of 157 square kilometers. As of the 2012 census, Cochabamba had a population of 632,013, making it one of the largest cities in Bolivia. The primary language spoken in the city is Spanish, and residents are known as Cochabambinos.

### Landmarks and Architecture
Cochabamba is home to several notable landmarks that reflect its rich history and cultural heritage. The Cristo de la Concordia, a colossal statue of Jesus, is one of the city's most iconic symbols and a popular tourist attraction. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, founded in 1701, is another significant landmark, showcasing the city's architectural and religious history. Estadio Félix Capriles, built in 1938, is a major sports stadium and a hub for football and other athletic events.

### Education and Culture
The University of San Simón, founded in 1832, is a cornerstone of Cochabamba's educational landscape. The city is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, including music, art, and gastronomy. The band Kjarkas, a well-known Bolivian musical group, is based in Cochabamba, contributing to the city's cultural identity. Additionally, Cochabamba is recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, highlighting its rich culinary traditions and the importance of food in its cultural heritage.

### Transportation and Infrastructure
Cochabamba is a major transportation hub in Bolivia, with Jorge Wilstermann International Airport serving as a key international airport. The city is also home to several airlines, including Boliviana de Aviación, the country's flag-carrier airline, and EcoJet, a domestic airline headquartered at the airport. Cochabamba's infrastructure supports its role as a center for trade, travel, and economic activity in the region.

### Sports and Recreation
Cochabamba is a center for sports, particularly football, with notable clubs such as C.D. Jorge Wilstermann and Club Aurora. Estadio Félix Capriles is a major venue for sports events, hosting football matches and other athletic competitions. The city's sports culture is an integral part of its identity, with football playing a significant role in the community.

### Economic Institutions
Cochabamba is home to several important economic institutions, including BanComunidad, a Bolivian bank founded in 1996. The city's economic activities span various sectors, including banking, aviation, and gastronomy, contributing to its role as a key economic hub in Bolivia.

### Media and Communication
The newspaper *Opinión*, founded in January 1985, is a prominent media outlet in Cochabamba, providing news and information to the local community. The city's media landscape reflects its cultural and social dynamics, with *Opinión* playing a crucial role in shaping public discourse.

### Social Movements
Cochabamba is known for its role in significant social movements, particularly the Cochabamba Water War. This series of protests against water privatization gained international attention and highlighted issues of social justice and human rights. The city's involvement in such movements underscores its commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of its residents.

### Religious Significance
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cochabamba, established in 1847 and elevated in 1975, is a significant religious institution in the city. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, founded in 1701, is a key religious landmark, reflecting Cochabamba's deep-rooted religious traditions and heritage.

### International Recognition
Cochabamba's designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017 highlights its global significance in the culinary arts. This recognition underscores the city's rich gastronomic traditions and its role in promoting Bolivian cuisine on the international stage.

## References

1. [Source](https://wb.km.gov.cn/c/2008-02-21/3839238.shtml)
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