# Santa Cruz de la Sierra > city in eastern Bolivia **Wikidata**: [Q170688](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q170688) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Cruz_de_la_Sierra) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/santa-cruz-de-la-sierra ## Summary Santa Cruz de la Sierra is a large city in eastern Bolivia, serving as the capital of the Santa Cruz Department, Andrés Ibáñez Province, and Santa Cruz de la Sierra Municipality. Founded on February 26, 1561, it is one of Bolivia's most populous cities, with a population of 3,151,676 as of 2017, and covers an area of 535 square kilometers. ## Key Facts - **Classification**: City, big city, largest city, metropolis - **Founded**: February 26, 1561 - **Area**: 535 square kilometers - **Population**: 3,151,676 (2017) - **Elevation**: 416 meters above sea level - **Timezone**: UTC−04:00 - **Coordinates**: 17.789167° S, 63.1975° W - **Located in**: Andrés Ibáñez Province, Bolivia - **Capital of**: Santa Cruz Department, Andrés Ibáñez Province, Santa Cruz de la Sierra Municipality - **Official languages**: Spanish, Aymara, Quechua, Guarani - **Postal code**: 07-0101-0100-1001 - **Local dialing code**: 3 - **Head of government**: Jhonny Fernandez (since May 3, 2021) - **Aliases**: Santa Cruz, Andrés Ibáñez, Santa Cruz, Bolivia, サンタ・クルス, 圣克鲁斯, Санта-Крус-де-ла-Сиерра, Santa Cruz da Serra, سانتا كروز, 산타크루스 - **UN/LOCODE**: BOSCS - **Geonames ID**: 3904906 - **Wikidata description**: City in eastern Bolivia - **Website**: [concejomunicipalscz.gob.bo](https://concejomunicipalscz.gob.bo/) - **Facebook**: concejomunicipalsantacruz - **YouTube channel**: UCZXpwy8DfsnN1x61GBQB0ZA (Concejo Municipal de Santa Cruz) - **TikTok**: concejomunicipal_scz - **Wikipedia title**: Santa Cruz de la Sierra - **Commons category**: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia - **Different from**: Santa Cruz (disambiguation) ## FAQs **What is the population of Santa Cruz de la Sierra?** As of 2017, the city had a population of 3,151,676 residents. **When was Santa Cruz de la Sierra founded?** The city was founded on February 26, 1561. **What are the official languages of Santa Cruz de la Sierra?** The official languages are Spanish, Aymara, Quechua, and Guarani. **What is the timezone of Santa Cruz de la Sierra?** The city operates on UTC−04:00. **What is the elevation of Santa Cruz de la Sierra?** The city is located at an elevation of 416 meters above sea level. **What is the postal code of Santa Cruz de la Sierra?** The postal code is 07-0101-0100-1001. **What is the local dialing code for Santa Cruz de la Sierra?** The local dialing code is 3. **Who is the current head of government of Santa Cruz de la Sierra?** Jhonny Fernandez has been the head of government since May 3, 2021. ## Why It Matters Santa Cruz de la Sierra is a major economic and cultural hub in Bolivia, serving as the capital of the Santa Cruz Department and a key administrative center. Its strategic location in eastern Bolivia makes it a vital transportation and trade node, connecting the country to neighboring regions. The city's diverse population reflects Bolivia's indigenous heritage, with significant communities speaking Aymara, Quechua, and Guarani. As a metropolis, it plays a crucial role in the country's political, economic, and social landscape, influencing regional development and governance. ## Notable For - Largest city in Bolivia by population (2017) - Capital of the Santa Cruz Department, Andrés Ibáñez Province, and Santa Cruz de la Sierra Municipality - Significant cultural diversity due to indigenous languages (Aymara, Quechua, Guarani) - Strategic location in eastern Bolivia, facilitating regional trade and transportation - Home to the Concejo Municipal de Santa Cruz, which oversees local governance and administration ## Body ### History Santa Cruz de la Sierra was founded on February 26, 1561, and has since evolved into a major urban center in Bolivia. It serves as the capital of the Santa Cruz Department, Andrés Ibáñez Province, and Santa Cruz de la Sierra Municipality. The city's strategic location in eastern Bolivia has made it a key economic and administrative hub. ### Geography The city covers an area of 535 square kilometers and is located at an elevation of 416 meters above sea level. It is situated in Andrés Ibáñez Province and is bordered by the Pirai River. The coordinates of Santa Cruz de la Sierra are 17.789167° S, 63.1975° W. ### Demographics As of 2017, the population of Santa Cruz de la Sierra was 3,151,676. The city is known for its diverse population, with significant communities speaking Aymara, Quechua, and Guarani. The official languages of the city are Spanish, Aymara, Quechua, and Guarani. ### Governance Santa Cruz de la Sierra is governed by the Concejo Municipal de Santa Cruz, which oversees local administration and governance. The current head of government is Jhonny Fernandez, who has held the position since May 3, 2021. The city's postal code is 07-0101-0100-1001, and the local dialing code is 3. ### Infrastructure and Connectivity The city is well-connected to regional and national transportation networks, making it a vital hub for trade and commerce. The UN/LOCODE for Santa Cruz de la Sierra is BOSCS, and it is identified by the Geonames ID 3904906. ### Cultural and Historical Significance Santa Cruz de la Sierra is a city with a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its indigenous roots and colonial history. The city's diverse population reflects Bolivia's indigenous heritage, with significant communities speaking Aymara, Quechua, and Guarani. The city's cultural diversity is celebrated through its official languages, which include Spanish, Aymara, Quechua, and Guarani. ### Digital Presence Santa Cruz de la Sierra has a strong digital presence, with official accounts on Facebook (concejomunicipalsantacruz) and YouTube (UCZXpwy8DfsnN1x61GBQB0ZA). The city also has a TikTok account (concejomunicipal_scz) and is featured on Wikipedia under the title "Santa Cruz de la Sierra." The city's digital presence includes a website ([concejomunicipalscz.gob.bo](https://concejomunicipalscz.gob.bo/)) and a Commons category (Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia). ### Related Entities Santa Cruz de la Sierra is twinned with several cities, including Miami-Dade County, Puno, Curitiba, La Plata, Taichung, Rosario, Tainan, and San Miguel de Tucumán. The city is also associated with various cultural and historical references, including the Encyclopædia Britannica and the New International Encyclopedia. ### Unique Identifiers Santa Cruz de la Sierra is identified by several unique identifiers, including the GND ID 4118403-8, VIAF ID 138372710, and FAST ID 1208968. The city's Wikipedia page is titled "Santa Cruz de la Sierra," and it is part of the Commons category "Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia." The city is also known by various aliases, including Santa Cruz, Andrés Ibáñez, and サンタ・クルス. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.rosario.gob.ar/web/gobierno/internacionales/relaciones-bilaterales#hermanamientos) 2. [Source](https://www.smt.gob.ar/programas/13/hermanamiento-de-ciudades) 3. Virtual International Authority File 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. MusicBrainz 6. 2012 Bolivian census 7. GeoNames 8. BBC Things 9. YouTube API