How Bolivia Got Its Name: From Simón Bolívar

Bolivia is named after Simón Bolívar (1783–1830), the Venezuelan military and political leader who liberated much of northern South America from Spanish rule.

• Liberation: Bolívar's forces (led by Sucre) won decisive victory at Ayacucho (1824), ending Spanish rule in Peru/Upper Peru.
• Naming: In 1825, the assembly of Upper Peru declared independence and named the new republic "Bolivia" in his honor (proposed by Manuel Martín Cruz: "If from Romulus comes Rome, from Bolívar comes Bolivia").
• Bolívar's Role: Wrote first constitution; served as first president (1825–26); envisioned a united "Gran Colombia" (failed).

Formerly Alto Perú (Upper Peru) under the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. The name was adopted August 6, 1825.