At 11,900 feet above sea level, what is the highest capital city in the world?

Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, Bolivia’s seat of government is situated at a dizzying altitude. At an average elevation of around 11,900 feet (3,650 meters) above sea level, it is a city where the thin air can be a challenge for visitors and the panoramic views are breathtaking. This remarkable elevation firmly places it at the top of the list, far surpassing other high-altitude capitals like Quito, Ecuador.

This claim, however, often comes with a bit of a clarification. While Sucre is the constitutional and judicial capital of Bolivia, La Paz serves as the country's executive and legislative capital. It is home to the presidential palace, the national congress, and numerous government ministries. Because it is the functioning center of national administration, it is widely recognized as the world's highest de facto capital city.

The city's geography is as remarkable as its elevation. Built within a dramatic canyon, its neighborhoods cling to the steep slopes, creating a unique urban landscape. This challenging terrain led to the creation of one of the world's most innovative public transit systems: a network (Review) of urban cable cars, Mi Teleférico, which ferries residents and visitors across the sprawling metropolis.