Chayanta Municipality is the second municipal section of the Rafael Bustillo Province in the Bolivian Potosí Department. It was created on October 8, 1908, during the presidency of Ismael Montes and is now one of four (until June 2009: three) municipalities of the province. Its seat is Chayanta.

Location

Chayanta Municipality is situated in the north of the Potosí Department. To the north and north east it is bordered by the Alonso de Ibáñez Province, to the east by the Charcas Province and the Chayanta Province, to the south and south west by the Uncía Municipality and to the west and north west by the Llallagua Municipality.

Cantons

The municipality is divided into nine cantons:

Geography

Chayanta Municipality lies in a mainly mountainous region with heights between 2,960 m and 4,364 m the highest mountain being Lawqi Q'asa in Paya Pampa. Some of the highest elevations are Llachusaya (4,294 m), Lichusaya (4,254), Apillpiña (4,236 m), Qutani (4,126 m), Suritinisa (4,100 m), Apachita (4,023 m), Jirapampa (4,005 m), Chisi Raya (3,970 m), Marka Qullu (3,943 m) and Uyu Jisk'a Qala (3.885 m). The lowest elevations are in the river basins of Chayanta River and Ch'iwta River (2,960 m) at their confluence.

Population

The 2001 census stated a population of 14,165 inhabitants in the Chayanta Municipality. Some of the most populated places are: Life expectancy of a newborn is 51 years, literacy among the over-15-year old is 63%, and 85% of the population is rural. The people are predominantly indigenous citizens of Quechua descent.