Cochabamba, city in central Bolivia, capital of Cochabamba Department, on the Rocha River, about 2560 m (about 8400 ft) above sea level, at the foot of Mount Tunari. The city's industry includes the manufacture of cotton and woolen goods, refined petroleum, leather, soap, and earthenware; considerable trade, especially in grain and Peruvian bark (from which quinine and related medicinal substances are obtained), is also carried on. The University of San Simón (1832) is here. Cochabamba was founded in 1574 as Villa de Oropeza and was renamed in 1786. In 1847 it became an episcopal see. Population (1993 estimate) 448,756.
