During the colonial period, Potosf was a great city of more than 150,000 inhabi­tants. High in the ore-laden mountains, at a height of almost 16,000 ft. (4,900 m.), Potosi was the world's greatest supplier of silver. But the rigors of the city's harsh climate, its inaccessibility, and competition from mines in Peru and Mexico eventually caused its decline. By 1 825, the population fell to 8,000. During the past few decades, Potosi has turned around. Tin and copper, as well as silver, are being produced in greater quantities, and com­merce is increasing. Although the number of inhabitants is still far smaller than it was at the height of the city's prosperity, today's population shows signs of growth.