Bolivia - Country Profile

Full name: Plurinational State of Bolivia
Population: 9.9 million (UN, 2009)
Capital: Sucre (official), La Paz (administrative)
Largest city: Santa Cruz
Area: 1.1 million sq km (424,164 sq miles)
Major languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guarani
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: 63 years (men), 68 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 boliviano = 100 centavos
Main exports: Soyabeans, natural gas, zinc, gold, silver, lead, tin, antimony, wood, sugar
GNI per capita: US$1,460 (World Bank, 2008)
Internet domain: .bo
International dialling code: +591

A land of extreme statistics, landlocked Bolivia is the most remote and highest in South America. Has the highest proportion of indigenous population, about two-thirds of the population. Although rich in mineral and energy resources, Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America. The urban elites who are mostly of Spanish origin have traditionally dominated the political and economic life as are the majority of Bolivians to pay for the livelihood of farmers, miners, small traders or craftsmen. The country has the second largest gas reserves in South America, but it had long been tensions over the exploitation and export of resources. The Indians say the country should not give up control of the reserves and Bolivia are the only remaining natural resources.

Before President Evo Morales came to power in the political consequences of the problem had helped topple two presidents and has led to calls for regional autonomy, including wealth, oil-producing Santa Cruz. In May 2006 President Morales delighted his supporters but sent shockwaves through the world of energy if it was the energy industry under state control. Bolivia has undergone dramatic changes, in January 2009, when voters President Morales' draft a new constitution should have more rights for the indigenous population supported giving majority. In the 1980s, Bolivia experienced a deep economic recession.

The tin market collapsed with the loss of 21,000 jobs, inflation was rampant and the national currency was in a serious crisis. While the austerity measures, the introduction of a new currency and tax reform aimed at containing inflation and restoring foreign confidence successful, this policy also gap, creating enormous wealth and great social unrest. Bolivia is one of the largest producers of coca, the raw material for cocaine. A program of crop eradication, while facilitating the exchange of air-conditioned U.S. aid, has angered many of the poorest farmers in Bolivia that coca is often the only source of income.