South America: Bolivia
About Bolivia
Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR, broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and counter-coups. Comparatively democratic civilian rule was established in the 1980s, but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and drug production. Current goals include attracting foreign investment, strengthening the educational system, continuing the privatization program, and waging an anti-corruption campaign.
| Vital Statistics | |
| Capitol City: | La Paz (seat of government); S |
| Population: | 8,300,463 (July 2001 est.) |
| Percent below poverty: | 70% (1999 est.) |
| Language: | Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara (official) |
| Date of independence: | 6 August 1825 (from Spain) |
| Form of government: | republic |
| Title of Leader: | President |
| Natural Resources: | tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower |
| Environmental Issues: | the clearing of land for agricultural purposes and the international demand for tropical timber are contributing to deforestation; soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivation methods (including slash-and-burn agriculture); desertification; loss of |
| Agricultural Products: | soybeans, coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes; timber |
| Imports: | capital goods, raw materials and semi-manufactures, chemicals, petroleum, food |
| Exports: | soybeans, natural gas, zinc, gold, wood |
| Trading Partners: | IMPORTS: US 32%, Japan 24%, Brazil 12%, Argentina 12%, Chile 7%, Peru 4%, Germany 3%, other 6% (1998) EXPORTS: UK 16%, US 12%, Peru 11%, Argentina 10%, Colombia 7% (1998) |
Bolivia Headlines
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