Introduction: Bolivia Download PDF
Following its independence from Spanish control in 1825, Bolivia has experienced roughly 200 coups and countercoups. While a democratic civilian regime was created in 1982, leaders have had to confront problems of social unrest, illegal drug production and poverty. In 2005, pledging to give power to the poor in the country, who compose the majority, Evo MORALES of Movement Toward Socialism became president. But, policies pursued by MORALES have instead aggravated racial and economic conflict between the Amerindians of the Andean west and the non-indigenous of the eastern lowlands.
Capital City:
La Paz (-4 GMT)
Chief of State:
President Juan Evo Morales Ayma
Head of Govt.:
President Juan Evo Morales Ayma
Currency:
Boliviano
Main Cities:
Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, El Alto
Major Languages:
Spanish 60.7% (official), Quechua 21.2% (official), Aymara 14.6% (official), foreign languages 2.4%, other 1.2%
Calling Code:
591
Voltage:
220/230
Stock Exchanges:
Bolsa Boliviana
Primary Religions:
Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant (Evangelical Methodist) 5%
Main Airports
La Paz (LPB), Santa Cruz (VVI)
U.S. Embassy
Avenida Arce #2780 La Paz, Bolivia
tel. 591-2-2168000
Key Facts
- GDP (ppp) per CAPITA
- $4,500 (2008 est.)
- Inflation Rate
- 14% (2008 est.)
- Population
- 9,775,246 (July 2009 est.)
- Country Risk Ratings
- D
- Ease of Doing Business
- 150/181
- Global Competitiveness
- 118/134
Statistics
- Labor force:
- 4.454 million (2008 est.)
- Exports:
- $6.494 billion (2008 est.)
- Exports - partners:
- Brazil 60%, US 8.3%, Japan 4.1% (2008)
- Imports:
- $4.674 billion (2008 est.)
- Imports - partners:
- Brazil 27.8%, Argentina 14.8%, US 10.9%, Chile 9.9%, Peru 7.4%, China 5.1% (2008)
- Major Industries:
- mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco, handicrafts, clothing
Rankings
Corruption Perceptions Index
2.7
out of 180
E-readiness Rankings
-
Freedom of the Press
33
out of 191
Global Enabling Trade Report
94
out of 118
Global Services Location Index
-
Index of Economic Freedom
123
out of 155
Inward FDI Potential Index
90
out of 140
Tax Misery & Reform Index
-
The Globalization Index
-
