Bolivia

Landlocked and isolated by its location in the Andes Mountains, Bolivia has one of the lowest standards of living in South America. Named after liberation revolutionary Simon Bolivar, it has suffered through over 190 failed governments since its independence from Spain in 1825. Economic inequality has increased racial tensions between those of European descent and the impoverished mestizos and indigenous peoples who make up over 80% of the population. Indigenous Poverty In 2005, Bolivia elected its first indigenous president, Evo Morales, who promised to bring social justice to Bolivia ... more

Landlocked and isolated by its location in the Andes Mountains, Bolivia has one of the lowest standards of living in South America. Named after liberation revolutionary Simon Bolivar, it has suffered through over 190 failed governments since its independence from Spain in 1825. Economic inequality has increased racial tensions between those of European descent and the impoverished mestizos and indigenous peoples who make up over 80% of the population.

Indigenous Poverty

In 2005, Bolivia elected its first indigenous president, Evo Morales, who promised to bring social justice to Bolivia and end discrimination. Morales, who was re-elected in 2009, has implemented several controversial legislative policies aiming to give greater rights to indigenous groups. Nonetheless, his people continue to face great poverty. Most of the indigenous population lives in isolated rural areas, with little access to basic services such as health care or education. In the cities, they often meet with racism. Many speak languages other than Spanish, making it difficult to attend school and obtain higher paying skilled jobs. Thus, most indigenous Bolivians continue to work as subsistence farmers, traders, artisans, or miners, jobs that currently pay very little and offer little opportunity for advancement.

War on Drugs

In addition to facing discrimination and a lack of economic opportunity, indigenous Bolivians have found themselves caught in the middle of the war on drugs. Bolivia is the third largest producer of coca in the world. Coca can be consumed legally in Bolivia to cure headaches and curb hunger, or for use in religious ceremonies, but the plant is also used to make cocaine. To stop cocaine production and drug trafficking, Bolivia has been pressured by governments from around the world to destroy its coca farms. Many indigenous groups have refused to stop growing the plant because it is part of their heritage and one of their most lucrative sources of income. In response to their concerns, President Morales, a former coca union leader, has promised to permit coca cultivation while standing firm against cocaine production. In some areas of the country, organizations are assisting communities with the transition away from coca production by providing work alternatives such as the production of artisan goods.

For a great overview of the situation in Bolivia, check out this video interview with the Washington Office on Latin America and the Institute for Policy Studies.

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