Bolivia

Bolivia has a population of 9.2 million people. It is the poorest country in Latin America. It ranks 117th out of 177 countries on the United Nations Development Programme’s 2007-8 Human Development Index. The UK is positioned 16th.


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Nearly 70% of the population is urban, and the city of El Alto is the fastest growing in the southern hemisphere. This means that farming activity in the Bolivian countryside is unable to provide for the country’s food requirements.

Half the population is under 18-years of age. Infant mortality rates in poor, rural areas are high, and most births among the poor are never registered. The lack of a birth certificate prevents access to services such as health and education.

International Service has been active in Bolivia for over 20 years. Our Development Workers are placed across the country from La Paz to Sucre. Our current work is focused on supporting young people and disabled people.

There are over 1.3 million people with disabilities suffering from preventable diseases such as polio and German measles. Poor nutrition is a major contributory factor.  

Bolivia also has the highest percentage of indigenous people in Latin America (59%). However, despite representing over half the population, indigenous people suffer high levels of poverty and low social status throughout the country.   
In December 2005, Bolivia elected its first indigenous President in the hope of making significant changes, but this has led to threats of a breakaway by the more affluent states in the east of the country.