Bolivia summary (by Laura)

Landlocked Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America and has one of the most turbulent political histories. It is also a country of huge extremes in terms of landscape and climate , which has made it a fascinating, and sometimes slightly difficult place to travel through.

It is a moderately small country by South American standards and has a population of about 9 million, two thirds indian (see Inca/ indian flag - top) and the other third mestizo (mixed European and indian origin). Bolivia also boasts the highest capital in the world, La Paz, at 3,600m which is an incredible city, perched precariously on steep hills.

The majority of the population lives on the Altiplano, at an average of about 3,500m above sea level. The rest live in the warmer and richer low-lying Oriente, which takes up two-thirds of the country. Spanish, Aymara and Quechua (the inca language) are all official languages and taught in schools. Many of the rural population do not speak Spanish.

The indian population, living mostly in the Altiplano, were slaves to the Europeans during colonisation and the wealth divide that was created at that time remains today. You see women in traditional dress everywhere you go, with rucked skirts of bright colours and bowler hats.

Bolivia has suffered in all its battles with neighbouring countries in South America, losing large chunks of land to Paraguay, Brazil and most importantly to Chile, when it lost its access to the sea in the War of the Pacific at the end of the 19th century.

There has been much political instability in Bolivia's recent history, with numerous military coups and ongoing civil unrest. Efforts by different governments to eradicate coca production (the raw material used to make cocaine) have also lead to widespread poverty in rural areas.

In December 2005, Evo Morales, the first indigenous leader of Bolivia was voted in with 54% of the vote. His three major major aims on taking office were to:

1) nationalise the country's gas industry
2) rewrite the constitution to afford greater rights to Bolivia's indigenous population;
3) legalise coca production (coca is considered to have huge cultural significance in Bolivia).

The last initiative, as well as Bolivia's strengthening ties with Hugo Chávez, the leader of Venezuala and its proposals to limit investment from foreign companies, have strained relations with the US and other foreign parties in the past couple of years.

Our stay in Bolivia has been fascinating - the strong influence of indian culture, the ongoing political struggles and the huge extremes not only in climate and altitude but also in wealth and culture provide endless food for thought.

Laura