Ruth Nayeli

Bolivia is comprised of four geographic regions: the central plateau in the Andes Mountains, the Lake Titicaca region, the central region’s semitropical rain forests and the hot, humid lowlands of the east. Landlocked, Bolivia borders Chile, Peru, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. Bolivia has the largest natural gas reserve in South America. Still, it remains the least developed country on the continent. Half the population is made up of indigenous groups who speak Aymara and Quechua and are who are mired in poverty. Compassion works mainly among the indigenous highlanders who make beautiful hand-woven textiles from the wool of alpacas and llamas, animals that also provide milk, meat and transport. Corn and potatoes are staples of the indigenous diet. Virtually all Bolivians are Catholic. Once known as the cradle of the Inca Empire, Bolivia came under Spanish rule in 1535. Bolivia won independence in 1825. Until the end of the nineteenth century, there were many coups and short-lived constitutions. The period from 1952 to 1964 was marked by significant economic and social reforms and a new constitution was adopted in 1967; however, civil unrest continues to dominate Bolivia’s politics. Bolivia is a divided country. Its indigenous people are locked in a battle with its industry and political leaders to gain more economic independence.