Bolivia

Running Head : BOLIVIA

Economic , Political and Social Development of Bolivia within the Last 50 Years

[Writer 's Name]

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Contents

Introduction . 3

Government and Constitutional History . 4

Economy Outlook . 8

Poverty , Income Distribution and Social Welfare .10

Education . 11

Conclusion . 12

References . 13

Economic , Political and Social Development of Bolivia within the Last 50 Years

Introduction

The Republic of Bolivia (Bolivia ) is a landlocked country located in the central part of South America southwest of Brazil . Currently , the

br population of Bolivia exceeds 9 million people (CIA , 2007 . With its name the country honors Simon Bolivar , a leader of independence movement and the country 's liberator from Spanish dominance in the 19th century Since those times about 190 coups and revolutionary movements took place in Bolivia . In historical framework , the 20th century could be remembered with the Chaco War against Paraguay , numerous military revolts and severe economic recession

Climate and terrain features of the country contrast sharply . To the southwest , there are two chains of high mountainous regions called the Cordillera Oriental and the Cordillera Real , with the high plateau the Altiplano between them . Valleys and gorges are to the northeast Bolivian climate is tropical and subequatorial in valleys , and continental in mountainous regions . There is only 2 .78 of arable lands in the country , therefore , industrial agriculture is not very well developed (CIA , 2007

The most populated areas are located in the lowlands to the east and north of the Andes , in Amazon Basin and in the valleys around the Cordillera Oriental . Ethnic content of the population includes the locals (30 Quechua and 25 Aymara , the white population (15 criollos and the mixed population (30 Mestizo . Current population growth rate in Bolivia is 1 .42 and life expectancy is 63 .53 years for men and 68 .97 years for women . The majority of the population is Roman Catholics (95 and the rest are mainly Protestants . There are 3 official languages in the country : Spanish , Aymara and Quechua (CIA , 2007

Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America despite of its vast natural resources , such as crude oil , coal , minerals , gold , tin natural gas , and so forth . That is why the country is frequently compared to a beggar sitting on the golden throne . The majority of Bolivian population is forced to make a living from cultivating and selling coca , the material for producing cocaine . Currently , the country 's poverty and social inequality are becoming the issues of serious concern both of domestic authorities and international society

Government and Constitutional History

Bolivia is a presidential democratic republic . The President of the country , who is elected for the five-year term , combines the responsibilities of the head of the government (as the Executive branch and the leader of the state . Bolivian Parliament which is called National Congress (Congreso Nacional ) serves as the Legislative power It is bicameral and includes the Chamber of Deputies (Cbmara de Diputados , 130 seats ) and the Chamber of Senators (Cbmara de Senadores 27 seats . Juridical branch...