Bolivia
Bolivia's Economy
Bolivia is rich in minerals such as tin, silver, and zinc. Miners remove these minerals from high in the Andes. Workers in the eastern lowlands draw out gold, petroleum, and natural gas. About two-thirds of people love in poverty. Throughout the highlands many villagers practice subsistence farming . They struggle to grow wheat, potatoes, and barley. At higher elevations, herders raise animals such as alpacas and llamas for wool and for carrying goods. In the south, farmers plant soybeans, a growing export. One crop that can be grown for sale is cocoa which is made into cocoa paste from the leaves of the bush. Unfortunately is mthen made into cocaine.
BoliviA's cultURe and people
Bolivia has two capitals. The official capital is Sucre. The administrative capital is La Paz. Both capital cities are located in the altiplano. La Paz is the highest capital in the world-at 12,000 feet. Most of Bolivia's 8.5 million people live in the Andean highlands. About half are of Native America ancestory, and another 30% are mestizos. In the city, most people follow modern ways of living. In the country, you may hear traditional sounds-music played with flute-like instruments.
BOlivias's geography
Bolivia lies near the center of South America. It is a landlocked country. Bolivia is the highest and most isolated country in South America because the Andes dominate Bolivia's landscape. In western Bolivia, the Andes surround a high plateau called the altiplano. Over one-third of Bolivia is a mile or more high. In Bolivia, the cold, thin air makes it hard to breath. Few trees grow on the altiplano, and most of the land is too dry to farm. Still, the vast majority of Bolivians live on this high plateau. Those areas that have water have been farmed for many centuries. Bolivia also has lowland plains and tropical rainforests. Most of this area has hot, humid climate. South-central Bolivia, however, has more fertile land, and many farms dot this region.
Bolivia's history
In 1993, Peru agreed to give Bolivia a free trade zone in the port city of Llo. In this way, Bolivia has had better access for the free flow of people, goods, and ideas.
Bolivia's government
Bolivia is a republic