Bolivia David Beckett Laura Bielawski Carlos Feliciano Lindsay Field John Sheehan

Brief History Gained independence from Spain on Aug. 6, 1825 Named after Simon Bolivar Area slightly smaller than Montana Highland plateau, Andes Mountains, hills, lowlands (Amazon Basin), Lake Titicaca Land-locked

Brief History Three equal horizontal bands with coat of arms centered on yellow band Red for the bravery of the Bolivian soldier Yellow for mineral wealth Green for the fertility of the land

Population Estimated at 8,724,156 people in people per square mile – one of the lowest population density numbers in South America Population is currently growing at a rate of 1.56%, birth rate is strong at % are below the age of 65

Population Ethnic breakdown of Bolivia is spread relatively evenly amongst Quechua, Mestizo, Aymara, and white Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara are the official languages Literacy of total population is 87.2%

Religion Vast majority of the population of Bolivia is Roman Catholic (roughly 95%) 586 Catholic parishes in the country of Bolivia Presence of native religions Some Protestant and Evangelical Methodist churches.

Religion Blends of Roman Catholicism and native religions in some areas of the country Stems from distrust of Europeans

Work & Economy In terms of GDP per capita, Bolivia is the poorest country in South America 70% of Bolivians are below the poverty line Causes Hindered by political instability Unable to develop natural resources Lack of a major seaport

Work & Economy GDP Composition by sector: agriculture: 15% industry: 33.2% services: 51.9% Primary agricultural products soybeans, coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes; timber

Work & Economy The Coca Leaf Society Bolivia is the world’s second largest producer of coca leaves Primarily used by starving people in the highlands to combat oxygen deprivation Only source of income and food Governmental drug agencies attempting to eradicate production

Work & Economy “Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place” Traditional culture vs. Modernization President Sanchez de Lozada’s goal of market-oriented economy Free-trade agreement with Mexico Associate member of Southern Cone Common Market Privatization of a state airline, telephone company, railroad, electric power company, and oil company

National/Popular Culture Most indigenous country in Latin America 85% of the population is Quechua, mestizo, or Aymara After revolution in 1952, Bolivians began to identify themselves with their Quechua and Aymara backgrounds

National/Popular Culture Music Strictly regional Ranges from soft and sad in the barren lands of Altiplano to disco music in the nightclubs Folk music Most popular Dance Cueca- national dance of Bolivia Example cueca cueca

Carnival Main event held in Oruro 12,144 feet above sea level Population triples during Carnival Costumes represent: Satan The Virgin Mary Indian heritage

Customs Everyday life: Greetings Eye contact Tap on the shoulder “Reverse racism” Dress Men – shirts, slacks Women – skirts, should never wear pants

Customs Gifts Flowers – acceptable colors Celebrations Carnival famous for Oruru Celebration “diablita” or devil dance

Food - Meals Lunch is the main meal of the day Dinner is composed of 2 snacks at 4:00 / 5:00 pm and 9:00 / 10:00 pm Expected to eat everything off of your plate

Food Very spicy Two types of sauces commonly used: Llajua Halpahuayca Potatoes frequently served w/ meals

Food Two most popular meals: Sajta chicken in a hot pepper sauce Chairo lamb, potatoes & other vegetables

Drink Coca leaves are frequently used to make beverages Mate de Coca – tea made of coca leaves Prevents altitude sickness Popular alcoholic drinks – Chufle, Singani and Chicha Chicha: fermented corn or grain drink, otherwise known as “maize beer” Religious ties with Incas Never pour wine with the left hand Hold the bottle of wine by the neck when pouring

Language Bolivia has three official languages: Spanish Quechua Aymala

Language Spanish Spanish Conquistadors Quechua Official language of the Inca Empire Aymala Language of the Aymala people of the Andes

Government The government of Bolivia is a Republic, under a constitution that passed in the year The legislature of Bolivia has a congress that is bicameral. It is composed of a 27 member senate (3 from each department) and 130 member chamber of deputies.

Government La Paz is one of the two capitals of Bolivia, where the seat of government lies. Sucre is where the legal capital and seat of judiciary.

Government Cont. There are nine major political divisions in the republic of Bolivia: Tarija Postosi El Beni Santa Cruz La Paz Pando Oruro Cochabamba Chuquisaca.

Conclusion A colorful history, infusion of native religions with Catholicism, and largely indigenous population make Bolivia distinctive. Being a land-locked country can be a hindrance, but improvements to the economy have been made. Although Bolivia currently exists as the poorest country in South America, it is rich in culture and traditional values.