Bolivia

People of Bolivia Most Bolivians are indigenous (60%) 30% are meztizo Less than 10% are European Most people can speak Spanish, ½ of all Bolivians can also speak another language Wealthy Bolivians are called the elite, they are mostly large plantation owners The middle class consist of doctors, lawyers and other professionals The working class is made up of peddlers, factory workers and farmers or campesinos

Physical regions Andean Highlands: covers much of western Bolivia. Contains the Altiplano which is home to 40% of Bolivians Few trees grow here, part of Lake Titicaca is found here at 12,507 feet

Land regions continued The Yungas- makes up a small region in the NE part of Bolivia. Subtropical forests thrive on the hillsides. The Valles- found in south central Bolivia. Contains open grasslands and many farms. Produces much of the countries food. The Oriente- vast lowland plain that covers the north and east. Tropical rain forest are found in the north. Many of the Amazons tributaries begin here.

Climate Varies greatly from region to region. Altiplano has clear air and cool dry climate. 55 F in JAN, 40 F in JULY Yungas is warm and humid, 72 F in JAN and 52F in JULY Oriente is a hot climate, 75F year round In Bolivia, rainy season is from Dec through Feb.

Economy Bolivia has a wealth of natural resources, but they have not been used to produce economic growth. In the last ten years the government has began to play a larger role in the economy by increasing state control over some industries. 33% of the population works in service industries, 50 % of Bolivians work in agriculture. Major crops include potatoes, wheat and quinoa. Bolivia is also a leading producer of coca. 10% of the population works in manufacturing.