Bolivia

Why children in Bolivia need your help

While rich in natural resources, Bolivia remains one of South America's poorest countries.

There is a huge gap between the rich and the poor, with the majority of the country's wealth being held by a small percentage of the population with Spanish ancestry. Most of those living below the poverty line are indigenous Bolivians who survive as subsistence farmers and labourers.

More than a quarter of Bolivian children suffer from some form of stunting as a consequence of malnutrition. A larger proportion of the population lack access to clean drinking water, which leaves children susceptible to dangerous waterborne diseases.

Mortality, poverty and illiteracy rates continue to remain high in rural, indigenous communities, where only half of children complete primary school.

Country facts

Landlocked Bolivia is the highest country in South America, and has a large indigenous population which makes up almost two-thirds of the population.
Bolivia is named after independence fighter Simon Bolivar, gaining independence from Spanish rule in 1825. Since then, the country has experienced a turbulent existence through a series of nearly 200 coups and countercoups.

Democratic rule was established in 1982, but Bolivia's leaders have faced issues concerning extreme poverty, social unrest and illegal drug production.

Population: 9 million
Capital: Sucre (official), La Paz (administrative)
Major languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guarani
Major religions: Christianity, Catholicism
Life expectancy: 66 years