Bolivia

Named after a key leader in the Latin American independence revolutions of the early 19th century, Bolivia is a landlocked nation in central South America that reflects the region's rich yet painful past, as well as present-day challenges and promise.

Bolivia is a multiethnic country that has a large proportion of indigenous people. Other groups include mestizo (mixed Indian and European descent) and European. Military dictatorship governed Bolivia for much of its history since independence was gained from Spain in the early 1800s. In the late 20th century, civilian rule returned, and in 2005 voters elected Evo Morales, regarded by many as the nation’s first indigenous president.

The nation possesses considerable natural resources, including large mineral deposits, hydrocarbons, agriculture and forestry. It is a major producer of tin and gold. An estimated 40 percent of the country's workforce is employed in the agricultural sector, although the industry contributes a relatively small amount to Bolivia's gross domestic product. Bolivia is one of the world's top producers of coca, the plant used to produce cocaine, according to the United Nations.

In spite of economic gains made in the 21st century, poverty and social tensions remain fixtures in Bolivia. The World Bank notes that the economic improvements have slowed in recent years. Other social indicators such as school enrollment and life expectancy fall below Latin American and Caribbean averages.