Research Library: Bolivia
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Last Updated Jul 10, 2009
Country Information
Government
- Republic. Bolivia's 1967 constitution was revised in 1994 and then re-written in 2008 by Socialist leader Evo Morales' assembly. The newest constitution, which was approved in January 2009, called for more rights for Bolivia's indigenous majority and more autonomy to the states. Bolivia's government consists of three branches¿a bicameral legislative branch, an executive branch (with a strong president) and a judicial branch. The judiciary consists of a Supreme Court and departmental and lower courts.
- Socialist Evo Morales was elected President in a landslide victory in December 2005. As the first indigenous Bolivian president, Morales has promised to curtail U.S.-backed coca eradication programs, and has already nationalized most of the energy sector. He plans on continuing to take action to redistribute wealth through taxation and land re-distribution. President Morales is a supporter of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez.
Political Stability
- Since its independence from Spain in 1909 and the subsequent establishment of the Republic in 1925, Bolivia has faced significant periods of political instability and coups. After losing the 1951 presidential elections, the Nationalist Revolutionary Movement led a revolution which resulted in twelve years of rule by the party followed by almost forty years of political turmoil and unrest due to coups and violent elections. The mid-1980s marked the beginning of a movement promoting a peaceful democratic transfer of power through open and honest elections. This movement has been met with violent protests and demonstrations.
- While Morales was elected democratically, his socialist ideas and new constitution have been violently protested by the opposition, namely the elites. Showing their disapproval of the new constitution, four of the five richest regions declared autonomy.
Current Government Policies
- President Morales intends to continue economic reforms which include increased nationalization and a program of wealth and land redistribution. This includes a plan to redistribute one-fifth of Bolivia's land to peasant farmers. Morales has also proposed plans to counteract the United States' coca (the raw material for cocaine) growth restrictions in order to protect indigenous farmers.
International Reputation
- As a member of the United Nations, and programs such as the Andean Community and the Non-Aligned Movement, Bolivia has diplomatic relations with most nearby states, with the exception of Chile. Prior to the Morales administration, the United States and Bolivian governments worked together to combat narcotics trade and Bolivia was a major recipient of USAID assistance. However, Morales' new policies and his expulsion of the United States' diplomat in September '08 have heightened tensions between the two states.
Economics
- In response to a national economic recession during the 1980s after the tin market collapse, much of the Bolivian market was privatized. However, since his election into office, Morales has worked to nationalize much of the market, namely the hydrocarbon sector. Previous bilateral trade agreements between the United States and Bolivia have also weakened under Morales' leadership. Bolivia remains one of the poorest countries in South America.
- Bolivia is home of an abundance of natural resources, including minerals and hydrocarbons. Playing a major role in their economy, Bolivia hosts the second-largest natural gas reserve in South America and is the worlds leading exporter of coca. Other major exports include soybeans, jewelry and textiles.
Foreign Aid
Statistics
Click on statistic name for source information.
Web Resources
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