Bolivia

About Bolivia

Bolivia's rich natural resources include the second-largest natural gas reserves in South America. Bolivia is one of the world's largest producers of coca, the raw material for cocaine. For Bolivia's poorest farmers, coca is often the only source of income. Control over natural resources, greater or lesser autonomy for local governments and indigenous communities, access to health care, and the government´s role in the economy are all issues addressed by reforms in the new Bolivian constitution, passed in January 2009. Over the coming months, the Bolivian Congress will debate and vote on implementing legislation to bring the new constitution to life. In December 2009 voters will again go to the ballot box, this time to elect a President, a vote that will surely be a referendum on the success or failure of the Morales reforms.

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