PEOPLE
Bolivia's ethnic distribution is estimated to be 55% indigenous, 15% European, and 30% mixed or mestizo (self-identified). The largest of the approximately three-dozen indigenous groups are the Quechua (29% or 2.5 million), Aymara (24% or 2 million), Chiquitano (1% or 180,000), and Guarani (1% or 125,000). No other indigenous groups represent more than 0.5% of the population. There are small German, former Yugoslav, Asian, Middle Eastern, and other minorities, many of whose members descend from families that have lived in Bolivia for several generations.
Bolivia is one of the least-developed countries in South America. Almost two-thirds of its people, many of whom are subsistence farmers, live in poverty. Population density ranges from less than one person per square kilometer in the southeastern plains to about 10 per square kilometer (25 per sq. mi.) in the central highlands. The annual population growth rate is about 1.45% (2006).
La Paz is at the highest elevation of the world's capital cities--3,600
meters (11,800 ft.) above sea level. The adjacent city of El Alto,
at 4,200 meters above sea level, is one of the fastest-growing
in the hemisphere. Santa Cruz, the commercial and industrial hub
of the eastern lowlands, also is experiencing rapid population
and economic growth.
The great majority of Bolivians are Roman Catholic (the official religion), although Protestant denominations are expanding rapidly. Many indigenous communities interweave pre-Columbian and Christian symbols in their religious practices.
About half of the people speak Spanish as their first language. Approximately 90% of the children attend primary school but often for a year or less. The literacy rate is low in many rural areas.
The cultural
development of what is present-day Bolivia is divided into three
distinct periods: pre-Columbian, colonial, and republican. Important
archaeological ruins, gold and silver ornaments, stone monuments,
ceramics, and weavings remain from several important pre-Columbian
cultures. Major ruins include Tiwanaku, Samaipata, Incallajta,
and Iskanwaya. The country abounds in other sites that are difficult
to reach and have seen little archaeological exploration.
The Spanish
brought their own tradition of religious art which, in the hands
of local indigenous and mestizo builders and artisans, developed
into a rich and distinctive style of architecture, painting, and
sculpture known as "Mestizo Baroque." The colonial period
produced not only the paintings of Perez de Holguin, Flores, Bitti,
and others but also the works of skilled but unknown stonecutters,
woodcarvers, goldsmiths, and silversmiths. An important body of
native baroque religious music of the colonial period was recovered
in recent years and has been performed internationally to wide
acclaim since 1994.
Bolivian
artists of stature in the 20th century include, among others,
Guzman de Rojas, Arturo Borda, Maria Luisa Pacheco, and Marina
Nunez del Prado. Bolivia has rich folklore. Its regional folk
music is distinctive and varied. The "devil dances"
at the annual carnival of Oruro are one of the great folkloric
events of South America, as is the lesser known carnival at Tarabuco.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Bolivian(s).
Population (July 2007 estimated): 9,119,152.
Annual population growth rate: 1.42%.
Religions: Predominantly Roman Catholic; minority Protestant.
Languages: Spanish (official); Quechua, Aymara, Guarani.
Education (2001): Years compulsory--ages 7-14. Literacy--86.7%.
Health (2003): Infant mortality rate--50.4 per 1,000 births.
Work force (2003, 4.1 million): Nonagricultural employment--2.48 million; services, including government--42%; industry and commerce--58%.
Ethnic groups (2001): 55% indigenous (primarily Aymara, and Quechua), 30% mestizo or mixed, 15% European.
