For more information see the Bolivia profile.

Bolivia is a landlocked South American nation located in the heart of the continent. The varied topography ranges from the lofty grandeur of the snowcapped Andes Mountains to the steamy heat of the verdant rain forest. The majority of the people are Amerindians living in the valleys and plateaus of the Andes.

Since independence from Spain in 1825, Bolivia has suffered almost revolution and dictatorship, with over 200 coups in its history. The situation has begun to improve, and over a decade of peace and stability have produced a rapidly developing economy. However, the
lives of most Bolivians have barely improved.

In recent years, Bolivia has enjoyed complete religious freedom, with the Catholic Church losing much of its privileged status. The growth of evangelical congregations has been tremendous, but many of the people continue to be bound to spiritism and animism.