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Central South America page
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Bolivia
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Population: 8 million
Capital: La Paz
Official language: Spanish
Ethnic groups: Quechua 30%, Aymara 25%, mestizo (mixed white
and Amerindian ancestry) 30%, white 15%
Background: Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR,
broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent history has
consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and counter-coups. Comparatively
democratic civilian rule was established in the 1980s, but leaders have
faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and drug
production. Current goals include attracting foreign investment, strengthening
the educational system, continuing the privatization program, and waging
an anti-corruption campaign.
(Source: Worldfackbook 2000, CIA)
More info: BBC
Country Profiles: Bolivia
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Paraguay
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Population: 5,5 million
Capital:
Official language: Spanish
Ethnic groups: mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian) 95%
Background: In the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance (1865-70),
Paraguay lost two-thirds of all adult males and much of its territory.
It stagnated economically for the next half century. In the Chaco War of
1932-35, large, economically important areas were won from Bolivia. The
35-year military dictatorship of Alfredo STROESSNER was overthrown in 1989,
and relatively free and regular presidential elections have been held since
then.
(Source: Worldfackbook 2000, CIA)
More info: BBC
Country Profiles: Paraguay