There is a huge difference between rich and poor in Bolivia. Major groups, particularly the indigenous people and the rural population, have long since had poor access to education and legal protection.
Weak public institutions have also hampered government efforts to combat mass poverty. In accordance with the country’s own strategies to alleviate poverty, Sweden has been supporting reforms to build up public administration for about the last 10 years.
Bolivia’s current development plan is valid up to 2011. The document highlights the importance of state participation in the economy, access to basic health care, open state institutions and better education.
Democracy brings hope
Bolivia has been a democracy with large public participation for decades. The current government has its origins in the protest movements, which have dominated Bolivian politics since 2000. Voter turnout has increased considerably in recent years, particularly among the indigenous people.
The current power struggle between various parts and levels of the state has come to dominate the political agenda. The political situation is complicating our work, but developments are still injecting hope.
Sweden’s focus areas in Bolivia
• Democracy and human rights
• Education
• Environment and natural resources.
Read more about Sida’s work in Bolivia.
