Bolivia
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| Population |
9.1 m (2007) |
| Languages |
Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guarani |
| Religion |
Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant 5% |
| Literacy |
86.7% (2001) |
| Life expectancy |
66.19 years (2007) |
| % below poverty line |
64% |
Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in Latin America. Corrupt, unstable governments, the fall in the price of silver, tin and cotton led to economic disaster in the 1980s. Over 65 per cent of children live in extreme poverty and malnourishment is a widespread and serious problem. About 800,000 children work. The worst forms of child labour - such as mining, sugar cane harvesting and sexual exploitation – are still common.
Compassion’s ministry in Bolivia began in 1978. Currently nearly 40,000 children are helped through projects.
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