Despite its rich resources,
Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in Latin America. Estimates in 2004 put 64% of the population below the poverty line. The average annual earnings is around US$900 and GDP per capita is around US$2900 (2005 estimate). Current inflation is around 5%.
Bolivia’s main exports include gas and zinc. The country’s agricultural products include soybeans (also a major export), coffee, sugar, cotton, corn and timber. Coca, sunflower seed (for oil) and organic chocolate are also growing industries.
There is widespread underemployment; a large percentage of the underemployed supplement their income by participating in coca-production, mainly in the Yungas, and in the informal street-market economy.
Striking and protests to demand higher salaries and improved conditions and political change are a way of life here, although in more recent years, even some locals have felt that this has been more damaging than constructive to the economy. The government remains heavily dependent on foreign aid. In December 2005, the G8 announced a US$2 billion debt-forgiveness plan.
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