Bolivia
Landlocked Bolivia is the Tibet of the Americas - the highest and most isolated of the Latin American republics. It is also the most indigenous country on the continent, with more than 50% of the population maintaining traditional values and beliefs. Bolivia may be one of the poorest countries in South America, but its cultural wealth, the mindblowing Andean landscapes and the remnants of mysterious ancient civilizations make it the richest and most exciting destination for adventurous and independent travelers.

Full country name: Republic of Bolivia
Area: 1,098,580 sq km (428,446 sq mi)
Population: 8,328,700
Capital city: La Paz (pop 2,406,377) and Sucre (pop 132,000)
People: 30% Quechua Indian, 25% mestizo, 30% Aymará Indian, approx 15% European (principally Spanish)
Language: Spanish but most Indians speak either Quechua or Aymará; composite dialects of Spanish-Aymará and Spanish-Quechua are also widely spoken
Religion: 95% Roman Catholic, Protestant (Evangelical Methodist)
Government: Democracy
President: Jorge Quiroga Ramírez

GDP: US$24.2 billion
GDP per head: US$3000
Annual growth: 3%
Inflation: 2.1%
Major industries: Agriculture, narcotics, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco, handicrafts, clothing, tin mining, natural gas
Major trading partners: USA, Brazil, Japan