In 2002, Bolivia was a South American country located in the Andean region. It had a population of around 8 million people and an economy that was largely dependent on natural resource extraction and agriculture. Despite this, there were still economic challenges such as high levels of poverty, particularly among young people and those living in rural areas. According to computerannals, Bolivia was a relatively stable democracy with strong government institutions which enabled it to address pressing issues such as crime and corruption. Furthermore, Bolivia also enjoyed close diplomatic ties with other countries in the region which enabled it to remain an important player in international affairs. In terms of development, the government began to focus on improving infrastructure and providing basic services such as healthcare and education which provided a glimmer of hope for a better future for Bolivians. Additionally, efforts have been made by both local and international organizations to strengthen democratic institutions within the country in order to promote stability within Bolivia. The government also adopted several economic reforms aimed at encouraging foreign investment and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Yearbook 2002

Bolivia. The June 30 presidential election was very even. The votes were distributed among three candidates. Gonzálo Sánchez de Lozada of the Movimiento Nacionalista Revolucionario (MNR), who was president in 1993-97, won with 22.5% of the vote over Evo Morales (Movimiento al Socialismo, MAS), but the margin was very small, only 1.6%. In addition, Manfred Reyes Villa for Nueva Fuerza Republicana (NFR) received only 721 fewer votes than Morales.

The Congress, which, according to Bolivia’s constitution, elects the president when no candidate has achieved his own majority, appointed five days later Sánchez, commonly called Goni, as the country’s new president. The government base became very weak and uncertain; Sánchez and MNR were forced to form a coalition with their political arch-opponent Movimiento de la Izquierda Revolucionaria (MIR) with support from several other parties.

According to Countryaah website, national day of Bolivia is every August 6. Sánchez has declared continued reforms in the same market economy spirit as during his previous term, but is also forced to take into account Morale’s strong election results. Morales is also a spokesman for the country’s coca farmers and demands that the coca farmers who switched their production to other crops receive state compensation and that free markets for coca leaves are allowed. In addition, the cocoa growers want to expand the area for legal cocoa cultivation while the government, with the support of the USA, wants to reduce it. The conflict between the government and the coca farmers has escalated, especially after the authorities in January tried to close the legal coca markets.

Peasant protests in Sacaba in Cochabamba Province then led to three days of unrest and confrontation between protesters and police, with seven dead as a result. In September, the negotiations between the government and the cocoa growers broke down.

The former military dictator and later elected president Hugo Bánzer died on May 5 after a long illness, which included forced him to leave the presidency prematurely in August 2001.

Bolivia Country Overview

Visas
Finns do not need a visa to travel to Bolivia for less than 90 days. Note. The passport must be valid for 6 months from arrival in the country.

• According to ABBREVIATIONFINDER.ORG, BOL stands for Bolivia.

Insurance
Everyone participating in the trip must have a valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses in the event of illness or other similar need. Please check the validity of your own insurance and the terms and conditions of the insurance cancellation cover.

Please pay attention to the special nature of your trip and check the coverage of the insurance in that respect as well. In many locations, the insurance must also be valid when moving at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters, in which case it also covers mountain sickness.

Many hiking or diving trips require more extensive insurance, which covers, for example, diving or moving on a glacier. Please check the contents of your insurance with your insurance company.

Vaccinations
Basic vaccinations are required and hepatitis A vaccination is recommended. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required when traveling from the affected areas to Bolivia. Based on the risk assessment, hepatitis B, yellow fever, typhoid and influenza vaccinations, as well as anti-malarial medication may be required. Always check vaccination requirements at your health center or tourist clinic vaccination advice.

Traveling to Bolivia travels in high air and it is possible to experience the symptoms of mountain sickness, especially in mild form. Typical symptoms of mountain sickness include headache, nausea, and insomnia. In its prevention, a considered rate of rise, adequate fluid intake and care for energy balance are important. More information, for example, HERE .

Currency
The Bolivian currency is the Boliviano (BOB). However, it is most useful to bring American dollars with you on your trip, which are commonly used as a means of payment at airports, hotels, and restaurants. In addition, it is easiest to exchange good-sized American dollars at currency exchange offices.

Credit card usage is generally subject to an 8% commission, which will be added to the invoice. You should always have cash with you just in case.

Tips
Waiters and restaurant staff expect 10-15% tips on the final invoice unless a service charge is included in the invoice price.

Time difference
GMT -4. In Bolivia, -6 hours in winter and -7 hours in summer.

Electricity
Electricity in Bolivia is 220 V (in La Paz in places 110 V). An adapter is required for devices used in Finnish sockets.

Mobile phones
Check the availability of your mobile phone with your operator. The area code for Bolivia is +591.

Climate
Bolivia is located in the southern hemisphere and the country is divided into three different zones: the Andean mountain plateau, or Altiplano, in the western part of the country, the subtropical valleys in the central part, and the tropical rainforest in the eastern part. Climate and temperatures thus vary greatly from region to region and altitude. Bolivia’s winter season is from May to October, which is the driest season, and the summer season is from November to April, which is wetter and more foggy.

Altiplano has almost the same temperatures during the day, but the night temperatures are a little cooler in winter. In La Paz, for example, daytime temperatures are generally between 15-20 degrees and in the evening temperatures drop to 5-10 degrees, in winter close to zero. The summer season is wetter and, for example, the Uyun salt plateau is covered with a layer of water, giving a beautiful mirror-like surface.

During the summer rains, the lowlands in the central and eastern parts of the country may have muddy, heavy insects and heavy rains, which can occasionally make travel difficult on muddy roads and landslides. The Amazon region in the eastern part of the country has a tropical climate all year round.

Exit fees and airport taxes The Bolivia exit fee is approximately 25 USD / person. Payments can be made in either local currency or US dollars. Exit fees are always paid in person when leaving the country.

For domestic flights, an airport tax of approx. 15BOB is charged, which is paid on site.

Photography
Bolivia is a very photographic country. Asking permission before taking a photo of the population is recommended, as many people still believe that face photography produces bad luck.