Bolivia
Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and the most unequal in Latin America, with 15 per cent of the population still not having regular access to water. Unpredictable weather caused by a changing climate is proving a new challenge for Bolivia's farmers.
More than half of Bolivia’s poor now live in urban areas, particularly in La Paz or Santa Cruz. But poverty is highest in rural areas, with 82 per cent of the rural population living below the national poverty line.
Employment is low and one-quarter of the population have either migrated or emigrated. However the country has enormous natural wealth, with valuable resources such as oil, gas, zinc and tin.
A new constitution aims to give a greater voice to the country's indigenous majority - and our partners have worked hard to ensure this new constitution reflects the poorest and most excluded Bolivians, and that these people have a say in the policies that affect them.
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Campaigners, commentators, our staff and church leaders explain why they are taking part in this amazing day - and why they hope you will too. Plus, be part of our day online by tweeting and uploading photos to Flickr |
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"Bolivia’s previous governments were like a bad father - they never took into account the poor and indigenous people that really worked the land" |
