The Economy of Bolivia
Informality, Coca and Small Business
Most Bolivians work informally, in small trade, transport and family firms, and coca growing and quinoa exports also matter in rural areas.
How most people earn a living.
Informal work
Around eight in ten workers are informal.
Coca
Legal coca leaf for chewing and tea coexists with illegal cocaine production.
Quinoa
Exports boomed and then fell as prices dropped.
Microfinance
Bolivia is a pioneer in microcredit and small business finance.
A market stall
A woman sells clothing at a busy street market in El Alto.
Ignoring the informal sector in policy
It employs most people.
Key takeaways
- Most work is informal.
- Coca has legal and illegal uses.
- Quinoa exports fluctuated.
- Microfinance is strong.
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