Bolivia
Justina Huarca shows faucets built for the community school in Suntía Grande settlement in Schacachi, Bolivia. Photo by Silverlight for CRS
Stretching from the Andes Mountains to tropical Amazonia, Bolivia is a very diverse country. Although it has a large indigenous population, native peoples historically have lacked access to basic services and have been excluded from the political system.
Significant social and economic transformation began in Bolivia in 2006, and many changes designed to guarantee justice and equality for all were enshrined in the new Constitution, which took effect in 2009. Nevertheless, it is still difficult for the government to meet the entire population's needs for health care, agricultural services and education, especially in rural areas, where Catholic Relief Services works. CRS is currently working with experienced partners on several local projects focusing on water and sanitation, agricultural development and natural resource management.
CRS' Commitment to Catholic Teaching
Latest Stories From Bolivia
View all stories »»
Bringing Sanitation to Bolivia's Highlands
Eco-friendly latrines, potable water pumps and proper hand-washing techniques bring water and sanitation solutions to Bolivia's diverse La Paz region. »»
Eco-Friendly Latrines in Bolivia's Highlands
CRS and local partners introduce waterless latrines to meet the water and sanitation needs of people living in two extremely different environments. »»
Bolivia: Improved Crops Mean Improved Lives
The project is training farmers in organic production techniques and the use of environmentally friendly products aimed at reducing pesticide use. »»
Stats
| Population: | 10,290,003 (July 2012 est.) |
| Size: | 424,162 sq. mi.; slightly less than three times the size of Montana |
| People Served: | 36,083 (2012 est.) |
History
Since 1955, Catholic Relief Services has worked with our partners in the Catholic Church to improve the quality of life of poor Bolivians. Whether providing housing, water and sanitation systems, agriculture assistance, or emergency response, our work in Bolivia strives to strengthen the capacity of the communities we serve to take control of their own development and achieve long-term change.
We work with primarily church partner institutions that respond to the country's social and political challenges. Through the years, CRS Bolivia has helped to improve the quality of life of thousands of Bolivians, shifting the focus from delivery of humanitarian assistance to an integral approach to development that strives to achieve long-term sustainability.








