Bolivia is a magnificent country situated amidst the Andes Mountains, the Amazonian rainforests, Lake Titicaca, and the world's largest salt flats.

The nation also features striking cities, vast natural resources, and a high percentage of indigenous peoples.

Despite its economic potential, Bolivia is the poorest country in South America due to severe corruption and the exploitation of resources by foreign investors. With 64 percent of the population below the poverty line and GDP less than it was nearly three decades ago, the people of Bolivia struggle to plan for the future, afford adequate health care, receive an education, and confront social/environmental issues.

Click here to read an overview about development issues in Bolivia.

FSD is located in Cochabamba, a thriving city of 800,000 inhabitants set in a fertile valley about 8,300 feet above sea level. The city features a strong grassroots political movement, symbolized internationally by the successful protests against privatization of the water supply in 2000.

FSD partners with over 40 community-based organizations in the city of Cochabamba and surrounding rural communities. Read about our Community Partners to learn about their work in Bolivia and how you can get involved.

For a description of the opportunities available in each development subject we address in Bolivia, click on the links below:

Microfinance • Environment • Health • Youth and Education
Women's Empowerment • Community Development • Human Rights