Although the agricultural resources of Bolivia are of great value, their development has been slow. Sugar cane is grown, but chiefly for the manufacture of rum. Rice is also raised, but the quantity is not great. Tobacco and coffee of fair quality grow readily. The product that receives most attention, however, is coca. This plant is highly esteemed by the natives, who chew the leaf. It is also used for medicinal purposes.
It is from her forests, however, that Bolivia derives the greatest immediate profit. The most prominent and profitable industry is that of rubber collecting. This was begun in Bolivia between 1880 and 1890. In 1903 Bolivia’s best rubber forests were transferred to Brazil, but there still remain extensive areas where good rubber is collected.
The industrial activities of the Bolivian people are still of a very primitive character. Spinning and weaving are done in the home. The Indian women are expert weavers. Other industries of some importance are the manufacture of cigars and cigarettes, soap, candles, hats, gloves, starch, cheese and pottery. The foreign trade of Bolivia is comparatively unimportant, with the exception of the products of its mines.
One difficulty that Bolivia has to contend with is the lack of transportation facilities. Railways have never been developed to any extent, but great plans are on foot to remedy this. With communications improved and extended, the future of Bolivia appears bright.
PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION
ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR. VOL. 5, No. 18, SERIAL No. 142
COPYRIGHT, 1917, BY THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION, INC.
PHOTOGRAPH BY E. M. NEWMAN
LA PAZ, BOLIVIA—FROM THE RIM OF THE HEIGHTS