Bolivia's major products are soybeans, cotton, potatoes, corn,sugarcane, rice, wheat, coffee, beef, barley. Tin has long been the country's mostimportant mineral. However, since the collapse of tin prices in the mid-1980s, Bolivia hascome to rely more on its other natural resources, which include deposits of natural gas,petroleum, tungsten, silver and gold. (Blair 171-2)The Spanish language became a part of the culture as a result of Spanish controlbefore receiving independence in 1825. Spanish is the official language, yet only abouthalf of the people speak it as their first language. Spanish is spoken by many of themestizos and Bolivians of European descent, but is not spoken by about 40% of theNative American population. The remainder speak Quechua, the language of the Inca, orAymar, the pre-Inca language. Compound dialects of Spanish-Aymar and Spanish-Quechua are also widely spoken. (Blair 91-3) In 1961 the government gave up its right to mediate in church affairs; theyproclaimed religious toleration and permitted the establishment of non-Roman Catholicchurches. The Constitution of 1967 granted official status to the Roman Catholic Churchand guaranteed the public exercise of all other religions. Religion was traditionally thedomain of women, men felt no obligation to attend church or to practice their religion. The Bolivian population is predominately Roman Catholic, the official religion. Otherminorities include: Protestant, especially Evangelical Methodists, and Jewish. In 1980sMormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, gained increasing followers. (Blair 105-6, 115)Body language is as significant as spoken language. Bolivians greet friendswarmly; women kiss on each cheek while touching each arm and men either shake handsor give an abrazo; a type of hug followed by a series of pats on the shoulder and anotherhandshake. It is common to see females of all ages walking arm in arm or hand in hand. Eye contact is a must; avoiding anothe...
