The Socioeconomic Differences Between The Two Most Important Regions Of Bolivia

Vianca Isabela Corminola Gutierrez

Bakalářská práce

Abstract:

Bolivia is a country marked by profound cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic diversity. This investigation examines the disparities between its two most significant regions: La Paz, the administrative capital in the western highlands, and Santa Cruz, the economic powerhouse located in the eastern lowlands. While both regions are crucial for Bolivia’s development, they highlight notable contrasts in economic performance, income distribution, employment opportunities, and access to essential services like education and healthcare. Santa Cruz benefits from agricultural resources, international market access, and private investment, driving its economic growth. In contrast, La Paz relies on public administration and services, facing higher poverty levels and limited private sector development. Historical and political dynamics have also contributed to these disparities. The centralization of political power in La Paz created developmental differences compared to Santa Cruz’s more decentralized and market-driven economy. Furthermore, Bolivia’s state-led economic model, while prioritizing public investment, has unevenly distributed its benefits across these regions, deepening inequality. This research uses macroeconomic indicators, historical and political analysis, and measures of income inequality to uncover the underlying causes of these disparities and proposes strategies for more equitable development. By exploring these differences and their root causes, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Bolivia’s regional inequality. It highlights the importance of inclusive policies that address these gaps, fostering sustainable growth and balanced development while encouraging a fairer distribution of resources and opportunities for the entire country.

Keywords

Poverty and Inequality, Economic Consumption, Social Indicators, Western and Eastern Bolivia, Economic Indicators, Ethnicity and Culture

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 26. 3. 2025

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 22. 5. 2025
• Vedoucí: Jared Daniel Jacques
• Oponent: Kristýna Kučírková, MSc

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Provozně ekonomická fakulta

Bakalářský studijní program:
Business Administration