ABSTRACT
Geographically, Bolivia is a single nation in name only. Culturally, Bolivians are divided into two sharply distinct and mutually suspicious societies: the Spanish-speaking, mestizo and predominantly urban minority, and the non-Spanish-speaking, Indian and predominantly rural majority. Outnumbered by the Indian population perhaps ten to one, the mestizos control the government and in general run the country. Therefore, it is not surprising that in Bolivia today there are many rural areas where the staff of government agencies are not particularly welcome; consequently, few programs to assist the rural poor have ever encountered much success.
