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Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR, broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and counter-coups. Comparatively democratic civilian rule was established in 1982, but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and drug production. Current goals include attracting foreign investment, strengthening the educational system, resolving disputes with coca growers over Bolivia's counterdrug efforts, and waging an anticorruption campaign.
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Country
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Surface Area: 1,098,580 square km
Population: 8,724,156 (July 2004 est.)
Located in: Central South America
Capital City: La Paz (seat of government); Sucre (legal capital and seat of judiciary)
Head of State: Carlos Diego MESA Gisbert
Prime Minister: Carlos Diego MESA Gisbert
Independent since: 6 August 1825 (from Spain)
Currency: Boliviano (BOB)
Flag (image): 
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