Bolivia is one of the most unequal countries in one of the most unequal regions in the world, as only a small elite group controls much of the country's wealth. The high income inequality shows significant differences in assets, household size, and earnings with great differentials by gender, ethnicity and type of employment.
The country is endowed with many natural resources which spur a lively agriculture, fishery, forestry and mining sector. Despite taking advantage of these natural wealth deposits, extreme poverty still entraps approximately 41% of the population. This is largely because of governmental policies that have deterred internal and foreign investment. Much of the reform-based economic advancement that was made throughout the 1980s and 90s was undone again the early 2000's because of instability sparked by heated protests regarding plans to export newly discovered gas to the Northern hemisphere. High commodity prices since 2010 have led to favourable growth and significant trade surpluses.
