Bolivians

the inhabitants of Bolivia, totaling 4.8 million persons (1969 estimate). The predominant population is Indian, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total; the remaining population is primarily mestizo (cholo). There are also inhabitants of European descent. The Quechua and Aymará Indians make up the bulk of the country’s agricultural population and unskilled mine-working force. The cholo are most often merchants, low-ranking service personnel, and skilled laborers. The white population forms the ruling elite. The state language is Spanish; a considerable number of the inhabitants of the high mountain regions are bilingual, as they know both Spanish and Quechua or Aymará. The official religion is Catholicism; the Indians retain vestiges of pre-Christian beliefs.