The UNDP (United Nations Development Program) just released its 2004 report on human development in Bolivia. Despite October's turmoil, the report's optimistic — even though Bolivia ranks 114th (out of 175) in the human development index.

The UNDP report's not all optimism; there are problems. While 60% of the over-15 population identify themselves as "indigenous," 25% describe themselves as intolerant of cultural differences. More startling, 81% of rural respondents identify themselves as somewhat intolerant of cultural differences. Such widespread lack of tolerance — pluralism — marks the lack of a "liberal, democratic" political culture.

The report argues that the best way to overcome Bolivia's crisis is to establish an "intercultural" citizenship. It also argues that natural gas could be a catalyst for the country's economic development. The report — which includes many statistics & survey data — also focuses on technology.

I'm particularly interested in internet use stats.

An estimated 270,000 people regularly use the internet — corresponding to the 3.4% of the population w/ home internet connections (10% of the population has a home computer). Of the general population: 53.3% have never used the internet (but would like to); 25.3% has used the internet; and 21.4% have never used the internet (and don't want to).

Compared to other media: 75.71% have a radio; 54.37% have a television; 22.69% have a phone (cell or landline); and 6.1% have cable TV.

Of regular internet users, 67% gain access from cybercafés. Beyond that, 8 of 10 Bolivians think greater access to new technology & information is important. Since the published estimate for "regular" internet users is based on those w/ home internet access, it's unclear how many frequently use the internet from cybercafés (or work) — I wonder if it's at least twice that figure?

And w/ the recent introduction of free dial-up through COTEL, the La Paz telephone company, I wonder how many people w/ home computers (if they have a modem) access the internet w/o a "dedicated" ISP. If you're wondering how COTEL offers "free" dial-up, it's because COTEL charges per-minute fees on all phone lines — users don't sign up for ISP service, but they still pay for every minute online.

While internet statistics pale in comparison to the US & other developed nations, I was impressed at the relatively high numbers. That a quarter of Bolivian users have used (meaning have access to) the internet is impressive. It could be revolutionary.

The numbers are low. But. What percentage of Bolivians own a printing press? Or a radio or TV station? I've tremendous faith in the power of internet & "citizens' media" to democratize information, public opinion, and the power that goes w/ it.

Is this available online? I couldn't find it on the pnud homepage..maybe I'm blind?

I think it's interesting how they focused on how use of the internet affected opinions. I don't think there is much difference in the use by the urban poor and the middle class, as most young people I know regardless of their class status has used an internet cafe and has an email address. I think Bolivian internet users are still exclusively using the internet as entertainment rather than education/information. Hopefully internet use is still evolving, as broadband continues to become more available and things such as university class registration are being utilized.

The report's not online. Yet. Also, the emphasis on internet was my own — their report covered many topics. And while I agree that most internet use is probably what we might call "frivolous", that's all subjective, isn't it? And some of that's a gateway into other uses. No one jumps right into blogging, say, w/o first dabbling in "frivolous" internet use. Then again, who are we to decide what's frivolous?

Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.