The Andes Mountains cross the country from north to south. Commercial agriculture has taken the best land and small farmers have often taken to growing coca, the plant that is made into cocaine. There have also been struggles with left-wing guerrilas forces in many areas of the country. Freedom Official democracy with press freedom, but high levels of state political violence. Position of Women Catholicism and machismo has a large effect on poor urban and rural women.
Constitution guarantees equal opportunities for women, but there remain considerable inequalities.
Literacy rates for women are nearly the same as for men. The New Internationalist issue 257 - July 1994 by Jenny Pearce . The World Guide , Leading Issues in Economic Development 7th edition by Meier and Rauch, CIA World Factbook 2000 . Last modified 10 November 2000 Flag courtesy of ITA 's Flags of All Countries used with permission.