Again as is true in most of Latin America, the population of the cities is increasing much faster than that of the rural areas. A large part of this increase is due to people leaving their farms for large towns and cities. High rates of growth create many problems in the cities. La Paz is a good example. There are not enough jobs in the city.
Housing is inadequate.
The drinking water is poor as are public transportation and utilities. There is no sewage disposal system, and automobile exhaust fumes pollute the air. Sucre, the official capital, is the seat of the judiciary. La Paz is on the altiplano, as is Oruro, a tin center. Most other cities and the high, bleak mining camps are in the Cordillera Real.