Annual defense budget: $119m 

Defense spending trend: Down 12% in 2002

Though the military has not actively interfered in politics for more than two decades, it is frequently used to quell internal dissent. The army is the major focus of defense spending, weaponry being bought mainly from the US. The Bolivian navy consists chiefly of gunboats on Lake Titicaca, which borders Peru, and on the Pilcomayo River. The army has worked with US forces against the cocaine business, though its integrity is questioned due to its past associations with narcotics trafficking. The main ambition of the military, apart from protecting its own interests and privileges, is the unrealizable aim of recapturing territory that would allow Bolivia access to the Pacific. Military service is selective and lasts for one year.

BOLIVIAN ARMED FORCES

Army
		36 light tanks (SK-105 Kuerassier)		25,000 personnel
Navy
		60 riverine craft		3500 personnel
Air force
		37 combat aircraft (18 AT-33AN)		3000 personnel
Nuclear capability
		None

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" � Dorling Kindersley 2004