Coca-Cola ban in Bolivia

The Government of Bolivia is making steps to ban Coca-Cola products within its national borders by December 21, 2012; coinciding with the conclusion of the 13th baktun of the Mayan calendar and the 2012 phenomenon. Until then, Coca-Cola continues to be advertised freely in downtown locales like La Paz. 14% of all agricultural sales and $270 million of the national economy is tied in the production of the coca leaf.
Summary
David Choquehuanca, Bolivia's foreign minister, has made statements to the Bolivian people that December 21, 2012 will mark the end of American-style capitalism in Bolivia and the beginning of a culture of community-based living through an ideology of communitarianism. The Evo Morales administration believes that greater equality will emerge in Bolivia due to the ban on Coca-Cola. By drinking fruit juice produced in nearby Venezuela, it keeps the economy functioning in South America and helps to preserve their culture. Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez has also been encouraging his people to consume locally-produced beverages instead of those produced in the United States of America as a similar gesture against Western-oriented capitalism.<ref name="businessinsider"/>
One of the soft drinks main ingredient is an extract of coca that is commonly found in Bolivia. Bolivia's ability to expand their economy has been limited in the past by the ban on coca leaf consumption put into place by the United States and other capitalist countries. A drink made from dried peaches called Mocochinci would become the substitute for Coca-Cola products once they become illegal. As a part of Bolivia's cultural traditions, the coca leaf is not considered a narcotic in Bolivia.<ref name="rtnews"/><ref name="cocacolaban"/> President Evo Morales would have his nation become the fourth to ban Coca-Cola products along with North Korea, Cuba and Myanmar. Pepsi is not even mentioned in the proposed law against Coca-Cola because the drink is largely unheard of in Bolivia.<ref name="businessinsider"/> His plans to legalize coca leaves would contradict the 1961 UN directive to ban them called the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.<ref name="rtnews"/>
Another American-based food company, McDonald's, failed to make a profit in Bolivia due to cultural unrest against American companies and were forced to shut down all eight of their franchises in the early 2000s.<ref name="businessinsider"/> Another Latin American country had gotten rid of their McDonald's restaurants in a similar manner.<ref name="earth-heal"/> Consumption of Coca-Cola products have tripled in Bolivia since 2001.<ref name="cocacolaban"/> This has caused manufacturing and sales within South America to rise during the 21st century.

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