However, frequent wars, revolutions, and a series of unstable governments have hindered the country's economic growth. As a result, Bolivia remains a developing country with one of the lowest standards of living in the Western Hemisphere. American Indians were the first to live in what is now Bolivia. In 1500 Spain conquered the Indians. The Spanish ruled the region until 1825, when Bolivia gained independence. The new country was named after Simon Bolivar. Bolivar, a Venezuelan general, helped Bolivia and many other countries gain freedom from Spain. Bolivia has had 16 constitutions since it became independent in 1825. Most of the constitutions provided for a freely elected government. However, the country has often been ruled by dictators. Bolivia's current Constitution dates back to 1967. Under it, the people elect a president and members of the national legislature, called Congress, for a four-year term. The president cannot be elected for two consecutive terms. The Supreme Court is the highest court in Bolivia. Congress appoints the courts