Bolivia
Bolivia’s La Paz prison, known as “San Pedro,” is one of the most unusual and unique prisons in the world. Inmates in this facility operate their own small businesses, creating a self-sustaining economy within the prison walls. Families are allowed to live with inmates, creating a community-like atmosphere that is rare in the prison system.
Despite the unique setup, San Pedro prison faces significant challenges, including overcrowding and a lack of resources. The informal economy within the prison can lead to disparities in the treatment of inmates, with those who have access to money and resources living more comfortably than those who do not. The conditions within San Pedro highlight the complexities of managing a prison system that operates outside traditional structures.