El Alto... Just my opinion but a tiny new nation (Scotland or Catalonia) would likely face severe financial problems as it would be nearly impossible to borrow through normal channels and at the same time it would face big expenses in having to 'internationalise' itself. Catalunya is already squeezing every cent out of the population and moves to squeeze foreigners even more as an undefended minority seems very possible.
If anyone can tell me why things would get better I'd be interested to hear. Many commentators think that 20 or more years of severe financial pain would be experienced by little new nations with no international 'clout'.