| Synopsis: |
This comprehensive and impartial survey of the region presents over 900 pages of fully revised and researched statistics, directory data and in-depth analysis - profiling the latest developments in political, economic and social affairs in Latin America and the Caribbean. New and revised informative introductory articles written by some of the world's foremost authorities on Latin American and Caribbean affairs. These provide incisive commentaries on topical issues affecting the region, including articles specially commissioned for this edition: The Central American Free Trade Agreement; Environmental Issues in 21st Century Latin America; Trade Preferences and Caribbean Economies; and The Free Trade Area of the Americas. Other articles cover topics including: the Church in Latin America; Money-Laundering and Terrorist Financing in the Caribbean; Debt, Finance and the IMF: Debt Crisis in Latin America; 'Plan Colombia' and The Andean Regional Initiative; and Latin American Politics.Coverage of 48 countries and territories, each with an individual chapter - including expanded chapters covering the Caribbean; in-depth accounts of recent history and economy by acknowledged experts; invaluable statistical and extensive directory sections, including data on government, diplomatic representation, media, trade and industry, religion and updated bibliography sections as well as geographies of each country or territory, including maps. Detailed information on international organizations active in the region, including the United Nations, the Organization of American States, NAFTA and Mercosur. Outlines the region's major primary commodities and provides information on research institutes studying the region as well as listing periodicals and books relevant to the region. |