This reference covers North and South America, plus all the Caribbean states and South Atlantic. It provides both an analytical overview of the region and specific data for each of the 53 countries. Introductory chapters cover: a regional review with the 2003-4 trends, developments and key events; analysis of political and economic impact of debt in the region; the stability of the Latin American banking sector; the water crisis and its impact on the poor; the shift to the left in many Latin American states and how this will affect the creation of a pan-American free-trade zone. Comprehensive economic and business reports for each country include: political and economic surveys identifying the trends, developments, problems and solutions; country profiles, including information on economic sectors, political parties and systems, demographics and languages; key facts and analysis of vital statistics; a business guide offering practical information for visitors to the country, including local contact addresses; and key indicators setting out the country's key economic indicators between 1998 and 2003.

Author Biography

World of Information Regional Reviews Published in association with the International Chamber of Commerce Quality information, analysis and interpretation is essential for organizations and individuals with an active interest in world affairs. The World of Information series of five annual Regional Reviews, now in its 28th year, provides the context, trends and recent history essential to an understanding of global events. Each review covers, country by country, its region's developments and challenges in a readable uniform presentation. Each year world experts are commissioned to give their objective assessment of the politics and economics of every country and territory in the world. This expertise has made the Reviews a primary reference source for business people and academics, researchers, government and diplomatic officials, international organisations and agencies. Each Review contains: Economic and political risk assessment Expert and timely analysis of recent events Key indicators Key facts Country profiles covering history, political structure, demography, media, economy, industrial sectors and geography Business guides include entry requirements, travel links, working hours, public holidays and health precautions Business directory includes useful contact details Regional developments and challenges