While Latin America accounts for approximately 7 percent of the world economy, easily accessible information on the economies of the region is not always easy to find. The existing literature on Latin American economics usually assumes some previous familiarity with the region and is focused on...

Introduction -- The complexities and uncertainties of development -- The domestic context -- History and the legacy of colonialism -- Big men, personal rule and patronage politics -- Violent conflict and civil war -- Political change and democratization -- Core development questions -- Africa's...