The Venezuelan government has cut the official number of dollars Venezuelans can spend abroad with their credit cards from $5,000 to $2,500 a year.
January first 2009 marks an important milestone in the history of the Falkland Islands as a new constitution takes effect, providing enhanced local democracy and internal self-government and enshrining the right of self-determination.
Pope Benedict marked World Day for Peace and the feast of Mary Mother of God Thursday appealing for a reworking of the global financial system and a spiritual and moral revolution that puts solidarity for the poor in pride of place.
Brazilians start 2009 facing the task of learning new spelling rules that have just come into effect.
Cuba's revolution is stronger than ever the country's president has said, as he led ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of the overthrow of the US-backed government.