Venezuela and Argentina are forecasted to top economic performance in the region in 2007, above 6% growth, with Chile, Colombia, Panama, Peru and Dominican Republic following at levels ranging 5%, according to a top World Bank official.
Bolivian President Evo Morales suppressed by decree the right of US citizens to enter this country freely, in reciprocity with a similar measure taken by the US government.
Latinamerican currencies are expected to begin 2007 with the same upward tendency as during the end of 2006 as foreign investors' flock to emerging markets.
The New Zealand Thermal Heart Antarctic Expedition of Jamie Fitzgerald (26) and Kevin Biggar (36) achieved on Tuesday their goal of trekking 1.100 kilometers unsupported to the South Pole. They are the first all NZ expedition to reach the South Pole for 50 years.
Cuban President Fidel Castro said in his New Year message on Saturday that he is recovering slowly from surgery and has been collaborating with doctors as a disciplined patient.
The importance of religion in people's lives has diminished and this has been most significant for Chile in the last sixteen years, according to the conclusions of a report from the Chilean chapter of Mori public opinion surveys.
Latin America enters 2007 with renewed political leadership and generally booming economic prospects but highly dependent on the current global bullish market for commodities.
Ecuadorian President-elect Rafael Correa appointed this week seven women to his Cabinet, including the country's first female Defence minister, saying he wanted to promote gender equality.
Chile's government oil corporation ENAP announced this week investments totaling 4.5 billion US dollars in the coming four years, 2007/2011, emphasizing exploration and production and the construction of refineries.
Tourist activity in Chile expanded 11.5% during 2006 and is forecasted to grow an additional 14% this coming summer season (January, February) according to the National Tourism Office, Senatur.