Recovery efforts have been sluggish and a runoff election may see delays that could further undermine progress. But some observers note that goals set for rebuilding after last year's earthquake were overly ambitious.

As natural disasters impact crop yields and global food prices continue to rise, experts worry that food scarcity will continue to haunt Latin America’s poor and vulnerable in 2011.

Promising to build on her predecessor's successful economic and social policies, Dilma Rousseff was inaugurated as Brazil's first female president on January 1 in Brasilia. The former presidential chief of staff built a cabinet of continuity, hoping to continue her country's prosperity.

2010 marked a standout year for Latin America, where economic growth outpaced the global average. AS/COA Online takes a look at some of the top issues that will affect the region in 2011.

Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Costa Rica elected new presidents in 2010. AS/COA Online takes a look at these new leaders and considers the major events shaping their presidencies.

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega won congressional approval of three laws that some observers say will deepen executive and military powers. Such moves reflect other regional bids to strengthen or extend presidential power.

The Cancun climate talks that closed December 10 achieved near unanimity compared to the discord at last year's Copenhagen conference. But many observers call the COP16 agreement "modest" and debate its long-term viability.