At AS/COA's Montevideo Conference, speakers discussed the role of technological innovation in the country's social and economic development.

Brazil's Iran ties and a devestating earthquake in Chile have been the main focuses of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's Latin American travels this week. Her trip, from February 28 through March 5, brings her to Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.

President-elect José Mujica takes office March 1 amid expectations that he will continue moving forward with the policies of his predecessor and Frente Amplio colleague, Tabaré Vázquez. The AS/COA looks at his inauguration, the composition of his cabinet and Uruguay’s’ newly inaugurated General Assembly.

From October 2009 through October 2010, seven presidential races are taking place in Latin America, with elections in Uruguay, Honduras, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Brazil. AS/COA offers an interactive guide to the results thus far and poll figures for elections yet to come.

Uruguayans chose José "Pepe" Mujica of the governing party as their next president in November 29 roundoff elections.The high approval ratings of the current administration likely gave an electoral boost to Mujica, a former guerilla who pledged to follow his predecessor's path and identified Brazil's president as his model.

The candidate from the governing party, José Mujica, is likely to win in the second round of Uruguay’s presidential voting on November 29 even though his party, the Frente Amplio, has seen a mild drop in support in recent years.

Uruguay is slated to hold a November 29 runoff election after no candidate pulled in more than 50 percent of the vote on Sunday. Former guerilla leader José Mujica of the governing party appears well-placed for victory in the next round but he could face a challenge if his opponents form a coalition.