World news
What is happening beyond Latin America and affects the region: the global economy, technology, platforms and business.
Female labor force participation in Latin America: ranking by country 2026
Bolivia leads female labor force participation in Latin America at 72.9% and Venezuela ranks last at 37.1%, according to ILO estimates published by the World Bank for 2025. Chile stands at 52.9%, Mexico at 47.5%, Argentina at 52.5% and Peru at 65.0%. Ranking of 19 countries, gender gap and trends since 1991.
Ueno Bank: what happened to the bank taken over in Paraguay and what happens to deposits
Paraguay's central bank took over Ueno Bank for insolvency, cutting almost 3 million customers off from their accounts. The deposit guarantee, the 40-minimum-wage advance, the trapped public funds, the arrests and the impeachment bid against Santiago Peña.
Poverty in Latin America: ranking by country 2026
Honduras has the highest poverty rate in Latin America, with 49.8% of its population below the $8.30-a-day line, and Chile the lowest, at 4.5%. Ranking of 17 countries with World Bank data, extreme poverty, national lines and trends since 2014.
Markets after the Democratic win in the US midterms: Wall Street, the dollar and the Mexican peso
The dollar falls to a one-month low, Treasuries rally and artificial intelligence stocks lose ground after Democrats won control of Congress. How Wall Street, the Mexican peso and Latin American currencies reacted.
Research and development spending in Latin America: ranking by country 2026
How much each Latin American country invests in research and development (R&D) as a share of GDP, according to the World Bank. Brazil leads with 1.19%; Chile invests 0.39% and Mexico 0.25%, against a 2.6% world average. Ranking, historical series, researchers and patents.
Child mortality in Latin America: ranking by country 2026
Chile has the lowest under-5 mortality in Latin America, with 6.8 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024, and the Dominican Republic the highest, with 30.6. Ranking of 19 countries with UN and World Bank data.
US midterm elections 2026: results, Democrats win the House and the Senate
Results of the November 3 US midterm elections: Democrats win the House and the Senate (54-44 with Alaska and Mississippi still uncalled), flip seven seats and the Texas governorship. Figures, key races and Trump's reaction.
Exports to the United States in Latin America: ranking by country 2026
Mexico sends 81.9% of its exports to the United States, followed by the Dominican Republic (54.3%) and Costa Rica (47.8%). The ranking of 17 Latin American countries with 2025 UN Comtrade data, in dollars and as a share of the total.
CO2 emissions per person in Latin America: ranking by country 2026
Argentina emits 4.01 tonnes of CO2 per person, the highest figure in Latin America in 2024, followed by Chile (3.94) and Mexico (3.64). The ranking of 19 countries with World Bank and EDGAR data, the trend since 2014 and how the region compares with the world.
Education spending in Latin America 2026: ranking by country
Cuba (8.44% of GDP) and Bolivia (7.54%) are the Latin American countries that invest most in public education, and Panama (2.47%) the least. Ranking of 18 countries with UNESCO and World Bank data, where Chile, Argentina, Peru and Mexico stand, and the 4% to 6% of GDP benchmark.
Health spending in Latin America 2026: ranking by country
Chile (10.53% of GDP) and Argentina (10.27%) lead health spending in Latin America; Venezuela (3.78%) and the Dominican Republic (4.60%) close the ranking. Spending per person, public and out-of-pocket spending in 19 countries with WHO and World Bank data.
Women in parliament in Latin America 2026: ranking by country
Cuba (55.7%), Nicaragua (54.9%), Bolivia (50.8%) and Mexico (50.2%) are the Latin American countries with the most women in their lower or single house, according to the World Bank and the IPU. Brazil ranks last with 18.1%. Ranking of 19 countries, trends since 2000 and changes after the 2026 elections.
Youth unemployment in Latin America 2026: ranking by country
Uruguay (25.1%), Chile (21.6%) and Costa Rica (19.9%) have the highest youth unemployment in Latin America, according to the ILO estimate published by the World Bank for 2025. Ranking of 19 countries, the gap with total unemployment and how it compares with official data.
Foreign direct investment in Latin America 2026: ranking by country according to the World Bank
Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Chile are the Latin American countries that receive the most foreign direct investment relative to the size of their economies in 2025, according to the World Bank. In dollars, Brazil leads with US$77.68 billion. Ranking of 19 countries and trends since 2021.
Internet use in Latin America 2026: ranking by country according to the World Bank and the ITU
Chile is the most connected country in Latin America: 95.6% of the population uses the internet, according to ITU data published by the World Bank. Ranking of 19 countries, how many people are still offline and fixed broadband by country.
Fertility rate in Latin America 2026: ranking by country according to the World Bank
Chile has the lowest fertility rate in Latin America, at 1.14 births per woman in 2024, according to the World Bank. Ranking of 19 countries, how it has fallen since 2000 and how many countries remain above the replacement level of 2.1.
Military spending in Latin America 2026: ranking by country according to SIPRI and the World Bank
Colombia is the Latin American country that spends the most on defense relative to its economy, at 3.2% of GDP in 2025, and Brazil spends the most in dollars, US$23.95 billion, according to SIPRI and the World Bank. Ranking of 19 countries and trends.
Homicide rate in Latin America 2026: ranking by country according to the UN
Ecuador has the highest homicide rate in Latin America, 45.7 per 100,000 people, according to UNODC and the World Bank. Ranking of 20 countries, trends since 2010 and why the region has nearly four times the world average.
Inequality in Latin America 2026: ranking by country by Gini coefficient
Colombia is the most unequal country in Latin America, with a Gini coefficient of 54.4, according to the World Bank; the Dominican Republic is the least unequal (39.0). Ranking of 16 countries, what the Gini is and how it has changed since 2014.
Remittances in Latin America 2025: ranking by country, in dollars and as a share of GDP
Latin America received US$165.85 billion in remittances in 2025, according to the World Bank. Mexico leads with US$65.09 billion but fell 4.2%; in Honduras they equal 30% of GDP. Ranking of 17 countries with official data.
Population of Latin America 2025: ranking by country, growth and fertility
The 20 Latin American countries have 655 million inhabitants in 2025, according to the World Bank. Brazil, Mexico and Colombia lead; Venezuela and Cuba have fewer people than in 2015 and Chile has the lowest fertility. Ranking with official data.
Lula wins Brazil's runoff with 51.79%: results by state and what comes after Flávio Bolsonaro's call to annul the vote
Lula da Silva was re-elected president of Brazil with 64.3 million votes (51.79%) against 59.8 million for Flávio Bolsonaro (48.21%), according to the TSE with 100% counted. Results by state, how Lula overturned the first round and what happens with the annulment request.
Life expectancy in Latin America 2026: ranking by country, from Chile (81.4 years) to Haiti (65.1)
Chile has the highest life expectancy in Latin America, 81.4 years, followed by Costa Rica (81) and Panama (79.8), according to World Bank data for 2024. Ranking of 20 countries, gaps between men and women and the effect of the pandemic.
VAT rates in Latin America 2026: ranking by country, from Uruguay (22%) to Panama (7%)
Uruguay has the highest standard VAT rate in Latin America (22%), followed by Argentina (21%), Chile and Colombia (19%). Panama (7%) and Paraguay (10%) have the lowest. Ranking of 17 countries, reduced rates and the case of Brazil.
Interest rates in Latin America: central bank ranking for October 2026
Brazil (13.75%) and Colombia (12.25%) have Latin America's highest policy rates in October 2026; Costa Rica (3%) and Guatemala (3.5%) the lowest. Ranking of 10 countries, real rates and changes this year.
Latin American currencies against the dollar in 2026: the Colombian peso is up 18.5% and the Chilean peso down 7.2%
The Colombian peso has strengthened 18.5% against the dollar in 2026 and the Brazilian real 9%, while the Chilean peso has fallen 7.2%, the worst result among seven currencies in the region, according to BIS data. Ranking, exchange rates and comparison with 2025.
GDP per capita in Latin America: 2026 ranking by country according to the IMF
Uruguay has Latin America's highest GDP per capita in 2026, US$ 27,339, according to the IMF; Honduras the lowest, US$ 3,663. Ranking of 18 countries in current dollars and purchasing power parity.
Public debt in Latin America: 2026 ranking by country according to the IMF
Bolivia will have Latin America's highest public debt in 2026, 100.2% of GDP, followed by Brazil (97%) and El Salvador (85%), according to the IMF. Guatemala and Peru have the lowest. Ranking of 16 countries.
Economic growth in Latin America: ranking by country 2026 according to the IMF
Panama and Venezuela lead Latin American growth in 2026 at 5%, according to the IMF; Chile (0.6%) and Bolivia (-3%) come last. Ranking of 18 countries with 2025, 2026 and 2027.
Brazil's 2026 runoff: date, first-round results and polls
Brazil chooses a president on October 25 between Flávio Bolsonaro and Lula. Official first-round results, what Datafolha and Quaest show and the debate dates.
Flávio Bolsonaro: who he is, his career and the proposals of the candidate facing Lula
Flávio Bolsonaro, Jair Bolsonaro's son and a senator since 2019, won Brazil's first round and faces Lula on October 25. His career, his proposals and the rachadinhas case.
Lula da Silva: who he is, his three governments and what he proposes for a fourth term
Lula da Silva, Brazil's president, seeks a fourth term in the October 25, 2026 runoff against Flávio Bolsonaro. His life, his governments, his time in prison and his proposals.
Ballon d'Or 2026: date, time, the 30 nominees and the favorites
The Ballon d'Or 2026 will be awarded on Monday, October 26 at the London Palladium, the first ceremony in London. The 30 nominees, the favorites according to La Nación (Kane, Lamine Yamal, Mbappé, Messi, Rodri) and the Latin Americans.
GTA 6: release date, price, platforms and what the launch trailer shows
Grand Theft Auto VI launches on November 19, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Rockstar released the launch trailer on October 15. Official price, editions, pre-load and what is known about PC.
Inflation in Latin America: the September 2026 ranking, country by country
Venezuela and Argentina top Latin America's inflation in September 2026; Costa Rica and Ecuador have the lowest. The ranking of 19 countries with their annual inflation and the official source for each figure.
WhatsApp launches guest calls: how to call someone who does not have the app
WhatsApp now lets you invite people without an account to calls: they join from a browser with a link. Up to 32 participants, no time limit and encryption. Step by step.
YouTube Music will label songs made with artificial intelligence
YouTube Music will flag songs created primarily with generative AI. The label will appear in the player. Deezer and Tidal have already acted. What it means for listeners and artists.
Google launches its universal shopping cart: what it is, how it works and whether it will reach Chile
Google launched in the US a cart that combines products from several stores from Search and Gemini, with Google Pay checkout and price alerts. How it works.
Rihanna sold makeup live on TikTok Shop: what happened and what live shopping is
On 6 October Rihanna hosted Fenty Beauty's first live sales stream on TikTok Shop. What she showed, which figures are circulating and which are confirmed, and how the live shopping that big brands now use works.
YouTube edges out TV as the top source of political news in the US, but by less than half a point
16.5% of Americans use YouTube as their main source of political news, against 16.1% for television, according to a Syracuse University study. 61% trust creators as much as journalists.
Jev, the AI that does not write text: its maker is worth US$7.5 billion weeks after launch
TypeSafe AI raised US$870 million at a US$7.5 billion valuation after launching Jev, an AI model that generates not text but decisions with their probability. What it is, who is behind it and what remains to be proven.
Warner Music sues Ray-Ban's owner for US$64 million over songs used in its social media posts
Warner Music accuses companies in the EssilorLuxottica group of using at least 427 songs without permission in Instagram and TikTok posts. Why the music on social networks is not free for brands and how to avoid the problem.
Macau casinos: how much they make and why 2026 got harder
Macau's casinos took in 247.4 billion patacas in 2025, their best year since the pandemic. In September 2026 they had their weakest month of the year. Figures and context.
Russia and China: record trade and a pipeline that is going nowhere
Trade between Russia and China grew 25.6% in the first half of 2026 and Putin puts it at 240 billion dollars. The Power of Siberia 2 pipeline remains stuck over price.
T-Mobile and Paramount+: how the included subscription works and who can activate it
T-Mobile no longer gives every customer a free year of Paramount+. Today the Essential plan comes with its All-In home internet. Requirements, how to activate it and what it includes.
Digital yuan: what the e-CNY is and where China's digital currency stands
The digital yuan is the electronic version of China's currency, issued by its central bank. It has processed 16.7 trillion yuan in transactions and its balances pay interest since 2026.
Texas prisons without air conditioning: a judge orders it installed by the end of 2029 and the state appeals
A federal judge ordered Texas to air-condition all its prisons by 31 December 2029. About 88,700 people live in units without air conditioning. The state has appealed.
New York Fashion Act: what it would require from brands and where it stands
New York's Fashion Act would force fashion brands with more than 100 million dollars in revenue to map their supply chains and cut emissions. What it proposes and where it stands.