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• Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues for the 109th Congress [December 21, 2006]

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  "Over the past two decades, the Latin America and Caribbean region has made enormous strides in terms of political and economic development. In 2006, elections for head of government were held in 12 countries in the region, including the close election in Mexico in July, the re-election of presidents in Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, and Venezuela, and the election of former heads of government in Costa Rica, Haiti, Nicaragua, Peru, and St. Lucia. Although the region overall experienced an economic setback in 2002-2003, it has rebounded since 2004. Nevertheless, several nations faced considerable challenges that threatened political stability, including persistent poverty, violent guerrilla conflicts, autocratic leaders, drug trafficking, increasing crime, and the rise of a new form of populism in several countries. […] With regard to democracy, Congress provided continued support to Haiti, the hemisphere's poorest nation, under the new government of Rene Preval. Venezuela remained a congressional concern because of fears that President Hugo Chávez has been using his political power to push toward authoritarian rule. With regard to U.S. policy toward Cuba, Congress continued to debate whether loosening or tightening the U.S. embargo would encourage political change. This report provides an overview of U.S. relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on the role of Congress and congressional concerns in the 109th Congress. It reflects final actions of the 109th Congress and will not be updated. For further information, see the CRS [Congressional Research Service] products listed after each topic."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Cook, Colleen W.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.)

  2006-12-21
• Latin America: Terrorism Issues [March 29, 2005]

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  "In the aftermath of the September 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington D.C., U.S. attention to terrorism in Latin America intensified, with an increase in bilateral and regional cooperation. Latin American nations strongly condemned the attacks, and took action through the Organization of American States (OAS) to strengthen hemispheric cooperation. In June 2002, OAS members signed an Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism. President Bush submitted the convention to the Senate in November 2002 for its advice and consent, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a public hearing on June 17, 2004. In its annual report on worldwide terrorism, the State Department highlights threats in Colombia, Peru, and the tri-border region of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The State Department also has designated four terrorist groups (three in Colombia and one in Peru) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, and Cuba has been listed as a state sponsor of terrorism since 1982."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2005-03-29
• Latin America: Terrorism Issues [June 30, 2006]

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  "In the aftermath of the September 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, DC, U.S. attention to terrorism in Latin America intensified, with an increase in bilateral and regional cooperation. Latin American nations strongly condemned the attacks, and took action through the Organization of American States (OAS) to strengthen hemispheric cooperation. In June 2002, OAS members signed an Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism. President Bush submitted the Convention to the Senate in November 2002. On October 7, 2005, the Senate agreed to the resolution of advice and consent on the Convention, and the United States deposited its instruments of ratification for the Convention on November 15, 2005. In its 2005 report on global terrorism, issued in April 2006, the State Department highlighted threats in Colombia, Peru, and the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, but noted that there were no known operational cells of Islamic terrorists in the hemisphere. Cuba has been on the State Department's list of state sponsors of terrorism since 1982 pursuant to Section 6(j) of the Export Administration Act of 1979, which triggers a number of foreign aid sanctions. In May 2006, the Department of State, pursuant to Section 40A of the Arms Export Control Act, prohibited the sale or license of defense articles and services to Venezuela because of its lack of cooperation on antiterrorism efforts."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2006-06-30
• Latin America: Terrorism Issues [January 22, 2007]

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  "U.S. attention to terrorism in Latin America intensified in the aftermath of the September 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, with an increase in bilateral and regional cooperation. Latin American nations strongly condemned the attacks, and took action through the Organization of American States (OAS) to strengthen hemispheric cooperation. OAS members signed an Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism in 2002. The Senate agreed to the resolution of advice and consent on the Convention in the 109th Congress and the United States ratified it in November 2005. In its April 2006 report on global terrorism, the State Department highlighted threats in Colombia, Peru, and the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, but noted that there were no known operational cells of Islamic terrorists in the hemisphere. Cuba has remained on the State Department's list of state sponsors of terrorism since 1982, which triggers a number of economic sanctions. In May 2006, the Department of State, pursuant to Arms Export Control Act, added Venezuela to its annual list of countries not cooperating on antiterrorism efforts, which triggered prohibitions on the sale or license of defense articles and services to that country. Cuba also has been on that list for many years. The 110th Congress will likely continue to monitor potential terrorist threats in Latin America and the region's cooperation with the United States on antiterrorism efforts, and will consider the Administration's FY2008 request for Anti-Terrorism Assistance to the region in Foreign Operations appropriations legislation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2007-01-22
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues for the 109th Congress [September 12, 2006]

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  "Over the past two decades, the Latin America and Caribbean region has made enormous strides in terms of political and economic development. In 2006, elections for head of government have already been held in seven countries in the region (including the close election in Mexico), and for the balance of the year, elections will take place in Brazil and Ecuador (October), Nicaragua (November), Venezuela (December), and St. Lucia (by year's end). Although the region overall experienced an economic setback in 2002-2003, it has rebounded since 2004. Nevertheless, several nations face considerable challenges that could threaten political stability, including persistent poverty, violent guerrilla conflicts, autocratic leaders, drug trafficking, increasing crime, and the rise of radical populism in several countries. […] With regard to democracy, Congress is providing continued support to Haiti, the hemisphere's poorest nation, under the new government of Rene Preval. Venezuela has remained a congressional concern because of fears that President Hugo Chávez is using his political power to push toward authoritarian rule. In Bolivia, the new government of President Evo Morales has complicated U.S. relations in part because of his stance toward U.S. counternarcotics policy. With regard to U.S. policy toward Cuba, Congress has continued to debate whether loosening or tightening the U.S. embargo will encourage political change. This report, updated bimonthly, provides an overview of U.S. relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on the role of Congress and congressional concerns. For further information, see the CRS products listed after each topic."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Cook, Colleen W.; Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.)

  2006-09-12
• Cuba's Political Succession: From Fidel to Raúl Castro [October 23, 2007]

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  From the Summary: "Since Fidel Castro stepped down from power in late July 2006, Cuba's political succession from Fidel to Raúl Castro has been characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. While there have not been any significant economic changes under Raúl, there are signs that some changes could be coming. In a July 26, 2007 speech, Raúl maintained that structural changes were needed in the Cuban economy in order to increase efficiency and production. Moreover, expectations for economic change are increasing in Cuba. Cuba's stable political succession from one communist leader to another raises questions about the future direction of U.S. policy, which currently presumes a democratic transition after the departure of Fidel. This report will not be updated. For developments in U.S. policy toward Cuba, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL33819, 'Cuba: Issues for the 110th Congress'; and CRS Report RL31139, 'Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances'. For background and analysis in the aftermath of Fidel Castro's stepping down from power in July 2006, see CRS Report RL33622, 'Cuba's Future Political Scenarios and U.S. Policy Approaches.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2007-10-23
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [November 28, 2007]

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  "This fact sheet tracks the current heads of government in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and provides the dates of the last and next election for head of government. It also provides the national independence date for each country."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Gomez, Julissa

  2007-11-28
• Latin America: Terrorism Issues [September 4, 2007]

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  "U.S. attention to terrorism in Latin America intensified in the aftermath of the September 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, with an increase in bilateral and regional cooperation. In its April 2007 Country Reports on Terrorism, the State Department highlighted threats in Colombia, Peru, and the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. There were no known operational cells of Islamic terrorists in the hemisphere, but pockets of ideological supporters in the region lent financial, logistical, and moral support to terrorist groups in the Middle East. Cuba has remained on the State Department's list of state sponsors of terrorism since 1982, which triggers a number of economic sanctions. In May 2007, for the second year in a row, the Department of State, pursuant to Arms Export Control Act, included Venezuela on the annual list of countries not cooperating on antiterrorism efforts. The Administration requested $8.1 million in Anti-Terrorism Assistance for Western Hemisphere countries as part of its FY2008 Foreign Operations appropriations request. To date in the 110th Congress, the House approved H.Con.Res. 188 on July 30, 2007, regarding the 1994 bombing of the Argentine-Israeli Mutual Association (AMIA) in Buenos Aires; another resolution, H.Res. 435, would express concern about the activities of terrorist organizations sponsored by Iran in Latin America."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2007-09-04
• Argentina: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations [October 12, 2006]

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  From the Document: "Argentina's restructuring of over $100 billion in defaulted bond debt in June 2005 demonstrated the country's emergence from its 2001-2002 economic crisis that had caused severe stress on the political system. Current President Néstor Kirchner, elected in 2003, has made bold policy moves in the areas of human rights, institutional reform, and economic policy that have helped restore Argentines' faith in democracy. The October 2005 legislative elections demonstrated strong support for President Kirchner, whose popularity at this juncture bodes well for his re-election if he chooses to run in the October 2007 presidential election. Economic growth has rebounded since 2003, and in January 2006, Argentina paid off its $9.5 billion debt to the International Monetary Fund. Looking ahead, the government faces such challenges as reducing poverty and controlling inflation while maintaining strong economic growth. Issues of concern to Congress include continued cooperation with Argentina on counter-terrorism issues and progress in Argentina's investigation of the 1994 Argentine-Israeli Mutual Association bombing. For additional information, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL32637, 'Argentina's Sovereign Debt Restructuring', and CRS Report RL33620, 'Mercosur: Evolution and Implications for U.S. Trade Policy', by J. F. Hornbeck."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2006-10-12
• Latin America: Terrorism Issues and Implications for U.S. Policy [October 13, 2001]

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  From the Document: "Latin American nations strongly condemned the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington and took action through the Organization of American States and the Rio Treaty to strengthen hemispheric cooperation against terrorism and express solidarity with the United States. Many nations are taking actions to investigate possible regional linkages with the Osama bin Laden terrorist network, and to ensure that their financial sectors are not being used by terrorists. In the aftermath of the attacks, U.S. policy toward the region will likely include a re-invigorated security agenda, with the development of new-cooperative mechanisms against terrorism. The terrorist attacks will have implications in several areas, including the extent of hemispheric cooperation against terrorism, anti-money laundering efforts, Andean counter-narcotics strategy, the trade agenda, regional economic stability, and policy toward Mexico and Cuba."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2001-10-13
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Fact Sheet on Leaders and Elections [October 26, 2006]

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  "This fact sheet tracks the current heads of government in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and provides the dates of the last and next election for head of government. It also provides the national independence date for each country."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Gomez, Julissa

  2006-10-26
• Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [April 16, 2010]

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  "Restrictions on travel to Cuba have been a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate Cuba's communist government since the early 1960s. Under the George W. Bush Administration, restrictions on travel and on private remittances to Cuba were tightened. In March 2003, the Administration eliminated travel for people-to-people educational exchanges unrelated to academic coursework. In June 2004, the Administration further restricted family and educational travel, eliminated the category of fully-hosted travel, and restricted remittances so that they could only be sent to the remitter's immediate family. […] In the aftermath of that election, the 111th Congress took action to ease some restrictions on travel to Cuba by including two provisions in the FY2009 omnibus appropriations measure (P.L. 111-8), which President Obama signed into law on March 11, 2009. The first provision eased restrictions on family travel, which the Treasury Department implemented by issuing a general license for such travel as it existed prior to the Bush Administration's tightening of family travel restrictions in June 2004. The second provision eased travel restrictions related to the marketing and sale of agricultural and medical goods to Cuba, and required the Treasury Department to issue a general license for such travel. In April 2009, President Barack Obama announced that his Administration would go further and allow unlimited family travel and remittances. Regulations implementing these changes were issued in September 2009. The new regulations also included the authorization of general licenses for travel transactions for telecommunications-related sales and for attendance at professional meetings for commercial telecommunications transactions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2010-04-16
• Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [May 7, 2013]

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  "Restrictions on travel to Cuba have been a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate Cuba's communist government since the early 1960s. Under the George W. Bush Administration, restrictions on travel and on private remittances to Cuba were tightened. In March 2003, the Administration eliminated travel for people-to-people educational exchanges unrelated to academic coursework. In June 2004, the Administration further restricted family and educational travel, eliminated the category of fully-hosted travel, and restricted remittances so that they could only be sent to the remitter's immediate family. Initially there was mixed reaction to the Administration's June 2004 tightening of Cuba travel and remittance restrictions, but opposition to the policy grew, especially within the Cuban American community regarding the restrictions on family travel and remittances."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2013-05-07
• Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated March 19, 2020]

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  From the Document: "Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the government. [...] President Trump unveiled a new policy toward Cuba in 2017, introducing new sanctions and rolling back some of the Obama Administration's efforts to normalize relations. By 2019, the Trump Administration had largely abandoned engagement by increasing economic sanctions significantly to pressure the Cuban government on its human rights record and its support for the regime of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. It took actions to allow lawsuits against those trafficking in property confiscated by the Cuban government and tightened restrictions on travel to Cuba, including terminating cruise ship travel from the United States and U.S. flights to Cuban cities other than Havana."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2020-03-19
• Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated August 19, 2020]

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  From the Document: "Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the government. In 2014, the Obama Administration initiated a policy shift moving away from sanctions toward engagement and the normalization of relations.Changes included the rescission of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of international terrorism (May 2015); the restoration of diplomatic relations (July 2015); and an easing of restrictions on travel, remittances, trade, telecommunications, and banking and financial services (2015 and 2016, accomplished through amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, administered by the Treasury Department, and the Export Administration Regulations, administered by the Commerce Department). The restoration of relations led to increased government-to-government engagement, with over 20 bilateral agreements and numerous bilateral dialogues."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2020-08-19
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated August 14, 2020]

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  From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean, a region with strong congressional interest because of deep U.S. linkages."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Taft-Morales, Maureen; Seelke, Clare Ribando; Meyer, Peter J. . . .

  2020-08-14
• Guyana: An Overview [Updated August 12, 2020]

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  From the Document: "Located on the north coast of South America, English-speaking Guyana has characteristics of a Caribbean nation because of its British colonial heritage (the country became independent in 1966). Guyana participates in Caribbean regional organizations, and its capital Georgetown serves as headquarters for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a regional integration organization."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2020-08-12
• Cuba: U.S. Restrictions on Travel and Remittances [Updated August 25, 2020]

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  From the Summary: "Restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba have constituted a key and often contentious component in U.S. efforts to isolate Cuba's communist government since the early 1960s. Such restrictions are largely part of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR), the overall embargo regulations administered by the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), as well as certain parts of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), administered by the Department of Commerce. Various Administrations have eased and tightened these restrictions over the years as U.S. policy toward Cuba has changed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2020-08-25
• Cuba: Issues for the 114th Congress [November 25, 2015]

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  "Political and economic developments in Cuba and U.S. policy toward the island nation, located just 90 miles from the United States, have been significant congressional concerns for many years. Especially since the end of the Cold War, Congress has played an active role in shaping U.S. policy toward Cuba, first with the enactment of the Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) of 1992 (P.L. 102-484, Title XVII) and then with the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-114). Both measures strengthened U.S. economic sanctions on Cuba that had first been imposed in the early 1960s but also provided roadmaps for a normalization of relations dependent upon significant political and economic changes in Cuba. A decade ago, Congress partially modified its sanctions-based policy toward Cuba when it enacted the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 or TSRA (P.L. 106-387, Title IX) allowing for U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba. […] This report is divided into three major sections analyzing Cuba's political and economic environment, U.S. policy, and selected issues in U.S.-Cuban relations. While legislative initiatives are noted throughout the report, a final section of the report provides a listing of bills and resolutions introduced in the 114th Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2015-11-25
• Cuba: Issues for the 114th Congress [June 25, 2015]

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  "Cuba remains a one-party communist state with a poor record on human rights. The country's political succession in 2006 from the long-ruling Fidel Castro to his brother Raúl was characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. In 2013, Raúl began his second and final five- year term, which is scheduled to end in February 2018, when he would be 86 years old. Castro has implemented a number of market-oriented economic policy changes over the past several years. A 2011 party congress laid out numerous economic goals that, if implemented, could significantly alter Cuba's state-dominated economic model. Few observers, however, expect the government to ease its tight control over the political system. While the government has released most long-term political prisoners, short-term detentions and harassment have increased significantly over the past several years, reflecting a change of tactics in repressing dissent."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2015-06-25
• Cuba: Issues for the 114th Congress [June 12, 2015]

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  "Cuba remains a one-party communist state with a poor record on human rights. The country's political succession in 2006 from the long-ruling Fidel Castro to his brother Raúl was characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. In 2013, Raúl began his second and final five-year term, which is scheduled to end in February 2018, when he would be 86 years old. Castro has implemented a number of market-oriented economic policy changes over the past several years. A 2011 party congress laid out numerous economic goals that, if implemented, could significantly alter Cuba's state-dominated economic model. Few observers, however, expect the government to ease its tight control over the political system. While the government has released most long-term political prisoners, short-term detentions and harassment have increased significantly over the past several years, reflecting a change of tactics in repressing dissent. […] The Obama Administration's shift in Cuba policy has spurred strong interest in Congress. Some Members lauded the initiative as in the best interest of the United States and a better way to support change in Cuba, while others criticized the President for not obtaining more concessions from Cuba to advance human rights."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2015-06-12
• Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated June 5, 2020]

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  From the Document: "U.S. interests in Latin America and the Caribbean are diverse and include economic, political, security, and humanitarian concerns. Geographic proximity has ensured strong economic linkages between the United States and the region, and the United States is a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many Latin American and Caribbean countries. Free-trade agreements (FTAs) have augmented U.S. economic relations with 11 countries in the region. The Western Hemisphere is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; geographic proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration trends."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2020-06-05
• China's Engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean [Updated June 1, 2020]

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  From the Document: "As the People's Republic of China (PRC) has increased its engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean over nearly 20 years, U.S. policymakers have raised questions regarding potential implications for U.S. interests in the region. China's engagement with the region has grown significantly since 2001, particularly in terms of diplomatic and economic ties. This growth reflects China's increasing global 'soft power' efforts worldwide. A succession of Chinese leaders and other officials have visited the region to court governments. In turn, regional leaders and officials have been frequent visitors to China. The PRC has signed a variety of bilateral partnership agreements with several countries in the region, including 'strategic partnerships' with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Sullivan, Mark P.

  2020-06-01
• Guyana: An Overview [Updated May 21, 2020]

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  From the Document: "Located on the north coast of South America, English-speaking Guyana has characteristics of a Caribbean nation because of its British colonial heritage (the country achieved independence from Britain in 1966). Guyana participates in Caribbean regional organizations and forums, and its capital of Georgetown serves as headquarters for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a regional integration organization. Guyana currently is facing two enormous challenges--a political crisis concerning the conduct of the March 2, 2020, elections, and a public health threat due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2020-05-21
• Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy and Issues in the 116th Congress [Updated May 21, 2020]

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  From the Document: "The United States maintains strong linkages with neighboring Latin America and the Caribbean based on geographic proximity and diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than four decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing, with current focus on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Overall, the region has made significant advances over the past four decades in terms of both political and economic development, but notable challenges remain and some countries have experienced major setbacks, most prominently Venezuela. Most significantly in 2020, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects in the region and is currently surging in infections and deaths in some countries."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; DeBruyne, Nese F. . . .

  2020-05-21
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [June 19, 2020]

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  From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean, a region with strong congressional interest because of deep U.S. linkages. As of June 18, 2020, the region has 1.8 million confirmed cases and over 86,000 deaths, with some countries experiencing a surge in deaths. Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile have the highest numbers of deaths in the region, and Brazil now has the highest number of deaths worldwide after the United States. The rankings change in terms of per capita deaths--Ecuador has the highest number of recorded deaths per capita, followed by Peru, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .

  2020-06-19
• The Bahamas: An Overview [Updated June 17, 2020]

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  From the Document: "The Bahamas, a Caribbean nation of some 700 islands off the southeast coast of the United States, has been a stable parliamentary democracy since its independence from the United Kingdom (UK) in 1973. The country's bicameral legislature has a 39-seat House of Assembly directly elected for five-year terms and a 16-member appointed Senate."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2020-06-17
• Guyana: An Overview [Updated July 13, 2020]

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  From the Document: "Located on the north coast of South America, English-speaking Guyana has characteristics of a Caribbean nation because of its British colonial heritage (the country became independent in 1966). Guyana participates in Caribbean regional organizations, and its capital Georgetown serves as headquarters for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a regional integration organization."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2020-07-13
• Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated July 1, 2020]

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  From the Document: "U.S. interests in Latin America and the Caribbean are diverse and include economic, political, security, and humanitarian concerns. Geographic proximity has ensured strong economic linkages between the United States and the region, with the United States a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many countries. Free-trade agreements (FTAs) have augmented U.S. economic relations with 11 countries in the region. The Western Hemisphere is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; with proximity and economic and security conditions the major factors driving migration trends."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.

  2020-07-01
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Impact of COVID-19 [Updated July 10, 2020]

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  From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having widespread economic, social, and political effects on Latin America and the Caribbean, a region with strong congressional interest because of deep U.S. linkages. As of July 10, 2020, the region had almost 3.2 million confirmed cases and over 138,000 deaths, with deaths surging in several countries. Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Ecuador have the highest numbers of deaths in the region, and Brazil has the highest number worldwide after the United States."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; Meyer, Peter J. . . .

  2020-07-10