Written in clear, accessible language for undergraduate students and up, this book presents basic background and discussion of contemporary issues in the countries of Latin America, illustrated with many b&w contemporary photos and maps. This fourth edition has been updated to analyze current political, social, and economic developments in the region. The book begins with material on geography and historical context, then provides chapters on politics from the post-independence era through democratization, the historical legacy and contemporary issues of the military, the economies of Latin America from the colonial period through the present, and international relations. Later chapters cover population and urbanization, race and ethnicity, and class and nationalism, in addition to women in politics and the work force, education and development, religion, and Latin American literature. Appendices offer basic political data. The book can be used as a resource in college classrooms, foreign service seminars, and corporate training programs. Hillman is professor emeritus of political scientist at St. John Fisher College. D'Agostino is associate dean for global education at Hobart and William Smith College. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)