Introduction

Latin America is not a single, homogeneous region. Until the 1930s Latin America governments were often feudal and medieval in their thinking, but then education increased; literacy expanded; and radio and television brought new ideas to even the most isolated areas. Latin America’s economies are now more diversified and most are no longer dependent on one export crop. The economies are larger, more complex, and more integrated into world markets. Globalization has come to Latin America. Culturally the values of Latin Americans, especially of young people, are becoming like those everywhere else. The pandemic affected the Latin American countries differently, not only in severity but also in government policies.