9781422283943

I NTRODUCTION S OCIAL P ROGRESS IN S OUTH A MERICA

F rom the subpolar region of Tierra del Fuego in the south, to the vast central basin of the Amazon River drainage, the great highlands of the Andes Mountains in the west, the steamy jungles that span both sides of the equator, and the white Caribbean beaches in the north, South America is a continent of great diversity, abundant natural resources, and stunning beauty. South Americans share a dramatic history of rich civilizations lost to European conquest in the 1500s. They survived the often cruel treatment from their conquerors only to face further violence at the hands of military dictatorships that took control in many countries after winning independence. Today the continent enjoys relative political stability and economic growth, but some countries suffer from uncontrolled crime, violence, and corruption. This volume explores the level of social progress in the 12 countries of South America today. Social progress is a society’s ability to meet the basic human needs of its citizens, create the building blocks that individuals and communities use to improve the quality of their lives, and make it possible for everyone to reach their potential. The book examines bare necessities, such as people’s access to food, water, shelter, and basic medical care; it also considers whether people are safe, receive education, and enjoy personal freedom. It considers as well the political and natural environment.

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S OCIAL P ROGRESS IN S OUTH A MERICA

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