Latin America in Transition and Its International Status

There are presently 33 independent countries and 12 regions that have not yet acquired independence in Latin America. They include Mexico, Central America, Caribbean region, and South America. With abundant natural resources, the land covers an area of 20. 7 mil- lion square kilometers, 13. 8% of the world's total land and has a popu- lation of 540 million, over 8. 7% of the world's total. Since the late 18th century and the early 19th century around when the Latin Ameri- can states succes…