Over the last decade, Chile has undertaken remarkable reforms and transferred publicly owned utilities to the private sector either by selling the assets or through concession agreements. Because of the reforms the country has been able to attract private participation in the provision of public...

The objective of this Health Strategy (GN-2321) is to help Latin American and the Caribbean countries improve the health of their populations, attaining national health objectives and tailoring Millennium Development Goals to conditions in each country. The priorities areas of Bank Actions...

The Bank expanded its housing finance activities in the 1990s, shifting its support toward sector reforms that increase the capacity of housing finance and delivery mechanisms to cater to the needs of low-income households. The present publication examines Bank experience in housing, draws...

The search for solutions to urban and social problems prompted by informal settlements is gaining importance in the development agenda of most large cities in Latin America. Nearly 60 percent of the population lives in informal, often centrally located settlements.

La presente estrategia de salud (GN-2321) tiene por objetivo apoyar a los países de América Latina y el Caribe a mejorar la salud de su población, alcanzando los objetivos sanitarios nacionales, incluidos los Objetivos del Milenio. Las áreas de acción prioritarias del Banco incluyen: 1)...

Although science has unlocked the secrets of the human genome, the causes of social and economic development remain stubbornly enigmatic. Why do some countries adopt new technologies more readily than others? Why does income inequality persist in some regions--even in the face of rapid economic...

The present publication traces the history of the Bank's lending for urban development and discusses its approaches to current urban issues. It is intended for specialists and individuals interested in getting acquainted with the evolution of the Bank portfolio.

In High Price for Change, a distinguished economist discusses the impact of Mexico's privatization on government finances, the balance of payments, and the financial market, as well as on employment, profits and productivity.