The handbook ‘Lateinamerika’ presents basic terms, political, economic, social and legal problems, and topics relating to and challenges faced by Latin America and its heterogeneous national realities. It also regards itself as obligated to area studies by presenting and understanding the aforementioned terms in their regional context. It provides up-to-date information, outlines key concepts and addresses important topics in the debate in and on Latin America. It deals with historical, domestic and foreign policy, economic, social and cultural issues. In seven thematic chapters, it examines the region’s diversity and its involvement in international and cultural dynamics, while also further developing specific issues with examples. Because it addresses a vast array of subjects academically, this handbook is an in-depth work suitable for both academics and students, which also offers all those interested in Latin America a competent insight into this region.