MADISON, Wis. — With the World Cup being held in Brazil, the world’s focus is now on South America. South America is a place with incredible biodiversity and roots in indigenous and European cultures. The continent is made up of second world powers that are starting to take their place on the world stage. Here is a list of the current presidents in South America:
Brazil — Dilma Rousseff
Rousseff assumed office on January 1, 2011 and is the first female president of Brazil.
Photo: Wikimedia
Colombia — Juan Manuel Santos
Juan Manuela Santos took office on August 7, 2010. He has a background as an economist and journalist.
Photo: The Panama Digest
Argentina — Cristinia Fernandez de Kirchner
Fernandez is the widow of former Argentinian President Nestor Kirchner. She assumed office on December 10, 2007.
Photo: Wikimedia
Peru — Ollanta Humala
Humala was a former army officer before he took office on July 28, 2011.
Photo: La republica
Venezuela — Nicolas Maduro
Maduro succeeded former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Maduro took office after Chavez’s death on April 19, 2013.
Photo: Alba Ciudad
Chile — Michelle Bachelet
Bachelet has served two different terms as Chilean President. Her first term was from 2006-2010 where she was the first female Chilean President. She is currently serving a second term which began March 11, 2014.
Photo: Kennedy Live
Ecuador — Rafael Correa
Correa has received mixed reviews since becoming Ecuador’s president on January 15, 2007. On the one hand, he has reduced much of Ecuador’s poverty. On the other, he is accused of curtailing freedom of speech.
Photo: Wikimedia
Bolivia — Evo Morales
Morales took office on January 22, 2006. He is Bolivia’s first indigenous president.
Photo: Conscious Life News
Paraguay — Horacio Cartes
Before becoming president on August 15, 2013, Cartes was famous for being a successful businessman, owning conglomerates famous for producing tobacco, meat products and soft drinks.
Photo: Wikimedia
Uruguay — Jose Mujica
A former guerilla fighter, Mujica is president of Uruguay as of March 1, 2010.
Photo: Wikimedia
Guyana — Donald Ramotar
Guyana is considered a Caribbean country, even though it is one of the few Caribbean countries that is not an island. Ramotar has been its president since December 3, 2011.
Photo: Carribean Elections
Suriname — Desi Bouterse
Desi Bouterse has run Suriname under his dictatorship since August 12, 2010. He is accused of drug trafficking and many human rights violations.
Photo: Wikimedia
– Sarah Dalgleish
Article Source: Congressional Research Service
Featured Photo: Journeys of Distinction