Plasma physics in Latin America

The status of plasma physics in Latin America is reviewed. The review surveys the history and present situation of the regional activities in high-temperature plasma research, plasma astrophysics, and technological applications of plasma physics. In particular, it presents data on the trends of evolution of scientific staff, annual operating budget, and publication rate for the major Latin American plasma groups during the decade 1983-1992. On this basis, the prospects for further growth and the potential for regional contribution to the mainstream of international plasma research and development are discussed