Brazil

A few years ago, amid a global recession, Brazil was the darling of the financial markets. But last year, the country barely avoided recession. Prices are soaring, and investors are looking elsewhere.

The 2,000-page document bring to light a history of torture, executions and disappearances during the 1964-1985 military dictatorship. An amnesty law means no one has been punished for their role.

A group of chefs gathered this month in Sao Paolo to talk about how they can help preserve biodiversity. Among their warnings: If we lose food products, we will lose flavors and traditions.

In 2012, 56,337 people were murdered in Brazil. But that figure hides a color-coded truth: Homicide rates are actually way down — if you're white. If you're black? Murder rates are up 40 percent.

Brazil has more law schools the rest of the world combined and more lawyers per capita than the U.S. But there's a huge legal backlog: One department of five judges is now handling 1.6 million cases.

Brazilians head to the polls Sunday in one of the most exciting elections in recent history there. The presidential race pits two women against each other — a first for the South American country.