Variety, the spice of life

This issue is packed with a wide-ranging selection of topics for your reading enjoyment, one particular focus ­being South America, where even the current global economic and financial crisis has proven unable to reverse the pronounced upward trend, with overall growth of 3 to 4 % predicted for 2012. The differences between the various countries of the continent nonetheless remain significant, as is shown by their divergent economic growth rates and per capita cement consumption (see the article starting on Page 48) - potentials and risks keep close company in South America. Brazil, with its population of nearly 200 million, is already one of the world’s largest cement producing nations, however, and major upcoming international events, such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games, will make a further important contribution to the country’s continued positive development.