Youthful populations and rapid population growth are common in this region. Poverty strongly affects young people, as does social inequality, illiteracy, and racial discrimination. These nations do little research on juvenile delinquency. Most is conducted in Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela. The research varies greatly in quantity and quality. Causation is emphasized. Current research also focuses on developing profiles of juvenile offenders, examining social responses to crime, and identifying precriminal behavior. Most studies are descriptive and use statistical analysis. Universities and their research institutes conduct most of the research. Lack of funding hampers research. Among the topics that most urgently need research attention are the range and types of delinquency, the functioning of the juvenile justice system, new forms of treatment, and issues related to crime and development. Comparative studies conducted with the collaboration and cooperation of the United Nations institutes would also be useful. Notes and 50 references.