A United Nations report into poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean says Chile is probably the best model for other countries to follow to raise their living standards.

It says Chile's economic reforms, which were started under the military dictatorship of General Pinochet, have created more jobs: nearly ten years ago about half the population there was considered poor, and now it's just a quarter of the population.

The report says poverty, which is still rife throughout Latin American, could increase sharply over the next few years.

While it offers few solutions, the report urges governments to take measures to reduce inequality.