Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas

The Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas, or ALBA, is a regional political and economic alliance of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. It was founded in 2004 by Cuba and Venezuela to promote regional cooperation and economic integration between the member states. The name ALBA comes from the first name of South American liberator Simon Bolivar, who fought for the freedom of the Latin American countries from Spanish colonial rule. ALBA works to build a better future for the people of Latin America and the Caribbean by helping to create economic opportunity, providing support for the poor and vulnerable, fighting climate change, promoting gender equality, and protecting human rights. Its members also work together to create a cooperative and inclusive regional economic system, which allows them to benefit from trade and investment with each other.