Brasília - The president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, became the first woman to head the government of her country when she took office on March 11. However, in the history of Latin American she is the sixth woman to head a government.

During her official state visit to Brazil, which begins today, Bachelet will receive a Doutora Honoris Causa diploma from the University of Brasilia (UnB). The ceremony will take place this morning at 9:30 am.

Bachelet is a doctor, specializing in surgery, pediatrics and epidemiology. She speaks five languages. She has served as the Chilean minister of Health and the minister of Defense.

Translation: Allen Bennett