Latin America is a vast and incredibly diverse region of the world. It spans two continents, North America and South America, and includes 19 sovereign nations and one non-independent territory, Puerto Rico. Most people in the region speak Spanish or Portuguese, although French, English, Dutch and Kreyol are also spoken in parts of the Caribbean, Central and South America. The region's main natural features include the southern cone pampas grasslands, the Andean mountain range, the Amazon rainforest, the forests and volcanoes of Central America and some of the tropical islands of the Caribbean.
Latin America is an incredible place. While it's hard to define, it's easy to enjoy. The extraordinary diversity found within its borders has been the source of so many spectacular social and cultural expressions over the years. You could say that this is also the source of their many contradictions. Before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, Latin America had been populated for millennia by a wide range of indigenous groups, some of which (Aztecs, Maya, Incas) had advanced civilizations.
The Spaniards were the first Europeans to arrive in the Americas, followed soon after by the Portuguese, who colonized Brazil. Landing first in the Caribbean, the Spaniards soon expanded their explorations and conquests to Central America, Mexico and South America. Mexico is the largest source not only of Latin American immigrants, but of all immigrants to the U. S. UU.
Central America is made up of seven countries, six of which are Spanish-speaking. Costa Rica is located between Nicaragua and Panama. It is one of the most stable countries in Central America, mainly because it has been able to capitalize on its rich topography for its ecotourism industry. El Salvador is the smallest but most densely populated country in Central America. Along with Guatemala and Honduras, the country belongs to the evil Northern Triangle, known for its violence and crime, which is largely the result of the civil wars of the 1980s.
The most populous country in Central America, by far, as well as its greatest linguistic diversity, is Guatemala, known for the richness of its Mayan culture. About 40% of the population speaks an indigenous language as their mother tongue. Honduras borders Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador. It is sadly known as one of the poorest countries in Latin America (66% of people live in poverty) and most violent. The largest country in Central America in terms of area is Nicaragua.
It is also the poorest country in Central America and the second poorest in the region. Panama, the southernmost country in Central America, has historically had a very close relationship with the United States,. South America is home to 12 independent nations, 10 of which speak Spanish or Portuguese. Argentina is the second largest and third most populous country in South America, after Brazil and Colombia. It is also the second largest economy in Latin America. Bolivia is one of the highland countries of South America, known for its mountainous geography.
It has a relatively large indigenous population, specifically speaking Aymara and Quechua. The largest country in South America in terms of population and physical size, Brazil is also one of the most dominant economies in the world. It covers almost half of the land mass of South America and is home to the Amazon rainforest. Known for its prosperity relative to the rest of Latin America, Chile also has a whiter population with a lower proportion of mestizo people than most in the region. Colombia is the second largest nation in South America and the third largest in all of Latin America.
The country is rich in natural resources, in particular oil, nickel, iron ore, natural gas, coal and gold. Although it is a medium-sized country within South America, Ecuador is the continent's most densely populated nation. It is located along Earth's equator. Known for its ancient history and its Inca empire, Peru is fourth most populous country in South America and fifth in Latin America. It is known for its mountainous topography and its relatively large indigenous population.
Uruguay is third smallest country in South America and like neighboring Argentina it has a population mostly European descent (88%).With long coastline on northern border South America Venezuela has lot common culturally with its Caribbean neighbors. It birthplace liberator South America Simon Bolivar. Last Spanish colony gain independence Cuba largest most populous nation Caribbean. Like Dominican Republic Puerto Rico indigenous population virtually eliminated Cuba main type racial mixture between Africans Europeans. Small island Puerto Rico commonwealth U.
Since 1917 Puerto Ricans granted U. Citizens but have no right vote presidential elections. Latin America huge melting pot different cultures. Indigenous African European peoples make bulk this culture. As result mixture religions such Santeria have been created Cuba Candomble Brazil.
These religions have African roots but they also contain elements European Catholicism. Another example mixing can be found music son Mexicana. Term “son” given category Mexican folk music that encompasses variety styles that vary region. However these styles share series common characteristics their rhythms lyrics...
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