Countries of South and Latin America. Why is Latin America called "Latin" because they don't speak Latin?

Territory, borders, position.

Latin America is the name given to the region of the Western Hemisphere located between the United States and Antarctica. It includes Mexico, Central and South America, and the island states of the Caribbean (or West Indies). Most of the population of Latin America speaks Spanish and Portuguese (Brazil), which belong to the group of Romance or Latin languages. Hence the name of the region - Latin America.

All Latin American countries are former colonies of European countries (mainly Spain and Portugal).

The area of ​​the region is 21 million square meters. km, population - 500 million people.

All Latin American countries, with the exception of Bolivia and Paraguay, either have access to oceans and seas (Atlantic and Pacific oceans), or are islands. The EGP of Latin America is also determined by the fact that it is located in relative proximity to the United States, but at a distance from other large regions.

Political map of the region.

Within Latin America there are 33 sovereign states and several dependent territories. All independent countries are either republics or states within the British-led Commonwealth (Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Grenada, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago , Jamaica). Unitary states predominate. The exception is Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, Argentina, which have a federal form of administrative-territorial structure.

Note:

Form of government (state system): KM – constitutional monarchy;

Form of territorial structure: U – unitary state; F – federation;

The countries of the region are very diverse in area. They can be divided into 4 groups:

very large (Brazil);

large and medium-sized (Mexico and most South American countries);

relatively small (Central American countries and Cuba);

very small (West Indies islands).

All Latin American countries are developing countries. In terms of the pace and achieved level of economic development, they occupy an intermediate position in the developing world - they are superior in this regard to the developing countries of Africa and inferior to the countries of Asia. The greatest successes in economic development have been achieved by Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, which are part of the group of key countries in the developing world. They account for 2/3 of Latin America's industrial production and the same amount of regional GDP. The most developed countries in the region also include Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru. Haiti belongs to the subgroup of least developed countries.

Within their region, Latin American countries have created several economic integration groups, the largest of which is the South American Common Market consisting of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay (MERCOSUR), concentrating 45% of the population, 50% of total GDP and 33% of Latin America's foreign trade.

Population of Latin America

Exceptionally complex ethnic sos tav population of Latin America. It was formed under the influence of three components:

1. Indian tribes and peoples that inhabited the territory before the arrival of the colonists (Aztecs and Mayans in Mexico, Incas in the Central Andes, etc.). The indigenous Indian population today is about 15%.

2. European settlers, primarily from Spain and Portugal (Creoles). Whites in the region currently make up about 25%.

3. Africans are slaves. Today, blacks in Latin America make up about 10%.

About half of the population of Latin America are descendants of mixed marriages: mestizo, mulatto. Therefore, almost all Latin American nations have a complex ethnic background. In Mexico and the countries of Central America, mestizos mainly predominate, in Haiti, Jamaica, the Lesser Antilles - blacks, in most Andean countries Indians or mestizos predominate, in Uruguay, Chile and Costa Rica - Spanish-speaking creoles, in Brazil half are “white”, and half are blacks and mulattoes.

The colonization of America had a significant impact on the formation religious composition region. The vast majority of Latin Americans profess Catholicism, which for a long time was propagated as the only official religion.

The distribution of the population of Latin America is characterized by three main features:

1. Latin America is one of the least populated regions of the world. The average population density is only 25 people per 1 sq. km.

2. The uneven distribution of the population is much more pronounced than in other regions. Along with densely populated areas (the island states of the Caribbean, the Atlantic coast of Brazil, most metropolitan areas, etc.), vast areas are almost deserted.

3. In no other region of the world has the population mastered the plateau to such an extent and does not rise so high into the mountains.

By indicators urbanization Latin America resembles economically developed countries rather than developing countries, although the pace has slowed recently. The majority (76%) of the population is concentrated in cities. At the same time, there is an increasing concentration of the population in large cities, the number of which has exceeded 200, and in “millionaire” cities (there are about 40 of them). A special Latin American type of city has developed here, bearing some of the characteristics of European cities (the presence of a central square on which the town hall, cathedral, and administrative buildings are located). Streets usually diverge from the square at right angles, forming a “chessboard grid”. In recent decades, modern buildings have superimposed on such a grid.

In recent decades, Latin America has seen an active process of formation urban agglomerations. Four of them are among the largest in the world: Greater Mexico City (1/5 of the country's population), Greater Buenos Aires (1/3 of the country's population), Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro.

Latin America is also characterized by “false urbanization.” Sometimes up to 50% of the city's population live in slum areas (“poverty belts”).

Natural resource potential of Latin America.

The region's natural resources are rich and varied, favorable for both agriculture and industrial development.

Latin America is rich in mineral raw materials: it accounts for about 18% of oil reserves, 30% of ferrous and alloying metals, 25% of non-ferrous metals, 55% of rare and trace elements.

Geography of mineral resources in Latin America

The wealth and diversity of Latin America's mineral resources can be explained by the peculiarities of the geological structure of the territory. Deposits of ferrous, non-ferrous and rare metal ores are associated with the crystalline basement of the South American platform and the folded belt of the Cordillera and Andes. Oil and natural gas deposits are associated with marginal and intermountain troughs.

Latin America ranks first among large regions of the world in terms of water resources. The Amazon, Orinoco, and Parana rivers are among the largest in the world.

The enormous wealth of Latin America is its forests, which occupy more than 1/2 of the territory of this region.

The natural conditions of Latin America are generally favorable for the development of agriculture. Most of its territory is occupied by lowlands (La Plata, Amazonian and Orinoco) and plateaus (Guiana, Brazilian, Patagonian plateau), suitable for agricultural use. Due to its geographic location (almost the entire region is located in tropical and subtropical latitudes), Latin America receives a large amount of heat and sunlight. Areas with a sharp lack of moisture occupy a relatively small territory (southern Argentina, northern Chile, the Pacific coast of Peru, the northern regions of the Mexican Highlands); the predominant red-brown, chernozem, black and brown soils, combined with an abundance of heat and moisture, are capable of producing high yields of many valuable tropical and subtropical crops.

Vast areas of savannas and subtropical steppes (Argentina, Uruguay) can be used for pasture land. The main difficulties for agricultural activity are created by significant forest cover and swampiness of low-lying areas (especially the Amazonian lowland).

General characteristics of the Latin American economy.

Lagging behind Asia and Africa in terms of territory and population, Latin America is ahead in terms of industrialization of production. Unlike these regions of the world, the leading role in the economy here has recently shifted to the manufacturing industry. Both basic manufacturing industries (ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, oil refining) and avant-garde industries (electronics, electrical engineering, automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, aircraft manufacturing, machine tool manufacturing) are developing here.

However, the mining industry continues to play a significant role in the economy. In the structure of product costs, 80% comes from fuel (mainly oil and gas) and about 20% from mining raw materials.

Latin America is one of the oldest oil and gas producing regions in the world. In terms of production and export of oil and natural gas, Mexico, Venezuela and Ecuador stand out.

Latin America is a prominent global producer and exporter of non-ferrous metal ores: bauxite (Brazil, Jamaica, Suriname, Guyana stand out), copper (Chile, Peru, Mexico), lead-zinc (Peru, Mexico), tin (Bolivia) and mercury (Mexico) ore

Latin American countries are also of great importance in the world production and export of iron and manganese (Brazil, Venezuela), uranium (Brazil, Argentina) ores, native sulfur (Mexico), potassium and sodium nitrate (Chile).

The main manufacturing industries - mechanical engineering and the chemical industry - are essentially developed in three countries - Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. The Big Three account for 4/5 of the manufacturing industry. Most other countries do not have mechanical engineering and chemical industries.

Specialization in mechanical engineering - automotive, shipbuilding, aircraft manufacturing, production of electrical household appliances and machines (sewing and washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners), etc. The main directions of the chemical industry are petrochemicals, pharmaceutical and perfume industries.

The oil refining industry is represented by its enterprises in all oil-producing countries (Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador, etc.). The world's largest (in terms of capacity) oil refineries were created on the islands of the Caribbean Sea (Virginia, Bahamas, Curacao, Trinidad, Aruba, etc.).

Non-ferrous and ferrous metallurgy is developing in close contact with the mining industry. Copper smelting enterprises are located in Mexico, Peru, Chile, lead and zinc - in Mexico and Peru, tin - in Bolivia, aluminum - in Brazil, steel - in Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico and Argentina.

The role of the textile and food industries is great. The leading branches of the textile industry are the production of cotton (Brazil), wool (Argentina and Uruguay) and synthetic (Mexico) fabrics, food - sugar, fruit canning, meat and cold processing, fish processing. The largest producer of cane sugar in the region and in the world is Brazil.

Agriculture The region is represented by two completely different sectors:

The first sector is a highly commercial, predominantly plantation economy, which in many countries has acquired the character of a monoculture: (bananas - Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, Panama; sugar - Cuba, etc.).

The second sector is consumer small-scale agriculture, not at all affected by the “green revolution”

The leading branch of agriculture in Latin America is crop production. The exception is Argentina and Uruguay, where the main industry is livestock farming. Currently, crop production in Latin America is characterized by monoculture (3/4 of the cost of all products falls on 10 products).

The leading role is played by grains, which are widespread in subtropical countries (Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Mexico). The main grain crops of Latin America are wheat, rice, and corn. The largest producer and exporter of wheat and corn in the region is Argentina.

The main producers and exporters of cotton are Brazil, Paraguay, Mexico, sugar cane - Brazil, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, coffee - Brazil and Colombia, cocoa beans - Brazil, Ecuador, Dominican Republic.

The leading branches of livestock farming are cattle breeding (mainly for meat), sheep breeding (wool and meat and wool), and pig breeding. In terms of the size of the number of cattle and sheep, Argentina and Uruguay stand out, while pigs - Brazil and Mexico.

Llamas are bred in the mountainous regions of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. Fishing is of global importance (Chile and Peru stand out).

Transport.

Latin America accounts for 10% of the world's railway network, 7% of roads, 33% of inland waterways, 4% of air passenger traffic, 8% of the world's merchant fleet tonnage.

A decisive role in domestic transportation belongs to motor transport, which began to actively develop only in the 60s of the 20th century. The most important highways are the Pan-American and Trans-Amazonian highways.

The share of railway transport, despite the large length of railways, is declining. The technical equipment of this type of transport remains low. Many obsolete railway lines are being closed.

Water transport is most developed in Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Uruguay.

In external transportation, sea transport predominates. 2/5 of maritime transport occurs in Brazil.

Recently, as a result of the development of the oil refining industry, pipeline transport has been rapidly developing in the region.

The territorial structure of the economy of Latin American countries largely retains colonial features. The "economic capital" (usually a seaport) typically forms the main focus of the entire territory. Many areas with specialization in the extraction of mineral raw materials and fuel, or plantation farming, are located in the interior of the territory. The railway network, which has a tree structure, connects these areas with the “growth point” (the seaport). The rest of the territory remains underdeveloped.

Many countries in the region are implementing regional policies aimed at mitigating territorial imbalances. For example, in Mexico there is a shift of productive forces north to the US border, in Venezuela - to the east, to the rich resource region of Guayana, in Brazil - to the West, to the Amazon, in Argentina - to the south, to Patagonia.

Subregions of Latin America

Latin America is divided into several subregions:

1. Middle America includes Mexico, Central America and the West Indies. The countries of this region have great differences in economic terms. On the one hand, there is Mexico, whose economy is based on oil production and refining, and on the other, the countries of Central America and the West Indies, known for the development of plantation farming.

2. Andean countries (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile). For these countries, the mining industry is of particular importance. In agricultural production, the region is characterized by the cultivation of coffee, sugar cane and cotton.

3. Countries of the La Plata Basin (Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina). This region is characterized by internal differences in the economic development of countries. Argentina is the most developed country with a developed manufacturing industry, while Uruguay and especially Paraguay lag behind in development and are characterized by an agricultural economy.

4. Countries such as Guiana, Suriname, Guyana . The economies of Guyana and Suriname are based on the bauxite mining and alumina industries. Agriculture does not meet the needs of these countries. The main agricultural crops are rice, bananas, sugar cane, and citrus fruits. Guiana is an economically backward agricultural country. Its economy is based on agriculture and the meat processing industry. The main crop is sugar cane. Fishery (shrimp fishing) is developed.

5. Brazil - a separate subregion of Latin America. This is one of the largest countries in the world in terms of territory. It ranks fifth in terms of population (155 million people). Brazil is one of the key countries in the developing world, its leader. The country has large mineral reserves (50 types of mineral raw materials), forest and agro-climatic resources.

In Brazilian industry, a significant role is played by mechanical engineering, petrochemicals, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy. The country stands out for its large-scale production of cars, airplanes, ships, mini and microcomputers, fertilizers, synthetic fibers, rubber, plastics, explosives, cotton fabrics, shoes, etc.

Important positions in industry are occupied by foreign capital, which controls most of the country's production.

Brazil's main trading partners are the USA, Japan, Great Britain, Switzerland and Argentina.

Brazil is a country with a pronounced oceanic type of economic location (90% of its population and production are located in a strip of 300-500 km on the Atlantic coast).

Brazil occupies a leading position in the production of agricultural products. The main branch of agriculture is crop production, which has an export orientation. More than 30% of the sown area is devoted to five main crops: coffee, cocoa beans, cotton, sugar cane, and soybeans. Corn, rice, and wheat are grown from grain crops, which are used to satisfy the country’s internal needs (in addition, up to 60% of wheat is imported).

Livestock farming has a predominantly meat profile (Brazil accounts for 10% of global beef trade).

Latin America is a large region. It includes part of the countries of North America, most of the countries of Central and South America. Its borders extend from the United States in the north to Antarctica in the south. The area is about 12 million kilometers, washed by the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

Geography and states

The name “America Latina” was introduced into use in the 19th century by Emperor Napoleon III, who united the list of countries where Romance (Latin) languages ​​are spoken. Spanish and Portuguese are widely used in these countries. In all these territories, Spanish is the official language, with the exception of Brazil, where Portuguese is the official language.

Looking at the map of Latin America, you will notice that the largest number of countries are located in Central America. These are small states located along the Panama Canal. The largest countries are in the Atlantic region, such as Brazil and Argentina.

Initially, all these territories were inhabited by Indians who lived in a primitive system. After the conquest of America by the Spaniards and Portuguese, the indigenous population was gradually displaced, exterminated and driven into inaccessible places. But unlike North America, the Indians of the southern hemisphere for the most part survived, many tribes assimilated with emigrants from Europe. Since the Spanish language and the Catholic religion were actively propagated by Europeans, Latin American countries are now the largest region professing Catholicism.

Information! The official language is mainly Spanish, but each country uses a different dialect.

The states of this region have diverse economies and political structures. All of them were previously colonies of developed European states, but over the last century almost all have gained independence.

Latin American countries are deservedly very popular among tourists. Here, no one will be indifferent to the breathtaking natural landscapes. These places are mainly visited by travelers who have seen many countries, and it is difficult to surprise them with anything. These are not poor people; they mostly stay in 5* hotels.

Let's look at which countries are part of Latin America.

List of countries and their features

Latin America on the world map occupies 1/7 of our planet in the Western Hemisphere. It consists of 33 independent states with a total population of about 600 million people. The geographical features of these countries are as follows:

• All countries in the region have access to the ocean, except Paraguay and Bolivia;
• Geographical proximity to the USA;
• Distance from other countries of the world;
• According to the form of political government, all countries are republics.

Political map of Latin America in Russian

The largest country in the region is Brazil, the smallest is Suriname. Let's look at the list of Latin American countries and try to briefly describe them. The list of countries is as follows:

1. Antigua and Barbuda is a small country in the Caribbean whose official language is English. The population is less than 100,000 people, the capital is St. John's.
2. Argentina is famous for tango, football and beaches. It is the second largest country in Latin America after Brazil, and its capital is Buenos Aires. It is an economically developed country that is extremely popular among tourists all over the world.
3. Belize is a state in the Caribbean region, a famous offshore zone around the world. The official language is English, the capital is Belmopan, tourism is actively developing.
4. Bolivia is a poor but safe country that is of great interest to travelers.
5. Brazil is a huge country with a population of about 200 million inhabitants. This is a country of carnivals and sunny beaches, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world. The capital is Brasilia, the language is Portuguese. Brazil is the world's leading exporter of coffee and tobacco.
6. Venezuela is a relatively small country in the north of the continent, the population is just over 20 million, the capital is Caracas, the official language is Spanish.
7. Haiti is a very poor country, constantly suffering from natural disasters and coups. Uses several languages ​​- French, Haitian and Creole. The capital is Port-au-Prince.
8. Guatemala, a country with the capital of the same name, attracts tourists with its beautiful nature and volcanoes. The population consists of various Indians and mestizos.
9. Honduras is a Caribbean island united into one state. The capital is the city of Tegucigalpa, the language is Spanish, and is famous for its poverty and crime.
10. The Dominican Republic is a famous beach resort that attracts vacationers all year round. The capital is Santa Domingo, the language is Spanish, the population is about 10 million people.
11. Colombia is a country notorious for producing cocaine. This troubled state nevertheless attracts tourists due to its natural beauty. The capital is Bogota, the population is more than 45 million.
12. Costa Rica is a country located in the central part of America. The capital is San Jose, the official language is Spanish.
13. Cuba is the island of Freedom, famous to all our compatriots. This is a state in the Caribbean with a large number of high-quality hotels. Tourism is very developed here, excellent beaches, the capital is Havana, the population is very small - more than 11 million people.
14. Mexico is a large country famous for its soap operas, ancient architecture and beach resorts. The capital is Mexico City, a real paradise for tourism.
15. Nicaragua is located in Central America, a problematic country, population – 6 million inhabitants, capital – Managua, language – Spanish.
16. Chile is a visa-free mountainous state stretching along the entire continent. The population is more than 17 million people, the capital is Santiago, the official language is Spanish.
17. Panama is a Latin American country located on the isthmus of the same name, the main language is Spanish, the population is about 4 million.
18. Peru is located in the northwestern part of America, the capital is Lima. In addition to Spanish, Aymara and Quechua, the indigenous languages, are used here.
19. El Salvador is a small state that often suffers from all sorts of natural disasters, the population is 6.8 million, the capital is the city of San Salvador.
20. Uruguay is located on the Atlantic coast, a small and safe country for tourists. The capital is Montevideo, the language is Spanish.
21. Puerto Rico is a dependent state of the United States and has a special status. This country is rich in Spanish colonial architecture and attracts tourists with sports competitions.
22. Ecuador is located on both the mainland and the Galapagos Islands. A visa is not required for CIS citizens; the capital is Quito.
23. Saint Barths, Saint Martin, Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana are states that are legally part of France. These are islands with beautiful nature, wide beaches and warm sun.

Interesting! The island of Saint Barth is a reserve for oligarchs from all over the world; with its high prices, this state scares off many ordinary tourists.

As you can see, all Latin American countries have striking features in culture and nature. This continent is rich in natural resources, water and green resources, and has unique historical values.

Rio de Janeiro is one of the largest cities in South America

Major cities and attractions

As elsewhere in the world, in Latin America there is a tendency to move from villages to large cities. People move to cities in order to find work and arrange their lives. Let's look at which cities matter most.

1. Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, a major business center with a population of 17-18 million people. This is a large shopping center of the country, the nightlife is vibrant here, fashion weeks are held, thousands of migrants flock here from other regions of the country.
2. Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and the largest city in Latin America. It is difficult to accurately calculate the population of this metropolis, since there are many growing conglomerate areas adjacent to the center, but this figure is from 18 to 19 million. Most of the population are indigenous Indians, thanks to whom the ancient culture of the pre-Columbian era has been preserved in Mexico City.
3. Rio de Janeiro is a city of carnivals and fun, nightlife and wide beaches. It is the cultural center of a country with a population of 6.5 million people. The main attraction of Rio is the mountain with the statue of Jesus Christ, one of the 7 wonders of the world.
4. Lima is the capital of Peru, population more than 7.6 million, the city is washed by the Pacific Ocean, stands at the foot of the Andes. The bulk of the townspeople are Quechua and Aymara Indians.
5. Bogota is the capital of Colombia, with a population of about 7 million, this city is located at an altitude of 2600 m above sea level. There are large temperature differences here, often reaching -6 degrees, despite the proximity to the equator. Local residents are friendly to tourists, but traveling outside the city is dangerous.
6. Santiago, the Chilean capital, has 5.5 million inhabitants, and this figure is growing steadily. This city is visited before a trip to Easter Island, the Atacama Desert and Patagonia National Parks.
7. Buenos Aires – more than 3 million people, a city of contrasts. This capital of Argentina is simultaneously similar to Paris, London and Barcelona. Here is the most famous Colon Theater, the huge Palermo Forest park, and the famous La Boca district.
8. Caracas is the capital of Venezuela, the population reaches 3.5 million. The city is located in the valley of the Caribbean Andes, interesting places are Bolivar Square with the central cathedral, museums. From Caracas the route to Angel Falls and Roraima Rock begins.
9. Havana is Cuba's fun and diverse capital with a population of 2.5 million. Here time has stood still, this city is recognized as a “patrimony of humanity”; in Havana you can see buildings with a 600-year history next to houses of the 20th century.

In recent decades, this region has been actively developing, and the main emphasis is on tourism. The combination of a warm climate, wide sandy beaches, tropical forests, and historical attractions attracts more and more tourists from all over the world. Latin America is a real treasure trove for travelers.

Is Latin America called Latin America?” After all, in fact, this is part of the South American continent, and the term “Latin” creates associations with Europe and Ancient Rome. We will try to answer all these questions in this article, turning to historical facts and geography.

History of Latin America: Colonization and Conversion

The countries that make up Latin America were created as colonies of European states. Since the 16th century, Spain, Portugal, Great Britain, France and the Netherlands have been actively seizing land. In the middle of the 19th century, the newly formed young states became financially dependent on the United States. Some island countries became colonies of the United States.

From the beginning of the 19th century, wars for independence from the colonialists began. Some of the first countries to gain freedom were Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. Brazil, a former Portuguese colony, managed virtually without bloodshed. The Cuban Revolution of 1959 is widely known. Then the island states gained independence. The modern borders of Latin America were established only in the 40s of the 20th century.

Until the 20th century, the countries of Latin America were called differently: “Indo-America”, “Spanish America”, “Ibo-America”. It would be a big mistake to think that Latin America is geographically and territorially equal to South America. It includes:

• Mexico (country in North America).
• West Indies (islands).
• Mainland South America and its island states.
• Countries located on the isthmus of Central America.

This list includes Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Guiana, Saint Martin, Argentina and other countries. Thus, the name “Latin” cannot be explained geographically. Its origins are related to the colonization of this region by Europeans.

The term “Latin America” itself was established in the 30s. XX century. It was invented by the French Emperor Napoleon III. This is how he decided to name those parts of the continent whose territories were inhabited by immigrants from the Iberian Peninsula and France from the 15th to the 16th centuries.

Today this is the unofficial name of a group of countries, which is firmly entrenched in scientific and public circles.

The very type of colonization of these countries is called “Latin”. The conquerors were speakers of Romance languages, originating from Latin. Therefore, the majority of the inhabitants of this region speak three languages ​​belonging to this group: Spanish, Portuguese or French. This is the main difference between Latin America and North America, which was mastered by the Anglo-Saxons and propagated the English language.

The second reason for the name “Latin America” follows from the first: the implantation of a language foreign to the indigenous peoples took place simultaneously with their conversion to another religion - Catholicism. It is no coincidence that the Spanish conquistadors, when they first landed on the shores of future Spain, celebrated mass first. Catholic services are conducted in Latin, which is perhaps why Catholics in Russia used to be called “Latins.”

Introducing peoples to Christianity was one of the main tasks assigned to Columbus by the king and queen. Several centuries later, Latin America remains a stronghold of the Catholic Church.

Who are Latinos?

The most interesting thing is that Latinos are not all residents of Latin America, as it might seem at first. These are people who speak Spanish and Portuguese and live both in Latin America and in the USA, Great Britain, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Canada and other countries. Latin Americans are usually immigrants. In a number of countries they are disparagingly called Latinos. Their number is 600 million people, but this figure is approximate.

The term "Latin America" ​​is often used to refer to all southern countries of the Americas. In Brazil, this is what the Spanish-speaking countries of their mainland are called. But knowing exactly why Latin America is called Latin, it is no longer possible to make a mistake in naming the group of countries in which Romance languages ​​are spoken.

With all due respect to a number of state and official languages ​​of Latin America, one should not forget that almost every state in this region also has local dialects. They were formed through the active assimilation of immigrant communities into local culture. Moreover, in answer to the question, what is the language in latin america preserved for many centuries, it is necessary to point out the numerous Indian languages ​​and dialects, especially since many of them are of great interest to linguists and ethnographers.

Let us take a look at one of the Latin American languages. This is the unique language of the Zapotec Indians living in what is now Mexico. The uniqueness of the language lies not only in the fact that it has as many as three dialects for the 450 thousand people who use it, but also in the fact that the ancient Zapotec writing has not yet been deciphered. At the same time, even representatives of the nationality themselves cannot give an unambiguous answer to what exactly these or other symbols of the ancient language mean. Today the Zapotecs have switched to the Latin alphabet.

What is the language in Latin America? most and least common among European ones? More than 233 million Latinos speak Spanish. It is state-owned in Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, Chile and other countries of the continent. The least widespread language is French. It is spoken by no more than 250,000 people in Guiana, also an island nation in the Caribbean. Distribution of European Latin American languages shows which states and on what scale colonized the continent over three centuries. Second most widely used among European Latin American languages is Portuguese. However, it is state-owned only in Brazil. However, Brazil's population is quite large, and Portuguese is spoken by more than 190 million people in Latin America.

English is also considered the official language Latin American language such as Guyana and the Falkland Islands. By the way, the Falklands remain the site of a fairly serious political conflict between Argentina and Great Britain. Here, in the early eighties, there was even active fighting between the troops of the British Crown and the Argentine regular army, during which the Argentines suffered a serious defeat.

Another European language in Latin America is Dutch. It is spoken by about half a million people, most of whom live in the state of Suriname.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw strong immigration flows from European countries to Latin America. This left its mark on the development of the language of Latin America. So in Argentina alone, over the past hundred years, a special language has appeared, which is a mixture of Spanish and Italian. This is due to the fact that several million ethnic Italians live in Argentina today, many of whom have assimilated with the local Spanish-speaking population.

The Russian language is not alien to Latin America, because a large number of descendants of immigrants from Russia who fled the horrors of the revolution and civil war live here.

Also see:

The richest culture of Latin America

When it comes to the culture of Latin America, the first thing that comes to mind for residents of other continents are various Indian rituals, the Brazilian carnival, the Argentine rodeo and, of course, football, which can be called a real Latin American religion.

Indigenous peoples of South America

Considering the indigenous population of South America, it is worth noting that the Latin American continent is the region of the planet where Indians are allowed not only to live and develop freely, but also to occupy responsible leadership positions of national importance.

Capturing the edge of the continent of North America, occupying the entire mainland and adjacent islands, this part of the planet was called Latin America in the distant historical past to designate dependent territories of European colonialists. The list of Latin American countries (and their capitals) includes 46 states and independent territories that have much in common in history, culture and economics.

Almost all countries in the region have access to oceans that wash the territory on all sides. This circumstance contributes to free access to the world trade space - the export of manufactured products and raw materials constitutes the main part of the economy of each state.

In two dimensions

The countries of Latin America on the map are located in the equator zone, which divides the territory geographically into the northern and southern hemispheres. Its proximity to the equator allows it to receive plenty of sunlight and heat, making it possible to harvest tropical fruits and crops year-round throughout Latin America. The region is home to many exported crops.

A combination of exoticism and ancient heritage

Despite the territorial distance from the rest of the world, the entire list of Latin American countries and their capitals are invariably attractive to tourists from all over the globe.

So, a list of Latin American countries with capitals:

• Argentina (Buenos Aires);
• Antigua (St. John's);
• Bahamas (Nassau);
• Barbuda (St. John's);
• Belize (Belmopan);
• Brazil (Brasilia);
• Barbados (Bridgetown);
• Venezuela (Caracas);
• Guyana (Georgetown);
• Haiti (Port-au-Prince);
• Honduras (Tegucigalpa);
• Grenada (St. George's);
• Grenadines (Kingstown);
• Guiana (Cayenne);
• Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo);
• Dominica (Roseau);
• Colombia (Bogota);
• Cuba (Guiana);
• Costa Rico (San Jose);
• Mexico (Mexico City);
• Nicaragua (Managua);
• Nevis (Basseterre);
• Paraguay (Asunzon);
• Panama (Panama);
• Puerto Rico (San San Juan);
• Peru (Lima);
• St. Kitts (Basseterre);
• St Vincent (Kingstown);
• Saint Lucia (Castries);
• Suriname (Parambarino);
• Uruguay (Montevideo);
• Chile (Santiago);
• Ecuador (Quito);
• Jamaica (Kingston).

The evergreen moist forests growing in these countries amaze with their splendor. Among the diversity of the animal world there are representatives of rare breeds found only here: American ostrich, guanaco llama, sloth. The number of species of birds and fish numbers in the thousands.

The fertile climate, unusual black sand beaches, mountain ranges, majestic volcanoes, the power of waterfalls, coffee-scented air, and a riot of greenery attract exotic lovers here at any time of the year. But there is another reason for the attractiveness of these places. The entire list of Latin American countries and their capitals are the focus of distinctive traditions and cultures, archaeological sites, and the remains of colonial architecture.

The birthplace of tango and Maradona

Unlike neighboring countries, Europeanized Argentina has not preserved traces of ancient Indian civilizations on its territory. Her appeal lies elsewhere. Here there are endless steppes, thickets of forests, and mountain peaks; huge metropolises contrast with the colorful settlements of pastoralists in the desert south of the country. Popular rumor says: “If God decided to settle on Earth, He would choose Argentina to realize this desire.”

Argentina, Buenos Aires - these words have been inextricably linked since the economic boom of the capital. Accommodating today more than forty percent of the country's population, Buenos Aires is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This is a city of wide avenues, skyscrapers, elegant embankments, beautiful parks, and spacious squares.

In the minds of football fans around the world, the names Argentina and Buenos Aires have long become a single whole. It is here that you can touch the national tradition of the Argentines, their greatest passion - football.

Another calling card of the country is Argentine tango. Here you can get acquainted with the history of tango and enjoy the mesmerizing, sensual movements of a dancing couple.

An extraordinary holiday country

Another country in South America - Brazil, which occupies the largest part of Latin America by area, a country of advanced technologies and leading positions in the economy, amazes from the first moment, primarily with its exceptional atmosphere.

Contradictory, unique Brazil captivates from the first moment with the brightness of the surrounding world, the red earth, the aroma of flowering plants, the endless expanses and the friendliness of the local population.

The country's natural treasure is the Iguazu Falls, the Fernando de Noronha archipelago - a marine reserve, world-famous beaches, and a gentle warm sea. The mysterious, mysterious jungle of the Amazon, called the main “lungs” of our planet, is invariably attractive - 50% of the Earth’s oxygen is produced by plants growing in its jungle.

The fauna of Brazil is incredibly diverse - more than 600 species of mammals. Among them are rare individuals not found anywhere else: a rodent the size of a dog - a capybara, an anaconda water boa, a tiny marmoset monkey.

The most significant architectural structure in Brazil is the 38-meter-high statue of Christ the Redeemer on the top of Mount Corcovado. The capital of Brasilia is an architectural treasure, with a layout reminiscent of a huge butterfly. Almost every building is a monument in Ouro Preto - the main architectural heritage of Brazil.

Ah, carnival, carnival, carnival

The most colorful, most exciting carnivals in the world are associated with the name of Rio de Janeiro - the magnificent, unforgettable, hospitable metropolis of Brazil, slightly crazy during the carnival days from the abundance of people.

The entire list of Latin American countries and their capitals can boast an abundance of attractive places.

In the heart of the Caribbean

Sandy beaches combined with clear blue water and stunningly beautiful surrounding nature - what could be better for those who want to relax from the hustle and bustle. The island state of Puerto Rico (USA), located in the Caribbean, is a paradise for lovers of relaxation in the lap of nature.

The surfing center provides opportunities for active interaction with the ocean wave. Wave heights in the ocean can reach 15 meters in certain periods of time. The coastal waters of Puerto Rico, recognized as some of the best due to its colorful reefs and clear waters, are an ideal place for diving.

The pristine nature of the islands enhances the feeling of paradise with the diversity of flora and fauna of nature reserves and national parks.

Lovers of antiquity have the opportunity to get in touch with the spirit of ancient times. Many famous historical sites are located in Puerto Rico. One of the popular places is the castle, located in the territory of old San Juan, built in 1589, 50 years after its founding.