Latin America

Latin America is a special place made up of many countries in the Americas where people mainly speak Spanish and Portuguese. It is not about exact borders, but about shared culture and language. This means some countries in both North and South America are part of Latin America. For example, Mexico is included, even though it is in North America, while places like Guyana or Jamaica are usually not, because they speak English.

Most countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean are considered part of Latin America. The term usually means all Spanish-speaking countries plus Brazil. There are also other ways to talk about this area, like "Hispanic America" for just Spanish-speaking nations, or "Ibero-America" which includes all countries from Spain and Portugal in the Americas.

The name "Latin America" was first used in 1856 at a meeting in Paris. A Chilean leader named Francisco Bilbao created the term to show the shared history and language of these countries. The name became more well-known in the 1860s when Napoleon III ruled France and wanted to explain why France was involved in the Second Mexican Empire.

Etymology and definitions

Latin America is a region where Spanish or Portuguese is the main language, shared by many countries in the Americas. The idea of Latin America started in the 1830s when a French writer named Michel Chevalier suggested that these areas, speaking Romance languages, could unite with Europe that also used Latin-based languages.

The term "Latin America" was first used in the 1850s by people from Central and South America who were against foreign control, especially from the United States. They wanted their countries to work together to protect themselves. Over time, the term grew to include many places where Spanish or Portuguese is spoken.

Modern definitions

The most common way people think about Latin America today is as the countries in the Americas where Spanish or Portuguese is spoken and Roman Catholic is the main religion. This includes places like Puerto Rico but not areas where English, Dutch, or French is mainly spoken, such as Belize, Guyana, Suriname, and some French areas.

Another way to define Latin America is to include any country in the Americas where a Romance language — Spanish, Portuguese, or French — is mainly spoken. This would add in places like Haiti and French Guiana.

Sometimes, "Latin America" is used to mean all areas in the Americas south of the United States, focusing on shared histories of colonialism rather than just language.

Quebec and Acadia, French-speaking parts of North America, are usually not included in Latin America.

History

Main articles: History of Latin America and Pre-Columbian era

Before Europeans arrived in the late 1400s and early 1500s, many groups of people lived in Latin America. Some of these groups built big cities and had advanced ways of life. Spain and Portugal took control of the area. They brought their own languages and beliefs, like Roman Catholicism, to the people there. They also brought people from Africa to work as laborers.

When Spain and Portugal ruled Latin America, many native people got very sick from new diseases. Some were forced to work very hard, and many lost their lives because of this. The leaders from Spain didn’t always know what was happening in the places they controlled, which caused many problems.

Spanish Golden Age

Main article: Spanish Golden Age

The Spanish Golden Age was a time when Spain had a lot of artists, writers, and smart thinkers. This time started around 1492 and lasted until around 1659. During this time, Spain was very powerful. Many famous artists and writers lived then, like Miguel de Cervantes and Diego Velázquez.

Independence movements

In the early 1800s, many areas in Latin America fought for their freedom from Spain. Brazil also became its own country around this time. Even after they were free, some places still had unfair rules. Leaders started to think more about everyone having a say, not just a few rich people. This helped bring people together to talk about how their countries should be run.

In the 1900s, the United States got involved in some parts of Latin America, and later, the Cold War affected the area too. Some countries had big changes in their governments.

After 2000

In the early 2000s, many countries in Latin America chose leaders who wanted to help poor people more. Some of these leaders were from Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. Later, some of these countries chose leaders who had different ideas.

Some countries had big problems with money and jobs. For example, Venezuela had a lot of trouble. There were also problems with leaders being accused of doing bad things.

The COVID-19 pandemic made things harder for some countries in Latin America. Some leaders used special powers during this time, which made it harder for people to have their normal freedoms.

Geography

Neotropical realm

Main article: Neotropical realm

Most of Latin America is part of the Neotropical realm, one of the eight biogeographic realms of Earth's land. This area is defined by its plants and animals, which are different from those in most of North America. The Neotropic has more tropical rainforests than any other area on Earth. It stretches from southern Mexico through Central America and northern South America to southern Brazil, including the huge Amazon rainforest. These rainforests are very important for protecting many different kinds of plants and animals.

Climate

Main article: Geography of South America

The climate in Latin America is shaped by the position of the equator. Warm sunlight causes air to rise, which brings in more air from surrounding areas. This rising air cools and creates rain. This process also helps move heat and water from the lower atmosphere to higher levels.

The joining of North and South America happened when the land between them rose up, allowing animals and plants to move between the two continents. This happened about 2.7 million years ago and changed the natural world dramatically.

Environment

See also: Environmental history of Latin America

Human activities have changed the environment of Latin America. Farming, new technologies, mining, growing cities, and building dams have all had an impact. Today, many people are working to protect nature, and some important natural places have been recognized for their value by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Brazil, Mexico, and Peru have many of these special natural sites.

Economy

Economic history

Main article: Economic history of Latin America

Before independence from Spain, international trade was regulated by the royal House of Trade based in Seville. Trade between regions was very limited, with merchants in Spain controlling most of the trade. Economic ideas between 1500 and 1700 were mostly based on mercantilism, reflecting early modern Europe before the Industrial Revolution but after the Renaissance.

British traders started to enter the Spanish system in the 1700s, leading the Spanish crown to make changes known as the Bourbon Reforms. These reforms aimed to bring Spanish America under closer control but also allowed more trade between Spanish ports.

At independence in the early 1800s, Spanish America and Brazil had little foreign investment and limited contact with other economic partners. Unlike later companies from the Netherlands, England, and others, the House of Trade collected taxes, approved trade voyages, and kept secrets about trade routes and discoveries.

Size

Agriculture

Main article: Agriculture in Latin America

The strongest agricultural countries in South America are Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia. Brazil leads in producing many crops like sugarcane, soy, coffee, and oranges. Argentina is a top producer of crops such as soy, maize, and sunflower seeds. Chile focuses on high-value fruits like cherries and apples. Colombia is known for coffee, avocados, and palm oil.

In Central America, countries like Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico also stand out in agriculture. Mexico is the world's largest producer of avocados and many other crops.

Mining and petroleum

Mining is very important in countries like Chile, Peru, and Bolivia. These countries produce metals such as gold, silver, and copper. Brazil is a top producer of iron ore and other minerals. Chile is a major producer of copper and other resources. Peru and Mexico also have significant mining industries.

Oil production varies. Brazil and Mexico are among the top oil producers globally. Venezuela's production has decreased in recent years. Argentina and Colombia also have oil and natural gas resources.

Manufacturing

According to the World Bank, Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Chile are among the top manufacturing countries in Latin America. Brazil has a strong industry in food processing, footwear, vehicles, and steel. Mexico excels in industries like food processing and textiles. Argentina and Chile also have diverse manufacturing sectors.

Infrastructure

Transport in Latin America mainly uses roads, with many countries having well-developed highway systems. Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Chile have extensive road networks. Airports are numerous, with Brazil having the second-largest number globally. Major airports include São Paulo, Bogotá, and Mexico City.

Ports are important for trade, with busy ports in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. Railway systems exist but are less developed compared to roads and air travel.

Energy

As of 2023, Latin America gets about 60% of its electricity from renewable energy, which is twice the global average. However, fossil fuels still play a big role, especially in transportation and industry.

Brazil leads in renewable energy, especially hydroelectric power. The country has many large dams that provide most of its electricity. Brazil also produces energy from wind, solar, and biomass.

Mexico is another key player in energy production, with significant oil, natural gas, and renewable energy resources. Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, and Chile also contribute to the region's energy mix.

Tourism

Tourism is very important for many Latin American countries. Mexico is the top destination, receiving millions of visitors each year. Other popular spots include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia. Famous places range from Mexico's Cancún and Chichen Itza to Brazil's Rio de Janeiro and Argentina's Patagonia.

Trade blocs

Major trade groups in Latin America include the Pacific Alliance and Mercosur. Other groups are the G3 Free Trade Agreement, DR-CAFTA, CARICOM, and the Andean Community. China has become a big trading partner for many Latin American countries, increasing its economic influence in the region.

Inequality

Main article: Wealth inequality in Latin America

Wealth inequality in Latin America is a big problem, even though the area has grown economically and improved in many ways. A report from 2013 by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs said that changes in technology and weaker rules for workers have made it harder for ordinary people to earn good wages. The report also pointed out that unequal land distribution creates tension and makes it hard for small farmers to succeed, while big landowners sometimes lack the motivation to improve.

According to the United Nations ECLAC, Latin America is the most unequal area in the world. In 2025, The Economist noted that the tax and welfare systems in Latin America are not very good at reducing inequality.

History of inequality

Main article: Spain in the 17th century

Spanish society in the 17th century was very unequal. The nobility, who were richer, did not have to pay taxes and often did not work, as work was seen as undignified for them. Even wealthy merchants preferred to invest in land and titles rather than in business. Many Spaniards became clergy or spent years in university.

Inequality in Latin America has deep roots in the past, especially from the days of colonial rule. Differences in opportunities and resources among social groups have made it hard for the poorest people to improve their lives. This has led to poverty passing from one generation to the next. Political systems in the area have not always given all groups an equal say, and recent changes in the economy have not helped everyone equally. Factors like background, where people live, and who they are play a big role in these differences.

One way to see inequality is by looking at education. In the past, education was very unequal in Latin America, especially around the end of the 19th century. During the 20th century, however, this started to improve.

Standard of living

Latin America has some of the highest levels of income inequality in the world. The following table shows information about each country in Latin America, including measures of development, income, inequality, poverty, and safety.

Demographics

See also: Demographics of South America, Indigenous peoples of South America, White Latin Americans, Afro-Latin Americans, and Asian Latin Americans

Largest cities

Latin American cities

São Paulo

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Mexico City

Buenos Aires

Santiago

Bogotá

Urban areas grew quickly starting in the middle of the last century, especially in capital cities or important centers in Brazil. In Mexico, cities like Monterrey in Nuevo León grew fast as the country modernized. This is a list of the ten biggest city areas in Latin America, with the largest shown in bold.

Race and ethnicity

Main articles: Ethnic groups in Latin America and Race and ethnicity in Latin America

People in Latin America come from many backgrounds, including Indigenous groups, Europeans, Africans brought during history, and Asians, along with newer immigrants.

When Europeans first arrived, they mixed with local groups, but laws and social rules often favored those with European ancestry. During colonial times, European men often had children with Indigenous and African women, creating mixed heritage groups. Rules tried to organize these mixtures, but over time, many people became mixtures of different groups.

By the time countries gained independence, many rules about race changed, though some places still had rules about slavery. Today, Latin America has many people of mixed backgrounds. Brazil and parts of the Caribbean have many people with African and European roots, while other areas have more European and Indigenous mixtures. Countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile have many people of European descent due to immigrants arriving in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

In the 1900s, some leaders thought Brazil was fair to all races, but research shows that lighter-skinned people often had more opportunities. In Mexico, mixed heritage people were seen as important, but other groups sometimes faced discrimination. Indigenous groups have worked to protect their rights and culture.

The Southern Cone region—Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile—is mostly people with European ancestry because of many immigrants from Europe. Other parts of Latin America, like Mexico and parts of Central and South America, have many people of mixed European and Indigenous backgrounds, along with some with African roots. In the French Caribbean, most people have African ancestry, but this area is not usually counted as part of Latin America. In the 1800s, many Latin American countries invited people from Europe and Asia to move there. After slavery ended in Brazil in 1888, people from Japan came to work on farms. Chinese workers came to Cuba, Mexico, and Peru. Many Germans, Spaniards, and Italians moved to Latin America for better lives.

Language

Spanish is the most spoken language in Latin America, used by about 60% of people. Portuguese is spoken by about 30%, mainly in Brazil. About 10% speak other languages like Quechua, Mayan languages, Guaraní, Aymara, Nahuatl, English, French, Dutch, and Italian. Spanish is the official language in most Latin American countries and in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Portuguese is mainly spoken in Brazil. French is spoken in Haiti and some islands. Dutch is official in Suriname, Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire, though these places also speak Papiamento.

Many Indigenous languages are spoken in countries like Peru, Guatemala, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Mexico. In Peru, Quechua is an official language along with Spanish. In Bolivia, Aymara, Quechua, and Guaraní are official. Guaraní is also official in Paraguay. In Nicaragua, English and some Indigenous languages are official along the coast. Mexico recognizes many Indigenous languages as national languages.

Other languages spoken include English in Puerto Rico and by some groups in other countries, German in parts of Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, Italian in Brazil and Argentina, and languages like Japanese, Korean, and Arabic in various countries. In the Caribbean, many people speak creole languages, like Haitian Creole in Haiti and Papiamento in the Dutch Caribbean islands.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Latin America

Most people in Latin America are Christians, mainly Roman Catholics. About 70% of people consider themselves Catholic. In 2012, Latin America had the second-largest Christian population in the world, after Europe.

A 2014 survey found that 69% of people are Catholic and 19% are Protestant. In Brazil, 26% are Protestant, and in Central America, over 40% are Protestant. Many Protestants are people who changed from Catholicism.

Family structure

Latin America has many children born to parents who are not married, more than anywhere else in the world. In most countries, most children are born to unmarried parents. For example, in Colombia, 74% of children are born to unmarried parents, and in Mexico, it is 55%.

Latin America also has more teen pregnancies than many other places, though fewer than in Africa.

Migration

See also: Latin American diaspora

People from Asia, Europe, and Africa settled in Latin America long ago. After countries became independent, many looked for European immigrants to help their economies and change their populations. Countries like Chile, Argentina, and Brazil invited people from Europe. Mexico tried but did not succeed as much. After slavery ended in Brazil, Japanese people came to work on farms. Chinese workers came to Cuba and Peru.

In the 1900s, people moved to cities for jobs, making cities grow fast. Other people moved because of war or to find better lives. Many Mexicans moved to the U.S. during hard times in Mexico. After World War II, many people from Europe moved to Latin America. After the Cuban Revolution, many Cubans moved to the U.S. During wars in Central America, many people moved to the U.S. As Venezuela faced problems, many moved to Colombia and Ecuador.

Some countries work to keep ties with people who moved away and help them integrate where they live.

Education

Main article: Education in Latin America

Latin America has improved education a lot, but not everyone has the same chances. Almost all children go to primary school, and more go to secondary school now. But problems like bad teaching and crowded classrooms make some children leave school early. Many countries have programs to help children in poor areas go to school, like giving meals.

Even so, about 23 million children between ages 4 and 17 do not go to school regularly. Many of these children are from poor or rural families or are Indigenous. Most children aged 6 to 12 go to primary school, but millions still need to be enrolled, especially in remote areas.

For teens aged 13 to 17, about 80% are in school, but only 66% go on to secondary school. Fewer poor or rural teens continue their education. Only about 70% of young adults aged 18 to 25 stay in school. Many low-income or rural children do not finish nine years of schooling.

Life expectancy

Main article: List of countries in the Americas by life expectancy

List of countries by life expectancy at birth for 2023 according to the World Bank Group.

Public health

Health Development in Latin America

Latin America has improved its healthcare a lot in recent decades, helped by its own policies and work with other countries. Two big helps are:

• The Pan American Health Organization. (This section is an excerpt from Pan American Health Organization). The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is a specialized part of the United Nations (UN) that works on health in the Americas. It helps fight diseases, strengthen health systems, and respond to emergencies.

• Public/Private Initiatives and Partnerships. One example is the Salud Mesoamérica Initiative (SMI). This project looks at health differences and helps improve health systems in Central America, especially for poor women and children.

Water

Crime and violence

Main article: Crime and violence in Latin America

Latin America is often called one of the most dangerous places in the world. From the early 1980s to the mid-1990s, murder rates went up by 50 percent. Between 2000 and 2017, Latin America had over 2.5 million murders. In 2018, Brazil had 63,880 murders.

Young men, especially those aged 15 to 19, are most often victims of murder. In 2015, the countries with the highest murder rates were El Salvador, Honduras, Venezuela, Jamaica, Belize, St. Kitts and Nevis, Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, Guyana, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Grenada, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Panama, Antigua and Barbuda, and Haiti. Brazil had the most murders of any country in the world, with 50,108, which is about one in ten murders worldwide. Crime and violence are a big threat to health in Latin America, causing more harm than diseases like HIV/AIDS.

Countries with the lowest murder rates in 2015 were Chile, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

Culture

Latin American culture is a mix of many influences. It includes traditions from the original people who lived there long ago, as well as from Europeans, Africans, Asians, and people from the United States.

The original people of Latin America had their own ways of life before Europeans arrived. Groups like the Maya, the Aztec, and the Inca created their own governments, religions, and art. Today, we can still see their influence in music, dance, food, crafts, and languages. Words like "pampa," "taco," and "tamale" come from these ancient cultures.

Europeans, mostly from Spain and Portugal, brought their own traditions during the time of colonization. They introduced new languages, religions, and customs. Over time, more people from other European countries like France, Italy, and Germany moved to Latin America, adding to its cultural mix.

Africa also played a big role, especially through the history of people brought over during the slave trade. African traditions continue to influence music, dance, and religion in many Latin American countries.

Asian cultures, mainly from China and Japan, have also added to Latin America’s diversity. This is especially true in places like Brazil, Cuba, and Peru.

Finally, the United States has had a strong effect, particularly in places like Puerto Rico. The building of the Panama Canal is one example of this influence.

Art

See also: List of Latin American artists

Latin American art started with the traditions of the original people. Later, it was shaped by European styles, especially from Spain and Portugal. In the early 1900s, new art movements from Europe began to influence Latin American artists.

One important movement was muralism, where artists painted large pictures on walls. Famous muralists include Diego Rivera from Mexico and Antonio Berni from Argentina.

Frida Kahlo, a well-known Mexican artist, painted about her life and Mexican culture in a mix of different art styles. Other important artists include Armando Reverón from Venezuela and Fernando Botero from Colombia, known for his uniquely styled paintings.

Film

Latin American cinema includes many different types of movies and comes from countries like Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Cuba. After movies started using sound, Latin American films grew in popularity.

Mexican cinema became very famous in the 1940s, with stars like María Félix and Pedro Infante. More recently, directors like Alfonso Cuarón and Alejandro González Iñárritu have achieved great success.

Argentine cinema has also been important, especially after producing the award-winning film The Official Story in 1985. Brazilian cinema developed its own style with the Cinema Novo movement, focusing on storytelling with meaning.

Puerto Rican and Cuban cinema have also made notable contributions, with films that reflect their unique cultures.

Literature

See also: List of Latin American writers

Before Europeans arrived, many cultures in Latin America told stories through spoken word. After colonization, writing became more common, with early explorers sharing their experiences.

In the 19th century, novels began to play a big role in shaping national identities. The 20th century saw the rise of modernismo in poetry and later a literary boom in the 1960s and 1970s. Writers like Gabriel García Márquez became world-famous for their unique styles.

Today, Latin American literature is rich and varied, with authors winning Nobel Prizes and gaining international recognition.

Music and dance

See also: Music of Latin America, Latin pop, and Latin dance

Latin America has produced many famous musicians who have sold millions of records worldwide. Artists like Juan Gabriel from Mexico and Gloria Estefan from Cuba have become global stars.

Different countries have their own musical traditions. For example, the Dominican Republic is known for merengue and bachata, while Argentina is famous for tango. Brazil developed bossa nova, a mix of samba, jazz, and classical music.

Latin American music also includes many folk styles, such as cumbia from Colombia and mariachi from Mexico. Today, genres like Latin pop and reggaeton are very popular.

World Heritage Sites

The following is a list of the ten countries with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Latin America.