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Where did Latin America come from. Latin America

Each of us knows that the navigator Christopher Columbus at the end of the XV century opened a new continent - South America. Where did this name come from? Moreover, why is Latin America called Latin? This question is, it turns out, not so easy to answer. We will deal with them more in the article.

Why "America"?

Before answering the question why Latin America is called Latin, let's deal with why the new continent was named after America.

In 1492, the leg of Christopher Columbus stepped on a new land. The navigator believed that he opened a new path in the West to India, so in honor of him and was not called a great discovery. A few years later, the Italian merchant and researcher Amerigo Vespucci went to the new land. After completing a number of observations, he was the first to speak about the new continent all over the world, who had nothing to do with the Asian India. Thanks to this fact, in 1507, the German Cartographer Martin Waldzemueller called the Outdoor Columbus of America, that is, in honor of Amerigo Vespucci. Subsequently, the southern and northern continents began to be called America.

How valid from the point of view of history is the name of the continent? After all, Veszpucci really did not open it, but only guessed that it was not India. A huge merit in the opening of a new world still belongs precisely by Columbus, since he fulfilled the necessary calculations on navigation, was able to organize this journey and move all his commanded with his team. Therefore, in the war for the consolidation and the creation of a single state at the beginning of the XIX century, the warlord and politician Simon Bolivar offered to name the entire South Continent of Colombia.

Why "Latin"?

Answer the question why South America is called Latin, one by one phrase: because most of its countries speak one of the three romance languages \u200b\u200b- Spanish, Portuguese or French. These languages \u200b\u200bdirectly occurred from ancient Rome. Nevertheless, this answer will be unsatisfactory.

First, romance (Latin) are also languages \u200b\u200blike Romanian, Italian and some others. Secondly, Latins are the people of a small region in Italy.

Therefore, fully revealed by the question why Latin America is called Latin, it should be said not only about the generality of language origin, but also about the overall culture of South America countries. This culture unites the heritage of Europeans, Indians and Africans. Moreover, the new history of Latin America (XX century) is also characterized by a significant influx for the continent of immigrants from Arab, Turkey, Italy and Germany. The South American themselves call their culture with a crucible, in which almost all global customs and traditions were mixed.

Where did the term "Latin America" \u200b\u200bcome from?

In 1836, the French economist and politician Michel Chevalé in his "letters about North America" \u200b\u200bfor the first time used this term. Subsequently, he was applied in 1856 the Chilean philosopher Francisco Bilbao, as well as in 1857, Colombian writer José Maria Torres Kaycedo in his work "Two America".

The term "Latin America" \u200b\u200bhimself can be considered purely French with confidence. First, he was suggested a Frenchman, thereby separating the part of America, which is managed by the Latinians (Spaniards, Portuguese, French) from its other part in subordination of Anglo-Saxons. Secondly, this idea was supported by the French emperor Napoleon III during his colonization wars in the middle of the XIX on the new continent (occupation of Mexico).

What countries are it called Latin?

Knowing why Latin America is called Latin, you can independently answer this question. Below we give a list of states falling for this term:

  1. Argentina;
  2. Bolivia;
  3. Brazil;
  4. Chile;
  5. Colombia;
  6. Costa Rica;
  7. Cuba;
  8. Ecuador;
  9. Salvador;
  10. Guatemala;
  11. Honduras;
  12. Mexico;
  13. Nicaragua;
  14. Panama;
  15. Paraguay;
  16. Puerto Rico;
  17. Peru;
  18. Dominican Republic;
  19. Uruguay;
  20. Venezuela;
  21. Haiti.

All these countries speak with the exception of Brazil (Portuguese) and Haiti (French).

Thanks to the general path of development of Latin America and the similarity of cultures, it is also accepted to attract such English-speaking countries as Belize, some territories owned by the United States (Virgin Islands) and French possessions in the Caribbean (Guadalupe Islands, Martinique, French Guiana and some others). On the other hand, in Canada there are a number of territories where they are primarily spoken in French, nevertheless, they do not belong to Latin America, since their major cultural heritage (with the exception of the language) is Anglo-Saxon.

Dissatisfaction with the term "Latin America"

Despite the fact that it is generally accepted, many people consider it inappropriate and protest against its use.

First, the Spaniards themselves believe that it is more correct to call the marked region of the Planet Spanish Measure, since 19 out of the 21st countries listed above are spanish. If you include Brazil in this list, then it is more appropriate to speak Iberoamerica, since Portugal and Spain, the main colonial countries are located on the Pyrenean Peninsula of Europe, which was previously called Iberia. As for the French language, his presence is insignificant, since only 3% uses it to communicate.

Secondly, most Indian tribes and immigrants from Africa, which make up a large proportion of the population of South America, believe that the use of the word "Latin" is a pro-European character, because it eliminates the influence of the culture of these ethnic groups to the formation of modern states of the continent.

The concept of "Latin America"

Note 1.

This is a completely conditional concept unites all continental countries located south of the United States and the Islands of West India. Latin American territories were colonimated by the Spaniards, Portuguese, French. England, France and the United States had numerous colonies here. In Latin American countries, Romanesque languages \u200b\u200bare dominant - Spanish and Portuguese, which originated from Latin.

The term "Latin America" \u200b\u200bwas introduced as a political term Napoleon $ III $ - the French emperor. At that time, Latin America and Indochina were considered no otherwise as the sphere of special French interests, so the term was originally the term indicated those part of America, where they speak Romance languages. Since the conquest, there was a violent planting of languages, so in many modern countries of the region, the Spanish has become a state language. The exception is Brazil, where the official language is Portuguese. Both languages \u200b\u200boperate in the region in the form of national options. They are characterized by their linguistic features, which, on the one hand, the influence was provided by Indian languages, and on the other hand the autonomy of their development. In countries such as Haiti, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana official languages \u200b\u200bare English and French. The population of Surinam, Antille Islands, Aruba speaks at Dutch.

Indian languages \u200b\u200bwere displaced after the colonization of America. Only in Bolivia, Peru and Paraguay, Kechua, Aimar, Guarani are preserved and are official languages. In general, Latin America speaks two languages \u200b\u200band a number of countries use multilingualism. Today, Latin America's term points to the region, which is united by supranational cultural interests and is a mixture of cultures of the Romanesque peoples of Europe with Indian and African cultures, this is the difference between Latin America from European cultures of romance origin. Catholics prevailed in the religious structure of Latin America, because he was the only mandatory religion during the period of colonization, all other religions were brutally prosecuted, suppressed inquisition.

The composition of Latin America

Latin America includes:

  • Argentina,
  • Belize
  • Bolivia,
  • Brazil,
  • Venezuela,
  • Guatemala,
  • Haiti,
  • Honduras,
  • Dominican
  • Colombia,
  • Costa Rica,
  • Cuba,
  • Mexico,
  • Nicaragua,
  • Panama,
  • Paraguay,
  • Peru,
  • Salvador,
  • Trinidad and Tobago,
  • Uruguay,
  • Chile,
  • Ecuador,
  • Jamaica.

French territories are Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana. Under the Office of the United States is the territory of Puerto Rico.

Note 2.

Sometimes this list includes differing from the rest of Latin America in the cultural and linguistic terms, Falkland Islands, Guyana, Suriname.

In general, Latin America is the largest region of the world, within which more than $ 30 $ of independent states and a number of still persistent colonial possessions are located. The continent has developing countries that have passed a rather long path of independent development. There are far countries not homogeneous, they are distinguished by each other occupied area, population, ethnic composition, level of economic development. In addition, they differ still with their political significance. For example, the largest Brazil area. The country takes $ 40,000% of the territory of the region, which is $ 400 to the Salvador Salvador Square.

The first place has in the region and population. This state has the greatest economic potential and the most developed industry. In addition to Brazil, La Target countries include Uruguay and Paraguay, having an agrarian export specialization of the economy. Paraguay is typically agrarian, the country's most backward on the continent.

The Tiny State of Latin America is considered the Bahamas, which are still formally formally colony, and $ 300 thousand islanders call themselves the subjects of the British crown. The standard of living of the population island is high and exceeds at times the level of Argentina, Mexico, Brazil. Almost not far from the Bahamas is one of the poorest states of the world - Haiti. The most complex and stormy history has a Mexico, which marks the continuous struggle of Mexicans for their rights and independence against Spain and the United States.

Today, Mexico has achieved great success in the development of the national economy and provides themselves with most of the necessary industrial goods. Latin American countries relate to developing States, but occupy an intermediate position - the rates and the achieved level of economic development are significantly higher than the countries of the African continent, but lower than Asia countries. Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, giving $ 2/3 of industrial production of the region, are included in the group of new industrial countries. They can also be attributed to Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru. In its region, the country has created several economic integration groups. This is the South American Common Market (Merkosur), which included Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay. The grouping covers $ 45 $% of the population, $ 50 $% of aggregate GDP, $ 33 $% of the external trade of Latin America.

Note 3.

If we compare Latin American countries with developing countries of Asia and Africa, then it must be said that many indicators of the economic and social development of Latin American countries are largely ahead of independent countries of Asia and Africa. But, and within the region itself, there are significant differences in the levels of their development.

Geographical location of Latin America

Latin America countries are located in the Western Hemisphere of the planet south of the border with the United States. The first country in this composition is Mexico. Thus, Latin America includes the southern part of the mainland North America, Central America, Islands of West Indies and Mainland South America. From the west side, the region is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean, from the East side - the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

The area of \u200b\u200bthe region is $ 21 million square meters km, and this is about $ 15 $% of the total area of \u200b\u200bsushi. Mainland countries have among themselves natural boundaries passing or on large rivers or mountain ranges. The main part of the countries has an open access to oceans, except Bolivia and Paraguay, or are island states. The region is very close to the United States. The territory stretches from north to the south $ 13 $ thousand km, and the maximum length from the west to the east is $ 5 $ thousand km. Despite the remoteness of Latin America from other regions of the planet, its economic and geographical position is quite favorable for the development of the economy.

This contributes to:

  1. Outdoor access to the sea and oceans;
  2. The presence of the Panama channel;
  3. Close position to the United States;
  4. Huge and not yet realized natural resource potential;
  5. On the scale of the world, this is the zone of the influence of the United States.

Note 4.

If Brazil is the largest mainland state, then the largest island is the Republic of Cuba, located at the junction of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico and stretching $ 1250 km. The countries of the region under the state structure of either republic, or a state as part of the British Commonwealth. The rest of the countries are the possessions of Great Britain, the USA, the Netherlands. Within the limits of this region, large political or other conflicts were observed.

This explains this as follows:

  1. Significant community in the culture and history of countries;
  2. Countries are practically similar in terms of economic development;
  3. Natural conditions and relief do not have to develop armed conflicts.

Latin America is a region located in the western hemisphere and extending from the border of the United States and Mexico in the north, to the fiery land and Antarctica in the south, and the length of stretched on more than 12,000 kilometers. It includes the southern part of the mainland North America, Central America, Islands of West Indies and Mainland South America. From the west is washed by the Pacific Ocean, from the East - Atlantic. Latin American countries are divided into 33 states and 13 colonies and dependent territories, and the total area of \u200b\u200bthis region is 21 million square meters. km, which is more than 15% of the sushi of the globe.

The name "Latin America" \u200b\u200bwas introduced by the French emperor Napoleon III as a political term. Latin America and Indochina were considered as territory in the sphere of the special national interests of the second empire. This term initially indicated the part of America, in which they speak Romance languages, that is, the territories inhabited by immigrants from the Iberian Peninsula and France during the XV-XVI centuries. Sometimes this region is called Ebero America.

Belt Cordiller, which in South America are called Andami, constitutes the world's largest ridges and mountain ranges in the world, which stretches along the Pacific coast for 11 thousand km, whose highest vertex, is the Argentine Akonkagua (6959 m) near the border with Chile, and it is Here (in Latin America) is the highest acting volcano of the Earth - Kotopakh (5897 m), located near Quito and the highest waterfall of the world - Angel (979 m), located in Venezuela. And on the Bolivian-Peruvian border, the largest of the high mountain lakes of the world is located - Titicaca (3812 m, 8300 square meters). Also here is the longest river of the world - Amazon (6.4 - 7 thousand km), which is the most fulfilled on the planet. The largest lagun lagoon Makaraiboy (13.3 thousand square meters) is located in the north-west of Venezuela. The animal world of Latin America is rich and diverse, nowhere is the sloths, armor, American ostriches, Lama Guanako.

Since the time of the Conquists, European conquerors have enacted their languages \u200b\u200bin Latin America, so in all its states and territories the Spanish has become state, with the exception of Brazil, where the official language is Portuguese. Spanish and Portuguese, operate in Latin America in the form of national species (options), for which there is a number of phonetic, lexical and grammatical features (their most in conversational communication), which is explained on the one side by the influence of Indian languages, and on the other - relative autonomy of their development. In the countries of the Caribbean, public languages \u200b\u200bare mainly English and French (Haiti, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana), and in Suriname, Arubi and Antilles (Netherlands) Islands - the Netherlands. The ideological languages \u200b\u200bafter the conquest of America were ousted, and today And Aimar in Bolivia and Peru, and Guarani in Paraguay are official languages, on them, like some others (in Guatemala, Mexico, Peru and Chile), there is writing and literature issued. In a number of countries of the Caribbean, the so-called Creolean languages \u200b\u200bemerged in the process of interethnic communication, which formed as a result of the incomplete development of European languages, as a rule of English and French. In general, for a significant part of the population of Latin America, there are characteristic of bilingualism (billingvism) and even multilinguality.

The religious structure of the Latin America's population is noted by the absolute predominance of Catholics (more than 90%), since in the colonial period, Catholicism was the only mandatory religion, and belonging to other religions was persecuted by the Inquisition.

The history of Latin America is rich, interesting and diverse. Once, there were ancient civilizations of Aztecs, Maya, Inca, mechik and many other cultures of Latin America, subsequently conquered by Spanish conquisites under the leaders of Ernan Cortez and Francisco Pizarro. In the future, there was a struggle for independence from the Spanish crown, under the leadership of the Padre of Idalgo, Francisco Miranda, Simon Bolivar and José San Martin, and the newest her story, with drug trap, junta, guerrier-gyroleros and terrorist organizations.

Dozens of diverse national parks, many archaeological attractions, cities with colonial architecture and other interesting places are located in this region. Small short videos from the most interesting places of Latin America you can look at

Latins

A collective term for countries that speak Romance languages \u200b\u200b(Portuguese and Spanish) who occurred from Latin actually from here and the name. Latin America is often associated with Catholicism, Roman legal and cultural traditions are strong here. Latin America is often in the West called Latin Europe, as well as Hermann Europe or Slavic Europe. South American countries began to call Latin America 19 in the century, when there was a very strong influence of Romanesque Catholicism, in this region the contribution of European Romanesque countries regarding culture, language, religion, as well as at the genetic level. Most of Latin Americans of Latin European origin, in particular, immigrants from Italy, Spain, France and Portugal. North America as opposed to called Anglo-Saxon America, but the Americans themselves are Americans and residents of Latin America are not other than the Americans, Canada is just Canada, but the residents of Canadians.

Population of Latin America

Today, Latin America's population is estimated at more than 610 million people.

Ethnic groups

Latin America is the most diverse region of the world in terms of the presence of ethnic groups and races, the ethnic composition varies from the country to country, the majority of the Latin American population are methuses, descendants of marriages by Europeans and local Indians. In most countries, the Indian population prevails, in some countries, there are countries where the majority of the population are black or mulatto. Nevertheless, about 80% of Latin America's population have European roots.

Latin American countries

In addition to the countries of Latin America, the countries of the Caribbean region are included in the list of Latin America countries: Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba. Often, countries in which countries speak French, the former and current colonies of France are French Guyana, Saint-Martin, Haiti, with the exception of Quebec, which is located on the territory of Canada, is also part of Latin America.

Many Latin American countries belong to North America, so the concepts of South America and Latin should not be confused. North America includes Mexico, most of the countries of Central and South America, the Caribbean, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

Countries in which the majority of the population talks in English Zyanka traditionally in Latin America do not include - this is Guyana, Belize, Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica and others.

Latin America picturesque and quaint, despite its unfavorable climatic conditions for a white man is a popular tourist destination, here is the highest waterfall Angel, the largest mountain lake Titicaca and the largest functioning volcano Kotopakh, the longest system of the Mountains of the Andes, the greatest Amazon river. There are many natural fossils here, many countries live through the sale of oil and gas.

Languages \u200b\u200bin Latin America

Most of Latin American countries arepanic, Portuguese speaks the largest country in the region - Brazil. In Suriname, talking in the Dutch, in French in Guiana, in English in Guyana, Belize, Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica.

60% of Latin America's population with their first language considers Spanish, 34% Portuguese, 6% of the population speak other languages, such as Kechua, Maya, Guarani, Aimara, Naiathl, English, French, Dutch and Italian. Portuguese speaks only in Brazil (Brazilian Portuguese), the largest and most densely populated country in the region. Spanish is the official majority of the rest of Latin America, as well as in Cuba, Puerto Rico (where it is equal along with English), and the Dominican Republic. In French, they speak Haiti and in French overseas departments in Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guiana, the French Zamorsk community Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, also spoken in Panama. Dutch is the official language in Suriname, Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles. Dutch is a relative German language, so these territories are not necessarily considered part of Latin America.

Indian Languages: Kechua, Guarani, Aimar, Naiathl, Lenguas Maya, Mapudongun is widespread in Peru, Guatemala, Bolivia, Paraguay and Mexico, to a lesser extent in Panama, Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina and Chile. In Latin American countries, the population of native native native natives, as a rule, is negligible or not at all, for example, in Uruguay. Mexico is the only country that can boast a wide variety of indigenous languages \u200b\u200bthan any other Latin American country, the most common Indian language in Mexico is Nasual.

In Peru, the language of the Indians of Kechua is the official language, along with the Spanish and any other language of other indigenous peoples of the country, where they prevail. There is no official language in Ecuador, and Kechua is a recognized language of the indigenous people in accordance with the country's constitution, but only a few groups in the mountainous location speaks to Kechua. In Bolivia, Aimar Indian languages, Kechua and Guarani have official status along with Spanish. Guarani, along with Spanish, is the official language of Paraguay, where the majority of the bilingual population, in the Argentine Province Corrientes official only Spanish. In Nicaragua, Spanish is the official language, but on the Caribbean coast of the country official English and the languages \u200b\u200bof indigenous peoples, such as Miskito, Sumo and Rama.

Colombia recognizes all the indigenous languages \u200b\u200bon which local residents say, but only 1% of the country's population are carriers of these languages. Naiathl is one of the 62 native languages \u200b\u200bof the indigenous person in Mexico, which are officially recognized by the government as "national languages" along with Spanish.

Other European languages \u200b\u200bthat are common in Latin America - English, they say some groups in Puerto Rico, as well as in neighboring countries, which are not considered Latin America, this is Belize and Guyana.

German is common in South Brazil, southern Chile, parts of Argentina, Venezueus and Paraguay.

Italian is distributed in Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Uruguay.

Ukrainian and Polish in the southern part of Brazil, in the southern part of Argentina.

Yiddish and Hebrew are common in the vicinity of Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo.

Japanese is common in Brazil and Peru, Korean in Brazil, Arabic in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela, Chinese throughout South America.

In the Caribbean region, Creolesky is common, including Haitian Creole, who is the prevailing language of Haiti, this takes place primarily due to the mixing of French with West African languages, Indian, with the influence of English, Portuguese and Spanish.

In Garifuna, they speak along the Caribbean coast in Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Belize.

Latin American countries

The country's largest area in Latin America is Brazil with an area of \u200b\u200b8515767 square kilometers, then Argentina 2780400, Mexico 1972550, Peru 1285216, Colombia 1141748, the smallest region is the overseas territory of France Saint-Martin with an area of \u200b\u200b25 square kilometers.

If you look at the number of people, then again the largest state is Brazil 201032714, hereinafter Mexico 118395054, Colombia 47387109 and only on the fourth place Argentina 41660417.

Cities in Latin America

The largest proud in Latin America is the Mexican capital of Mexico City 20631353, Next Sao Paulo Brazil 19953698, Buenos Aires Argentina 13333912, Rio -de- Jeanoiro Brazil 11968886, Lima Peru 10231678, Bogota Columbia 8868395, Santiago Chile 7023767, Belo Horizonte Brazil 5504729 , Caracas Venezuela 5297026, Guadalajara Mexico 4593444.

The richest city of Latin America Buenos Aires with GDP per capita 26 129 US dollars, further Caracas 24,000, São Paulo 23 704, Santiago 21393, Mexico City 19 940, Lima 17 340, Belo-Horizonte 17 239, Guadalajara 16 855, Rio de Janeiro 16 282, Bogota 15 891.

Religion in Latin America

90% of Latin American Christians, 70% of the Latin American population consider themselves Catholics of the Latin rite. As we noticed in Latin America, Catholicism prevails in contrast to Protestant North America with the United States and Canada.

Latin and migration

For example, about 10 million Mexicans live in the United States, 29 million Americans today can boast of Mexican roots. 3.33 million Colombians live today outside of their homeland, 2 million natives of this country live outside Brazil. In the US, there is a half million Salvadorians and as many de Dominicans, 1.3 million Cubans.

0.8 million Chileans live in Argentina, USA, Canada, Sweden and Australia.

Education, school and literacy in Latin America

In Latin America today there are big problems with access to education, nevertheless in recent years the situation has improved, most children are already going to school. Do not have access to the formation of children who live in remote regions, as well as children of black families who can live in extreme poverty. Only 75% of the poorest youth at the age of 13 to 17 attend school. Currently, more than half of children with low income or residents in rural areas cannot complete nine years of study in high school.

Crime and violence in Latin America

Latin America is synonymous with the word crime. Latin America and the Caribbean are the most dangerous city of the world in Latin America, which can be justified by the highest level of social inequality in the population in Latin America. The problem with crime will not be solved until the social disappearance between the rich and poor will be smoothed. Therefore, the prevention of crime, an increase in the number of police and prisons will not lead to anything. The level of murders in Latin America is the highest in the world. Since the early 1980s before the mid-1990s, the kill level increased by 50 percent. The main victims of such murders are young people, 69% of which aged 15 to 19 years.

The most dangerous countries in Latin America

The dangerous countries themselves in Latin America are: Honduras 91.6 murders per 100,000 inhabitants, Salvador 69.2, Venezuela 45.1, Belize 41,4, Guatemala 38.5, Puerto Rico 26.2, Dominican Republic 25, Mexico 23.7 and Ecuador 18.2.

For example, the average global level is 6.9. In 1995, Colombia with Salvador broke the world record in Pale of Crime - 139.1 murders per 100,000 inhabitants. Crime and violence in Latin America are the main threat to the health of people and carry more lives than AIDS or other infectious diseases.

Economy of Latin America

nominal GDP at $ 5,573.39 million. Human Development Index (ICR) in Latin America

All countries of Latin America belong to countries with a developing economy. If we estimate the countries of the region in the human development index (ICR), then the leader here is chili with the coefficient of 0.819, then Argentina 0.811, Uruguay 0,792, Panama 0.780, Mexico 0,775, Costa Rica 0.773, Peru 0.741, Colombia 0,719, Dominican Republic 0,702, Bolivia 0,675, Paraguay 0,669, Guatemala 0.628, Honduras 0,617, Nicaragua 0.599, Haiti is an outsider 0,456.

Poverty in Latin America

The poorest and rich countries of Latin America

If there are people in Uruguay, it is best to evaluate the country in Uruguay where only 3% of the population is located outside the poverty, then there is chili with a coefficient of 3.2, Argentina 3.7, Costa Rica 3.7, Cuba 4.6, Mexico 5.9, Venezuela 6.6, Panama 6.7, Colombia 7.6, Ecuador 7.9, Brazil 8.6, the worst rate of Haiti 31.5. For example, 54.9% of the population lives per day in Haiti, in Guatema, 16.9, Nicaragua 15.8, Honduras 23.3, Salvador 15.1

Malnutrition affects up to 47% of Haitians, 27% of Nicaraguans, 23% of Bolivians and 22% of Honduras.

Life expectancy in Latin America

Life expectancy level is one of the most important quality indicators. So from this point of view, it is best to live on Cuba, in Costa Rica and Chile where the indicator is 79 years old. In Mexico and Uruguay, 77, in Panama, Ecuador and Argentina 76, the lowest indicator of Haiti 62 years.

The best countries of Latin or South America for life

So, the palm of the championship shall be divided into Chile and Uruguay, the Chile has a maximum for the region to show the human development index, GDP, lifespan and the lowest crime rate. Uruguay boasts the lowest income inequality, here the lowest level of poverty, extreme poverty, as well as this country has the highest indices of peacefulness.

Panama is characterized by the highest level of real GDP growth. Cuba boasts success in education, here the lowest level of illiteracy of the local population, as well as in Cuba, people live for a very long time, Costa Rica also boasts a relatively high life expectancy of their citizens.

The worst rates of Haiti, live in this country scary. Nevertheless, surprisingly at Haiti is a very low level of crime, despite the extreme poverty of the population, the level of murders is only 6.9 per 100,000 people per year of approximately the same level of crime in a prosperous Uruguay. But it is already very dangerous in Honduras, Salvador, Venezuela, Guatemala, Colombia, Mexico.

The best country to live in Latin America

Popular countries of Argentina and Brazil show averages as for the entire Latin American region. So, the best country to live from our point of view is Chile and Uruguay, then Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico, Venezuela, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil are followed. Data on misfortunes in Cuba can be distorted.

Ecology in Latin America

The highest ecology in Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador. The lowest in Haiti Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, Chile and Argentina.

Tourism in Latin America

Among Latin American countries, the Plan of the International Trym of Mexico, this is due to the close geographical location to the United States and a large number of archaeological attractions, it is worth mentioning such a resort as Cancun.

Mexico annually visits 22.3 million foreign tourists, the following pursuer is very far behind, it is Argentina with an indicator of 5.2 million people, further Brazil 5.1, Puerto Rico, from 3.6, Chile from 2.7, Colombia 2.38 , Dominican Republic 4.1, Panama 2.06.

The most visited cities and attractions in Latin America

The most visited cities and attractions in Latin America: Cancun, Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Chichen Itza, Cartagena, Cape San Lucas, Acapulco, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Margarita Island, São Paulo, Salar de Uyuni , Punta del Este, Santo Domingo, Labadee, San Juan, Havana, Panama City, Waterfalls Iguazu, Puerto Vallarta, Paras National Park Volcano, Punta Cana, Vinya del Mar, Mexico City, Quito, Bogota , Santa Martha, San Andres, Buenos Aires, Lima, Maceio, Florianopolis, Cusco, Ponce and Patagonia.

If we talk about the effectiveness of tourism in Latin America, the leader here is the Dominican Republic where the greatest arrivals from the tourist sphere from the country's GDP, but here are the highest in Uruguay from tourism. Very high revenues from tourism in Venezuela, however this is due to space local prices. A trip to Brazil is considered very expensive, Panama Dominican Republic.

The most attractive countries for tourism in Latin America are: Haiti, Paraguay, Venezuela, Salvador - in his journey in South America such countries can be skipped.

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

Geography and states

The name "America Latina" introduced the Emperor Napoleon III in the 19th century in the 19th century, he combined the list of countries where they speak Romanesque (Latin) languages. Spanish and Portuguese languages \u200b\u200bare widely used in these states. In all these territories, Spanish is official, with the exception of Brazil, where Portuguese is considered by the state language.

Having considered the map of Latin America, it can be noted that the largest number of countries is in Central America. These are small states located along the Panama Canal. The largest countries are located in the Atlantic region, such as Brazil and Argentina.

Initially, all these territories inhabited the Indians who lived in primitive strictly. After the conquest of America, the Spaniards and Portuguese, the indigenous population was gradually supplanted, destroyed and rushed into difficult places. But unlike North America, the Indians of the southern hemisphere in the bulk survived, many tribes were assimilated with emigrants from Europe. Since the Europeans actively embraced Spanish and Catholic religion, now Latin American countries are the largest region who profess Catholicism.

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

The states of this region have a diverse economy and political way. All of them were previously the colonies of developed European states, but in the last century almost everyone gained independence.

Latin American countries are deservedly enjoying great popularity among tourists. Here, no one will leave indifferent breathtaking natural landscapes. These places are mostly visited by travelers who have seen many countries that are difficult to surprise something. These are not poor people, mainly stop in the level of 5 *.

Consider what countries are part of Latin America.

List of countries and their features

Latin America on the world map occupies 1/7 part 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:

  • All countries of the region have access to the ocean, except Paraguay and Bolivia;
  • Geographical proximity to the United States;
  • Remoteness from other countries of the world;
  • In the form of political reign, all countries are republics.

Political map of Latin America in Russian

The largest country of the region is Brazil, the smallest - Suriname. Consider the list of states of Latin America, we will try to describe them briefly. The list of countries is:

  1. Antigua and Barbuda - a small state in the Caribbean, whose official language is English. The population is less than 100,000 people, the capital is St. Jones.
  2. Argentina is famous for tango, football and beaches. This is the second largest state of Latin America after Brazil, the capital - Buenos Aires. Enjoying enormous popularity among tourists around the world, economically developed country.
  3. Belize is a state in the Caribbean region, the famous offshore zone of the whole world. The official language of English, the capital is Belmopan, tourism is actively developing.
  4. Bolivia is a poor, but safe country is of great interest to travelers.
  5. Brazil is a huge country with a population of about 200 million inhabitants. This country of carnavals and sun beaches, attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world. Capital - Brazilia, Language - Portuguese. Brazil is the main exporter of coffee and tobacco in the world.
  6. Venezuela is a relatively small country in the north of the mainland, the population is just over 20 million, the capital is Caracas, the official language is Spanish.
  7. Haiti is a very poor country, constantly suffers from natural disasters and government coups. Uses several languages \u200b\u200b- French, Haitian and Creole. The capital is the city of Port-O-Prince.
  8. Guatemala - a country with the capital of the same name, attracts tourists with beautiful nature and volcanoes. The population consists of various Indians and Metis.
  9. Honduras is the island of the Caribbean Sea, united in one state. The capital is the city of Tegucigalpa, the language - Spanish, is famous for its poverty and crime.
  10. Dominican Republic - the famous beach resort, honeying holidaymakers all year round. The capital is Santa Domingo, the language - Spanish, the population is about 10 million people.
  11. Colombia is a country having sad fame due to the production of cocaine. This is a restless state, however, attracts tourists through its natural beauties. Capital - Bogota, population of more than 45 million
  12. Costa Rica is a state 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, which has a large number of high-level hotels. Tourism is very developed, excellent beaches, the capital - Havana, the population is very small - more than 11 million people.
  14. Mexico is a large country, famous for its soap operators, ancient architectural structures and beach resorts. Capital - Mexico City, this is a real paradise for tourism.
  15. Nicaragua is located in Central America, a problematic country, a population - 6 million inhabitants, the capital - Managua, the language is Spanish.
  16. Chile - a visa-free mountain state, elongated along the entire mainland. The population is more than 17 million people, the capital - Santiago, the state language is Spanish.
  17. Panama is the country of Latin America, located on the cage 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, Imaar and Kechua, indigenous languages \u200b\u200bare used here.
  19. Salvador is a small state, often ending all sorts of natural disasters, the population of 6.8 million, the capital is the city of San Salvador.
  20. Uruguay is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, small and safe for tourists Country. The capital is Montevideo, the language is Spanish.
  21. Puerto Rico is a state dependent from the United States, has a special status. This country is rich in Spanish colonial architecture, attracts tourists with sports.
  22. Ecuador is located on the mainland, and in the Galapagos Islands. Visa for CIS citizens is not required, the capital is Quito.
  23. Saint-Bart, Saint-Martin, Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana - this is the states legally part of France. This islands with beautiful nature, wide beaches and warm sun.

Interesting! Saint-Bart Island - Reserve for oligarchs from all over the world, with its high prices, this state scares many simple tourists.

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

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

Largest cities and sights

As with all over the world, in Latin America there is a tendency to move from the villages to major cities. People move to the cities in order to find a job and arrange their life. Consider which cities are of the greatest value.

  1. Sao Paulo - the largest city in Brazil, a large business center with a population of 17-18 million people. This is a large shopping center of the country, the nightlife is buried here, fashion weeks pass, thousands of migrants from other regions are flown here.
  2. Mexico City - the capital of Mexico, the largest city of Latin America. It is precisely difficult to calculate the number of the population of this metropolis, since the center is adjacent to many growing conglomerate districts, but this figure is from 18 to 19 million. Most of the population is indigenous Indians, thanks to which the ancient culture of the Precucumbian era preserved into Mexico City.
  3. Rio de Janeiro is a city of carnavalov and fun, nightlife and wide beaches. This is a cultural center of the country with a population of 6.5 million people. The main attraction of Rio is a mountain with the statue of Jesus Christ, one of the 7 miracles of the world.
  4. Lima - the capital of Peru, the population is more than 7.6 million, the city is washed by the quiet ocean, standing at the foot of the Andes. The main mass of citizens is the Indians of Cechua and Aimar.
  5. The Bogota is the capital of Columbia, about 7 million lives, this city is located at an altitude of 2600 m above sea level. Here are large temperature differences, often reaches -6 degrees, despite the proximity to the equator. Locals are friendly to tourists, but beyond the city's limits to leave.
  6. Santiago, Chilean capital, has 5.5 million inhabitants, and this figure is steadily growing. This city is visited before traveling to Easter Island, Atakam Desert and National Patagonia Parks.
  7. Buenos Aires - more than 3 million people, the city of contrasts. This capital of Argentina is simultaneously similar to Paris, London and Barcelona. Here is the most famous Color Theater, a huge park of Palermal forests, the famous area of \u200b\u200bLa Boc.
  8. Caracas - the capital of Venezuela, the number of residents reaches 3.5 million. The city is located in the Valley of the Caribbean Andes, interesting places - the Square of Bolivar with the Central Cathedral, museums. From Caracas starts the route to Angel and Raraniim's waterfall.
  9. Havana is a fun and diverse capital of Cuba with a population of 2.5 million people. Here time stopped, this city is recognized as "the property of mankind", in Havana you can see buildings with a 600-year-old story next to the houses of the 20th century.

In recent decades, this region is actively developing, and the main emphasis is imposed on tourism. The combination of warm climate, wide sandy beaches, tropical forests, historical attractions of manitis here are all new tourists from all over the world. Latin America is a real storehouse for travelers.