Latin America

Latin America is a cultural and geopolitical region of the Americas usually defined by the predominance of Romance languages, especially Spanish and Portuguese.

Latin America is a cultural and geopolitical region of the Americas, typically defined by the predominance of Romance languages, especially Spanish and Portuguese. The term commonly includes Mexico, most of Central and South America, and much of the Caribbean, though definitions vary. It is sometimes used more broadly to refer to all parts of the Americas south of the United States.

Definition and scope

Latin America is defined in several ways, with the most common emphasizing Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries in the Americas. Broader definitions can also include French-speaking areas, such as Haiti and French Guiana, and in some usage, nearly all of the Americas south of the United States.

Historical background

The term is tied to the colonial history of the Americas, particularly Spanish and Portuguese colonization, and in some definitions French colonial influence. Independence movements in the early 19th century reshaped the region into many sovereign states.

Geography and subregions

Latin America spans parts of North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. It is often further divided into subregions such as the Southern Cone, the Andes, and the Guianas.

Language and culture

Spanish and Portuguese are the dominant languages in most of the region, and Roman Catholicism has historically been the main religion in many countries. The region is culturally diverse, reflecting Indigenous, European, African, and later immigrant influences.