Latin America, a region encompassing South America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean islands where Romance languages are spoken, is known for its diverse geography. It houses the world's largest river, the Amazon, the driest place, the Atacama Desert, and various landforms like mountains, grasslands, and volcanoes.[1] It boasts hundreds of languages and a unique culture where family is paramount.[2] The region's history dates back to pre-Columbian times, with indigenous peoples greatly varied yet sharing common features. The Spanish and Portuguese colonization significantly influenced the region's evolution. Today, Latin America is highly urbanized, yet it retains strong ties to its past, with family seen as the most important unit in society, influencing perceptions and behaviors of its members.
Present-day countries and regions in Latin America
Historical countries and regions in Latin America
- The Maya Civilization (8,000 B.C.E. – 1697 C.E.): The Mayas were a Mesoamerican civilization known for their hieroglyphic script, the only fully developed writing system of the Americas before Columbus, as well as for their art, architecture, mathematics, calendar, and astronomical system. They were based in regions that today are encompassed by Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize.[3]
- The Aztec Empire (1300 – 1521 C.E.): The Aztecs thrived as a Mesoamerican civilization in central Mexico during the post-classic era spanning from 1300 to 1521. Renowned for their intricate social, political, religious, and economic structures, they skillfully united numerous city-states in the region under their dominion.[4]
- The Inca Empire (12th century – 1533 C.E.): The Inca Empire stood as the grandest pre-Columbian realm in the Americas, acclaimed for its intricate political and administrative configuration, widely regarded by scholars as the most advanced prior to Columbus' arrival. Anchored in Cusco, situated in present-day Peru, the empire's heart encompassed administrative, political, and military functions.[5]
General facts about Latin America
References
- ↑ South America: Physical Geography. (n.d.). South America: Physical Geography. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/south-america-physical-geography
- ↑ The Importance of Family in Latin America. (n.d.). Oxford Institute of Population Ageing. https://www.ageing.ox.ac.uk/blog/The-Importance-of-Family-in-Latin-America
- ↑ Maya | People, Language, & Civilization. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Maya-people
- ↑ Aztec Civilization. (n.d.). Aztec Civilization. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/aztec-civilization
- ↑ Inca | History, Achievements, Culture, & Geography. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Inca
- ↑ Population of Latin America and the Caribbean (2023) - Worldometer. (n.d.). Population of Latin America and the Caribbean (2023) - Worldometer. https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/latin-america-and-the-caribbean-population/
- ↑ Latin America - Wikipedia. (2022, April 1). Latin America - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_America