Languages \u200b\u200bin Latin America. Latin American countries and their capital, list. Hispanic world between two oceans

Position. The name "Latin America" \u200b\u200bspeaks not only about the geographical position of the region, but also about the special type of his colonization - "Latin" (unlike the Anglo-Saxon colonization). This region in the past was called "Iberoameric", "Indoamer", "". The name "Latin America" \u200b\u200bwas established only in the mid-30 / y age of our century.

Latin America - One of the largest regions of the world. It includes more than 30 independent states and a number of still persisting colonial possessions. Its area is 20.1 million km2. Population - 545 million people for 2000.

Of the 30 states of Latin America at 18 (approximately 63% of the population), the official language is Spanish, in (34% of the population) - Portuguese. About 3% of the population lives in small states, where official languages \u200b\u200bare French (), English (, and a number of others), Dutch (). In Puerto Rico (having a "freely joining state" status) - Spanish prevails.

Latin America is usually attributed to the group. But in contrast to developing countries of other regions, a long path of independent development was held. In the group of developing countries, Latin America has been allocated a much higher level of industry, urban life. This applies primarily to such countries like, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela.

They differ very different from each other in the area, population, ethnic composition, the level of economic development. For example, Brazil, which occupies 40% of the territory of the region, exceeds 400 times. In the least developed country - Haiti - the most important economic indicators per capita in dozens, and sometimes hundreds of times lower than in the most developed Latin American countries.

Latin America before other regions still in the colonial period of its history turned out to be drawn into the system of world economic relations. Spanish and were the largest suppliers of noble metals and a variety of raw materials. Such an external orientation of the economy is still preserved.

In almost all Latin American countries, at least 80% of the cost of exports give the industry of the extractive industry and. Their export products are calculated by hundreds of millions of tons per year. The life of Latin American countries depends on the conjuncture on world commodity markets, as well as from the foreign economic policy of the main trading partner and the neighbor - the United States.

Latin America is extremely rich in natural resources, some of which has world importance. It creates good prerequisites for the future development of Latin American countries. But nevertheless, Latin America is increasingly lagging behind industrial on a number of essential economic indicators. The external debt of this region exceeded 400 billion dollars (the largest debtor is Brazil). According to various organizations, about half of the Latin Americans are starving or suffering from chronic malnutrition.

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 on the world map is a totality of countries located in the territories, which were previously dependent on European metropolis. These countries occupy part of South and North America, as well as the isthmus between them. Latin America is an amazing edge of mysterious civilizations, such as Aztecs and Maya, as well as brave Caballers, sultry beauties, unique traditions and cultures. As official languages \u200b\u200bof Latin American countries, a group of Romanesque languages \u200b\u200b(Spanish, Portuguese and French) is used.

Countries and capital of Latin America

Below are the countries and the capital of Latin America, as well as their brief description.

Antigua and Barbuda - a small state of the Caribbean. The population of the country is more than 86.6 thousand inhabitants. Official language - English. The capital is the city of Saint-Jones.
Argentina is the second of the Square the state that is part of Latin America. His population is more than 42.6 million inhabitants. The official language of Argentina is Spanish. The capital is the city of Buenos Aires.
Belize is a state located in the Caribbean. The population of the country is 308 thousand inhabitants. Official language - English. The city is the city of Belmopan.
Bolivia is a state located in the center of South America. His population is about 10.5 million inhabitants. Official languages \u200b\u200b- Spanish and Kechua. The capital is the city of Sucre.
Brazil is the largest state that is part of Latin America. It occupies the territory of the Central and Eastern part of South America. Population - 201 million inhabitants. Official language - Portuguese. Capital -.
Venezuela is a country located in the north of South America. Her population is more than 28.4 million inhabitants. Official language - Spanish. The capital is the city.
Haiti is one of the poorest Latin American countries, constantly suffering from natural disasters, and government coups. The population is about 9.9 million inhabitants. Official languages \u200b\u200bof Haiti - French, Creole and. The capital is the city of Port-O-Prince.
Guatemala is a state that is located in the central part of America's continent. The population is about 14.4 million inhabitants. Most of the inhabitants make meters and the Indians. Official language - Spanish. The capital is the city of Guatemala.
Honduras - a state that is located in the central part of America's continent. It is washed and the Caribbean Sea. The population is more than 8.4 million inhabitants. Official language - Spanish. The capital is the city of Tegucigalpa.
The Dominican Republic is a country located in the east of the picturesque island of Haiti. The population is approximately 9.7 million inhabitants. The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. The capital is the city.
Colombia is a state located in South America. The population is more than 45.7 million inhabitants. Official language - Spanish. The capital is the city.
Costa Rica is a small state, located in the center of the continent of America. His population is more than 4.2 million inhabitants. Official language - Spanish. The capital is the city of San Jose.
Cuba is an island state located in the Caribbean. His informal name is the island of freedom. Population - just over 1 million inhabitants. The official language of Cuba is Spanish. Capital -.
Mexico is a state located in southern North America. His population is 116.2 million inhabitants. Official language - Spanish. Capital -.
- The state located in the central part of the continent America. The population is more than 6 million inhabitants. The official language of Nicaragua is Spanish. Capital - Managua.
Panama is a state located on the Panama is a carriage. His population is about 3.7 million inhabitants. Official language Panama is Spanish. The capital is Panama.
Paraguay is a state in the center of South America. His population is more than 6.3 million inhabitants. Official languages \u200b\u200bParaguay - Spanish and Guarani. Capital - Asuncion.
Peru - the state of South America, located in its north-western part. His population is about 30.5 million inhabitants. Official languages \u200b\u200bPeru - Spanish, and in separate regions - Aimar, Kechua, and others. Capital - Lima.
Salvador is a state located in the center of the continent America. His population is 6.9 million inhabitants. The official language of El Salvador is Spanish. Capital - San Salvador.
Uruguay is a state in the southeastern part of South America. His population is more than 3.3 million inhabitants. Official language - Spanish. Capital - Montevideo.
Chile is a state located in the south-west of South America. His population is more than 17.2 million inhabitants. The official language of Chile is Spanish. The capital is Santiago.
Ecuador is a state located in South America. His population is more than 15.4 million inhabitants. The official language of Ecuador is Spanish. Capital - Quito.

In addition, Latin America includes the following territories: Puerto Rico (territory of the United States) and the territory - French Guiana, Martinique, Guadeloupe, San Martin and San Barthelammy.

Sights of Latin America

Latin America is incredibly rich in interesting places. Here are 3 of the 7th wonders of the world. All the sights of Latin America can be divided into natural and man-made objects, as well as cities and villages of ancient civilizations.

Natural attractions

Okhos del Salado is the highest volcano of the Earth (6887 m).
Atakam desert is the most arid place of the planet, located in the west of South America.
Andes - the longest mountain system of the world (9000 km).
Angel is the highest waterfall in the world (979 m).
Amazon is the longest and picturesque Planet River (6437 km).
B is the largest South American island, an area of \u200b\u200b47,992 square meters. km. This is the Great Land, which is famous for its wildlife, beautiful landscapes and harsh climatic conditions.
Waterfalls Iguazu, located on the border of Argentina and. They are one of the most beautiful natural wonders of our planet.

Hand-made sights

Maracan Stadium in Brazil is one of the largest stadiums of the world, capable of accommodating up to 103 thousand fans.
The statue of Christ-Redeemer is one of the 7 new wonders of the world. The statue is located on Mount Corcovad in Rio.
GEOGLIFES Plateau NASCO - a group of amazing images, lines and geometric shapes created by an unknown civilization.
Moa - Stone Easter Islands.

Cities and villages of ancient civilizations

Cusco (Peru) is the ancient capital of the Empire Incas and one of the oldest South American cities. The name of the city with Kechua is translated as "PUP of the World".
Machu Picchu (Peru) is one of the 7 new wonders of the world, known as the "City in Heaven" or "The Lost City of Inca".
Teotihuacan (Mexico) is the famous "Ghost City", which is the oldest settlement of the Western Hemisphere.
Umval (Mexico) is an ancient center of Maya Civilization, located on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Panama (80 cm), Paraguay (86.7 cm), Salvador (83.5 cm), Uruguay (85.9 cm), Chile (83.5 cm), (84 cm), Cuba (84.8 cm) And in Argentina (86.7 cm).
Leva - a unit of length used in Guatemala (1 ED \u003d 5.573 km), Honduras (4.2 km), Colombia (5 km), Cuba (4.24 km), Ecuador (5 km), Paraguay (4 , 33 km), Peru (5.6 km), Uruguay (5,154 km), Chile (4,514 km), Brazil (6.66 km), Mexico (4.19 km) and in Argentina (5.2 km).

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

Section 1. General information about Latin America.

Section 2. Nature Latin America.

Section 3. Population in Latin America..

Section 4. Culture of Latin America.

Section 5. Religion of Latin America.

Section 6. Economy Latin America.

Section 7. States in Latin America.

Latin America - The 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 in length stretched to more than 12,000 kilometers.

General intelligence About Latin America

Latin America-region located in a western hemisphere between the southern border USA In the north and Antarctica in the south. Includes the southern part of North America, Central America, Island of West Indies and Mainland. From the west is washed by the Pacific Ocean, from the East - Atlantic.

On the territory of the region is 46 states and dependent territories with a total area of \u200b\u200b21 million km, which is more than 15% of the sushi of the globe. The population of Latin America, according to 1988, amounted to 426 million people, or 8.3% of the world.

In recent years, due to the growth of National Self-Association of English-speaking countries West Indies, most of which have gained political independence, and since the name "Latin America" \u200b\u200bis literally applied to all the territories that form this region, the latter is often referred to as the countries of Latin America of the Caribbean. However, the term "Country of the Caribbean" refers to a number of shortcomings. Countries such as Cuba, the Republic of Haiti, Puerto Rico, etc., are both "Latin" and "Caribbean", in connection with which the contrast of Latin America by the Caribbean (sometimes used for political purposes) is not entirely legitimate. In addition, the concept of "Country of the Caribbean" is very uncertain: in some cases it includes all countries (except USA) adjacent to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, and in others - only Anglo-, Franco - and the Dutch-Public territories of West Indies, Central America and northern part burning continent.

On the territory of Latin America, a number of subregions are distinguished: Middle America ( Mexico, countries Central America and West India), according to the composition of the territories included in her, this concept is close to such geographical concepts as "Caribbean countries" ("Country of the Caribbean") and "Mesoamerica" \u200b\u200b(although not fully coincides with them); Laplat countries (, and Uruguay); Andean countries (, Republic of Venezuela, Colombian Republic, Peruvian Republic, Republic of Chile and). Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Republic of Chile Sometimes referred to as the countries of the Southern cone.

Cordiller belt that in flaming continent called Andiy Cordillera, constitutes the world's longest ridges and mountain ranges in the world, which stretches along the Pacific coast to 11 thousand km, the greatest vertex of which is Argentine Akonkagua (6959 m) near the border with Republic of Chile, and it is here (in Latin America) there 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 republic of 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 greatest lake lagoon Makaraybo (13.3 thousand square meters) is located in northwest republic 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 enforced their languages \u200b\u200bin Latin America, therefore, in all its states and territories, Spanish has become state, except Brazilwhere 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, state languages \u200b\u200bare mainly English and French ( Republic of Haiti, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana), and in Suriname, Aruba and the Antilles (Netherlands) Islands - the Netherlands. The ideological languages \u200b\u200bafter the conquest of America were ousted, and today is only Kechua and Aimara in Bolivia and republic of Peru, and Guarani in Paraguay are official languages, on them, like some others (in Guatemala, Mexico, Peruvian Republic Both the Republic), 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 population of Latin America is noted by the absolute predominance of Catholics (more than 90%), since colonial 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, Incans, mechik and many other cultures of Latin America, subsequently conquered by Spanish conquistadors under the leadership 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.

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Dozens of diverse national parks, many archaeological attractions, cities with colonial architecture and other interesting places are located in this region.

The edge of mysterious civilizations Incov, Mayan Both Aztecs, Land of Skilled Beauty and Noble Caballero, Chief Tobachi and Coffee Region of the Planet, as well as the place of concentration of the mass of original and varied traditions and cultures, Latin America is occupied by the lower edge of the North American Continent, South America and the whole painting of the islands attached near their narrowesty.

The term "Latin America" \u200b\u200bappeared as the designation of the dependent territories of European metropolis, whose official languages \u200b\u200bdeveloped from People's Latin - in particular, Spanish, Portuguese, French. Today, the conversion includes a combination of "Indian America" \u200b\u200b(as more politically correct), although the region seems to remain "Latin" for travel agents and tourists.

In the tourist sense, Latin America is a pedestrous "bouquet" of directions. For what only here is not going - and in order to personally touch the legendary monuments of architecture, and to ride jeeps in national parks and, of course, to relax in coastal hotels. The public visiting Latin American countries is the inquisitive people with money (rest in Latin America is very expensive). They have already treated a lot of light, were repeatedly in the countries of Southeast Asia and are very demanding on living conditions (70% of all tourists are booking five-star hotels). Passive lying on the beach, mostly prefer a cognitive holiday for which in Latin America has everything you need.

The term "Latin America" \u200b\u200bcan be viewed as a region, a cultural and geographical world or a group of states with many geographic, political, cultural and other similarities between themselves and at the same time highly different from other states. All these definitions are similar, so I will interchange them.

So, Latin America is a region located in the Western Hemisphere between the southern border of the United States (Rio-Grande River) in the north and Antarctica in the south. Includes the southern part North America, Central America, Islands of West Indies and Mainland. I am washed by 2 oceans: from the West - quiet, from the east - the Atlantic. There are 46 states and dependent territories on a total area of \u200b\u200babout 21 million km2, which is about 15% of the total land sushi area. The boundaries between the mainland countries are mainly in large rivers and mountain ranges. Most countries have access to the oceans and seas or are island. In addition, this region is in relative proximity to a very developed economically state of the United States. Thus, the economic and geographical position of Latin America is very favorable, despite its certain isolation from other regions. On the state structure, Latin American countries are sovereign republics, the states in the Commonwealth, headed by England, or the ownership of Great Britain, France, USA, Netherlands (mainly island in the Atlantic Ocean). Large political or other conflicts are not observed on this territory. This is explained by the following. First, Latin America's states have a lot in common in culture, stories are similar in the level of economic development, so they are actually nothing to share. Second, relief and natural conditions as a whole do not have the development of armed conflicts: many rivers, inhomogeneous relief, etc. As for the dependent territories, they are not complaining about. The owner countries are the market for their products manufactured (be it mining or processing or agriculture), provide jobs to the population, invest huge capital in order to further develop the economy for more efficient use of natural resources (including tourist centers), In stock which should not be doubted, otherwise their contents did not recoup. Plus pay "moral damage" of these "colonies".

As an example, you can take Guiana (possession France). It is a little north of the equator, covered with wet tropical forests and is the "Zamar Department" France. 150 years she was a place of referral to criminals, but then the situation changed: at present, its representatives meet in the French parliament. The population is mainly focused on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the capital of Guiana, Cayenne, is also located there. Most residents work at state-owned enterprises, and the rest is engaged in agriculture (growing the batt, pineapples, rice and corn). The territory is rich in bauxite deposits, there are gold deposits, also here is a functioning rocket and space center (in the city of Kuru). Guiana is an economically backward country, depending on the financial assistance of France (however, the standard of living here is far from the lowest in the world). There are plans to strengthen the economy by the development of mining industry, as well as the development and use of huge forest arrays.

The geographical position of Latin America is beneficial and favored by the development of the economy due to the 3rd aspects. First, access to the seas and oceans and the presence of the Panaman canal, secondly, the close location of the United States, thirdly, the huge natural resource potential, which has not yet been implemented in many ways due to the historical factor. After all, almost all the local countries in the past were colonies, and some and now remain dependent. I think they will catch up with the missed and become highly developed, of course, not without the help of other, industrial and post-industrial powers.

The territory of Latin America was originally populated by Northeast Asiawhich later mixed with migration flows and formed numerous Indian tribes and nationalities. The most ancient parking of primitive people belong to the 20-10 cm. e. By the time of the invasion of European conquerors at the end of 15-16 centuries. Most Indian tribes were at various stages of the primitive-free system, was engaged in collecting, hunting and fishing. Ima-ra, Aztec, Mayan, etc. created early-grade states. After traveling H. Columbus, who opened the island of the Antilles Archipelago, the coast of Central America and the Republic of Venezuela (1492-1504), the first Spanish settlements on the Espanyol islands were founded ( Republic of Haiti) And Cuba, which have become supporting points for further penetration into the depths of the American mainland. The expeditions of conquistadors led to the approval of Spanish dominion on the territory of Mexico, California, Florida, Central America and in the entire South American continent, with the exception of the territory BrazilHe won, Guiana, captured by England, Holland and France. The internecine struggle of the Indian leaders who joined the unions with alien invaders, facilitated the conquest of Latin America by the colonizers. The conquest of America by the Spaniards and the Portuguese, mainly ended in 16-17 centuries. Despite the desperate resistance of the indigenous inhabitants (for which colonialists in many cases answered them by their extermination), and Portugal asked their languages \u200b\u200bhere, their religion (Catholicism) and had a great influence on the formation of Latin American culture. English, French and Netherlands colonization also influenced the history of Latin America, but significantly less than Spanish and Portuguese.

The development of capitalist relations, peasant and urban uprisings of the 18th century. (The peasant in the Republic of Peru 1780-83, the uprising in the new Granada 1781 and others) loosened the colonial system and contributed to the awakening of the national identity of the local population. War For the independence of English colonies in Sea-faithful America, 1775-83 and the Great French Revolution accelerated this pro-process. As a result of the uprising of black slaves, which began to the republic in 1791, and war Against the French colonizers, slavery was canceled (1801) and the independence of the Republic of Haiti (1804) was conquered, at the same time was undermined by Spanish dominion in Santo Domingo (modern Dominican Republic). For the independence of Spanish colonies in America, 1810-26 ended with the destruction of colonial render. Almost all Spanish colonies have won political independence. Attempts to free Cuba and Puerto Rico failed due to the intervention of the United States and the UK. In the situation of the widespread popular movement in September 1822, the independence of Brazil from Portugal was proclaimed.

The formation of states was the most important prerequisite for accelerating the development of capitalist relations. Preserving a large land in land tenure and the privileges of the church braked this process. In the middle of the 19th century A new rise of the revolutionary movement began, which expressed in civil wars in Argentina, Colombian Republic, Mexico, Republic of Venezuela, Uruguay, Guatemala and forced to conduct important social reforms in the Peruvian Republic, Honduras, Brazil. The pillow from the Indians and the slavery of the Negro (without endowment of the earth) were canceled, the noble titles were destroyed. In 1889, the monarchy was eliminated and the republic was proclaimed in Brazil. After the arrival of socialism and his crash (except Cuba) went active process Once - Vities of capitalism.

Nature of Latin America

FEATURES Relief LA Characterized by the presence in its geological structure of two heterogeneous structural elements: an ancient South American platform and a younger, rolling belt Cordiller, which are called in the glow continent Andiy Cordillera (their branch is an antillean island arc). The first corresponds to the ancient plateau and the plateau - Guiangskoye, Brazilian and Patagonian and Belt Lyun and Plains - Amazonian, Llanos-Orinocoskoye, Grand Chair, Pamp.

Cordiller Andov belt is the world's longest ridges and mountain ranges in the world, which stretches along the Pacific coast for 11 thousand km, the highest peak of the Western Hemisphere is the Argentine Akonkagua (6959 m) near the border from the Republic of Chile. In Andes, on the Bolivian-Peruvian border, the largest of the high-mountain lakes of the world - Titicaca (3812 m, 8300 square meters). Belt Andiy Cordillera It is characterized by frequent devastating earthquakes (Mexico City, 1985) and volcanic eruptions (Colombian Ruiz, 1986, Mexican Popochetetet, 2000), it is here that the highest acting volcano of the Earth is - Kotopakh (5897 m, near Quito).

The complexity of the geological structure is determined by wealth, and a variety of minerals L.A. It accounts for 18% of petroleum products, 30% - black and alloying metals (chromium, zinc, manganese, etc.) and 55% of rare metals (, Titan, strontium, etc.) of the world, not counting post-communist states. According to the reserves of a number of fossils, individual countries of Latin America occupy the first place in the world (with the exception of the Russian Federation and the PRC): for example, by iron ore, beryllium as well as mountain crystal -; Selitra and Kubrum - Republic of Chile; in lithium - Bolivia; According to graphite. Large reserves of petroleum products And natural gas is concentrated in the Republic of Venezuela and Mexico.

Considering its geographical location mainly in low latitudes (while drying the highest square is near the equator) L.A. It receives a lot of solar heat, so for most of the region is characterized by hot types of climate, where average temperatures are more than + 20, and seasonal differences are manifested mainly in the change of precipitation mode, not temperatures. This creates favorable conditions for year-round vegetation of plants and allows you to grow all tropical plantations and consumer agricultural crops.

Seasonal temperature fluctuations are most fully expressed only in the extreme north and south of L.A., which come into subtropical and moderate latitudes (in Santiago, for example, the average temperature of January + 20, July + 8, and on the fiery land + 11 and + 2 ), but, in addition, in the mountainous areas of the tropics. Short-term rapid decreases of temperature (up to the southern tropic) are in the event of an invasion of high latitudes of cold air masses, which contributes mainly the meridional orientation of the mountain ranges.

Between individual regions L.A. There are significant differences in the amount of precipitation as well as their distribution by season. If in Amazonia and on the Pacific slopes of the Equatorial Andiy Cordillers, the rainy season lasts almost all year round, and the annual rate of precipitation reaches 10 thousand mm, then in the Pacific Coast, the Republic of Peru and in the north the Republic of Chile rains fall out every year, and the Atakam Desert is one of The most arid on Earth (1-5 mm of precipitation per year).

Climatic features L.A. It was noticeably influenced by its settlement and economic development, so far they create considerable problems when mastering new territories, such as the Amazon basin.

L. countries Best in the world are provided with water resources, the thickness of the average annual flow of the rivers of the region (550 mm) is almost twice as much as the average value of the global flow of sushi. The longest river - Amazon (6.4 - 7 thousand km) is the most fulfillment on the planet, annually it takes about 6 thousand cubic meters of water to the ocean. Total River L.A. Have a hydroenergopotential of more than 300 million kW. The greatest Lake-Laguna Makaraibo (13.3 thousand square meters) is located in the north-west of the Republic of Venezuela.

From soils, the most fertile are in the south of Brazilian Plateau, on average, the Republic of Chile and in the east of Argentina (PMP). Many lands require special processing techniques, otherwise they quickly lose their fertility and degrade.

As a result of long-term isolation L.A. It has a pretty peculiar flora with a significant amount of endemic species, childbirth and even plants. Forests occupy about half the territory of the region, and on the area of \u200b\u200bconstantly wet evergative equatorial forests L.A. It takes 1st place among the mainland. In the Latin American forests there are many trees with valuable wood (red, balsa, sandalwood, etc.) and plants that give an important technical and medical (saba of seeds of whose oil, and from fruits - fiber, the main rubber space - Gevei, Hinne and Chocolate Trees, Coca, etc.). The region is home to such famous cultivated plants as pineapples, peanuts, sunflower, several types of pepper, potatoes, tomato, beans, etc.

Animal Mir L.A. Rich and peculiar, anywhere there are no longer found sloths, armadors, American ostriches, Lama Guanako. At the same time, the fauna of the region retained some features of relationship with the animal world of South Africa and Australia, which indicate a long-time connection with them, in particular, in L.A. There are representatives of the pupils characteristic of Australia.

In L.A. The need for the economic development of natural resources associated with the rational use and protection of natural wealth is becoming increasingly. According to the estimates of Latin American scientists over the past third of the century, forests were exterminated than the previous 400 years. Threat to disappearance there are evergreen forests Amazonia - "Light planets", while maintaining the existing deforestation rates, they will cease their existence by the middle of the 21st century. The area of \u200b\u200bterritories under protection still does not exceed 1% of the area of \u200b\u200bthe region (in Japan - almost 15%, Tanzania - about 10%, USA - more than 3%). The dominant methods of land use led to the widespread acceleration of the soil erosion processes, in particular, in the "Wheat belt" of the Argentine PAPM, which are covered by at least a quarter of the land, in Mexico - more than 70%. In the late 70s, 17 leading industrial zones of Argentina, Brazil, the Republic of Venezuela, republic of Colombia., Mexico, Peruvian Republic, Uruguay and the Republic of Chile were declared ecologically threatening.

Huge tropical forests are one of the most important wealth of Latin America. Unfortunately, they quickly cut down that, like the extermination of any kinds of plants and animals, threatens a violation of the fragile natural balance. These forests are distinguished by exceptional wealth and variety of flora and fauna. Only in the Amazon basin there are at least 40 thousand species of plants, 1.5 thousand species of birds and 2.5 thousand river fish. Also in rivers are dolphins, electric acne and other amazing creatures. From vegetation, such species like Araucaria Chilean and Brazilian, giant bromelia, xylocarpus (Carap), droplets (all this tree names), hardening, chocolate, mahagonya, greasy, rosewood trees, rapid and coconut palms, and passionwood, portulak , "Burning Sword", Philodendron. The brightest representatives of the fauna: Alpaca and Vicuni, relatives of Lama (they are valued for fur, like chinchillas), Nanda (similar to the bird's ostrich), penguins and seals (living in the south of the flaming continent), giant ivory turtle. Probably, few know that Latin America is the birthplace of potatoes, so popular in Russian Federation. Also they collect some medicinal plants going abroad. For example, Sarspare River Liana. It is impossible to imagine how difficult the power supply chain here, but you can imagine how fragile the natural and ecological balance is how easy it is to break.

Latin America is located in the subtropical, tropical and subequatorial belts of the northern hemisphere; equatorial belt; Sub-screen, tropical, subtropical and moderate belts of the southern hemisphere. Big influence on climate It has an intersection by its equator. Due to the fact that in the area of \u200b\u200bthe equator is a very large territory, Latin America receives a huge amount of solar energy. It does vegetative period Plants are practically year-round and allows to engage in agriculture. For most of the region, hot types are characterized. climatewhere average monthly temperatures are greater than +20 ° C, and seasonal climate change is manifested mainly in changing the regimen of precipitation, not temperatures. Seasonal temperature fluctuations are pronounced only in the extreme north and south of Latin America, taking subtropical and moderate latitudes (in the capital of the Republic of Chile Santiago, for example, the average temperature of the warm month +20 ° C, the coldest +8 ° C, and on Fire Earth - respectively +11 and +2 ° C), as well as in mountainous areas. However, the temperature-ra, as well as humidity depend not only (and sometimes not so much) from the geographic position, but also from the roar fairy and air mass. So, the wet air from the Atlantic (because there is an eastern transfer of air masses), passing through, gives moisture (in the form of rains), which returns to the plains (with the waters of mountain rivers), making wet. On the Pacific slope of the Equatorial Andiy Cordillers (in the Colombian Republic and Ecuador) and the coast adjacent to it the annual rate of precipitation reaches 10 thousand mm, whereas in the attacham desert - one of the noneless on the globe - 1-5 mm. If in Amazonia The rainy season continues almost all year round, then in the extreme northeast of Brazil, he does not exceed 3-4 months, and in the Pacific Coast, the Republic of Peru and the north of Chile's regions are easily magnificent. In general, at least 20% of the territory of Latin America include insufficient moisture zones. Agriculture depends on artificial irrigation. The same mountains do not give to penetrate the cold WHO in the central parts of Latin America from the Pacific Ocean. But it can freely pass here from high latitudes (because the mountains are located meridional), which periodically happens, but this phenomenon is short-term.

Luxury beaches, a fertile climate, picturesque landscapes - all this is inherent in main central America and especially the islands of Weight India. In economic attitude Central America and West Indies are known in the world primarily as a region of developed plantation agriculture, in which sugar cane, pineapples and bananas are of particular importance. Ideal place for growing coffee Pacific pyedmont is considered (the slope of the Highlands) with its fertile volcanic soils and favorable climatic conditions. In Guatemala coffee It grows in the shade of specially planted trees, it contributes to the greater accumulation of aromatic substances in the grains compared to solar varieties. Approximately the same area grows sugar cane.

Population in Latin America

The ethnic composition of Latin America is very pystress, it can be divided into 3 groups. The first group consists of Indian tribes, which are indigenous residents (currently 15% of the population). Most of the Indians focused in Bolivia (63%) and Guatemala. The second group is European immigrants, first of all the Spaniards and Portuguese (Creoles), because these 2 maritime powers were previously the rest began to collect expeditions for research and mastering the endless plates. Among the participants of the Spanish and Portuguese expeditions were Vasco da Gama, Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci and other famous navigators. Third Group formed Negros, which were brought here as slaves to work on plantations. Representatives of any of these groups remained very little. More than half of the residents of Latin America are metis (descendants from the marriages of White and Indians) and Moutique (descendants from white and black marriages).

The most homogeneous in ethnic detention are such migrating countries as Uruguay, The Republic of Chile (these are the countries of late colonization, their mass settlement began in the second half of the XIX century, in them the most European immigrants). From the former Spanish and Portuguese colonies and Guyana are different, where many people from Asia (mostly Indians). Arabic names are often found. Peresa Lenza from the Middle East seek great success due to their emergency activity. Known former Argentina Carlos Saulem, as well as former the president republic of Ecuador Jamil Mauad Witt (Sy Novya Arabs-immigrants). The Japanese who fell here in the 30-40s came to themselves actively. For example, twice Exprestion of the Peruvian Republic of Alberto Futomod (elected in 1990 and '95).

Latin America is also the place of mixing cultures of many races, peoples, ethnic groups and intertwining traditions and customs of different civilizations. In this regard, the rights of some nations, in particular, the Indians, people of mixed blood, and others, were infringed, from Europeans. It was a serious problem until February 15, 1819. It was then that an Agency of Angosturgical on the initiative of Bolivar was held, on which the document was adopted, proclaimed the equality of all residents of the former colonies. Since then, in Latin America, tolerance reigns to all peoples and religions.

Formation of modern peoples L.A. It was based on various ethnonational and racial elements, therefore, on February 15, 1819, convened in the Republic of Venezuela at the initiative of Simon Bolivar Angostour congress Proclaimed the equality of all residents of the former Spanish colonies, regardless of their ethnicity. Thanks to such a revolutionary solution, L.A. Different with tolerance for the input of their population, and the original Latin American culture develops on the equal coexistence of various traditions and is powered by their mutual enrichment.

In Andean (Cordillers) countries, with the exception of Costa Rica, Indians and Metis are dominated by Paraguay, with the most "Indian" among them, where the peoples of Kechua and Aimar are 54% of the population. In the neighboring republic, Peru and Ecuador of Kechua make up about 40% of the population, in Guatemala half of the inhabitants - Indians - and a lot of methots.

In Brazil and the Caribbean (Republic of Venezuela, Republic, Panama, West India Islands), where in the XVI-XVIII centuries. for work On plantations, several million blacks from West Africa were delivered, many people with dark skin color. Almost 45% of Brazilians - Mulati and Negros, in Dominican Republic, The Republic of Haiti, Jamaica and on the Small Antilles This indicator sometimes exceeds 90%.

In late colonization countries, the mass settlement of which began in the second floor. The 19th century, - Argentina, Uruguay and Costa Rica - descendants of European immigrants prevail; Indians, methuses and mulatys make up less than 10% of the population. And, unlike the Andean countries, in the colonization of which they participated mainly from SpainThe composition of immigrants from Europe here was diverse: a lot of Italians, Germans, Slavs arrived. They preferred a compact settlement, creating closed national colonies.

From the former Spanish and Portuguese colonies on ethnic composition, Guyana is noticeably different, Suriname And Trinidad and Tobago, where 35-55% of the population are coming from Industan. In Latin American countries, people with Arab surnames can be found, which, despite the few due to their own activity (most of them are merchants and entrepreneurs) were able to achieve high position in the new homeland. In particular, the sons of immigrants-Arabs were in the 90s presidents Argentina (Carlos Saul Mean) and the Republic (Jamil Mauad Watht). More active recently, the Japanese, who found themselves in LA, declare themselves. In the 30-40th century, one of them is Alberto Fuchimori - in 1990 and 1995 was elected by the President of the Peruvian Republic.

Thus, today the absolute majority of countries L.A. Multinational. In the population of each of them in certain proportions there are such ethnic groups:

The main people of the country (in Bolivia, Ecuador, the Republic of Peru and Guatemala should be considered two people - Spanish nations and close to them by the number of Indian peoples - Kechua, Aimar, Maya-Kiche et al.);

Survived and very small indigenous peoples; Approximately 2 million Indians of Brazil, the Republic of Venezuela and the Republic of Colombia have a tribal company and are almost not related to economically with the rest of the population;

The so-called transition groups are recent immigrants or their descendants, which were still not completely assimiced by the main peoples of the country, but have already lost their relationship with the exit countries.

National minorities - immigrants from Europe and Asia of the last decades, which have not yet been assimilated.

For example, representatives of more than 80 peoples, Argentina and Mexico, more than 50, in Bolivia, the Republic of Venezuela, the Colombian Republic, the Peruvian Republic and the Republic of the Republic of the Republic of Bolivia, and the Republic of Chile - more than 25 (excluding small Indian tribes) live in Brazil.

Since the time of the Conquists, European conquerors have enforced their languages \u200b\u200bin L.A., so in all its states and territories they have become state or official. Spanish and Portuguese are functioning in L.A. In the form of national species (options), for which there is a number of phonetic, lexical and grammatical features inherent (their most in conversational communication), which is explained, on the one hand, the influence of Indian languages, and on the other hand, the relative autonomy of their development.

In the countries of the Caribbean, public languages \u200b\u200bare mainly English and French (Republic of Haiti, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana). In Suriname, Aruba and Antille (Netherlands) Islands - Netherlands.

Indian languages \u200b\u200bafter the conquest L.A. They were supplanted into a narrow sphere of household communication of the depressed indigenous population. Today, only Kechua in Bolivia and the Republic of Peru and Guarani in Paraguay are official languages, on them, like some others (in Guatemala, Mexico, Peruvian Republic and the Republic of Chile), there is writing, literature is published, which, however, have not received a wide Distribution due to low literacy level of the majority of the Indian population.

In a number of countries of the Caribbean, the so-called Creole language has arisen in the process of interethnic communication, which formed as a result of the incomplete development of European languages \u200b\u200b(usually English and French) natives of languages \u200b\u200bof other linguistic groups. Haitian Creole has become a government along with French. In Suriname, there are several Creole languages: Saramakkan - in English and Portuguese; Dzhuka and Sobnantonga - in English. The latter, known as the "Suriname language", is along with the Dutch language, which develops fiction.

In general, for a significant part of the population L.A. Characterized by bilingualism (billingvism) and even multilinguality.

Starting from the 40s of the twentieth century. The growth of the population of the region has sharply accelerated, its average annual rates increased from 1.8% in the 20th. up to 2.4% in the 40s and 2.8% in 50s, reaching its apogee. But in the future they have declined somewhat, stabilizing at 2.3%. According to UN forecasts, by 2025, the population of L.A. will reach 790 million people.

Intensive increase in population population is a consequence of rapid decrease in mortality in post-war period When maintaining a high birth rate. To achieve in this regard what Europe and North America Gone 100-150 years old, L.A. Thanks to the achievements of world medicine and sanitation, it took only 25-40 years. Already in the first half of the 80s, the mortality rate of 1000 inhabitants was in the region 8, that is, it was lower from the monthly basis, and from the level of developed countries - the United States (9) or Western Europe (11).

Unlike Europe or North America, a reduction in mortality in L.A. (With the exception of Argentina and Uruguay), it was not accompanied by a noticeable decline in the birth rate, so the continent had a young age structure of the population. Children and adolescents up to 15 years old are about 45% of the population of the region (for comparison in Europe, this figure is 25%, in the USA - almost 30%).

The average population density in L.A. It is about 20 people. per quarter. km, so now it is one of the least populated large regions of the world. So, on a narrow seaside strip, which occupies 7% of Brazil, about half of the population of this country lives. At the same time extensive internal areas and south L.A. It is extremely rare, huge areas of equatorial forests in the Amazon basin are practically deserted.

For Latin American countries, the intensive urbanization process is characterized: if in 1900, 10% of the population lived in its cities, then in 1940 already 34%, in 1970 - 57%, and in 2000 - 80%, according to UN forecasts, this indicator In 2025 will be 84%. The high proportion of the urban population (80-87%) have the countries of the Southern cone and the Republic of Venezuela. And if at the beginning of the twentieth century. Increasing the share of the urban population of the region, it was mainly due to the influx of immigrants from Europe, in the second half of the last century it was caused by internal migrations associated with the industrialization and nonresistance of an agricultural issue.

In the process of urbanization, there is an increasing concentration of the population in large cities and urban agglomerations. In particular, in the metropolitan agglomerations of Mexico, the Republic of Peru, Argentina and Uruguay focuses from 25 to 50% of the population of these countries. Big Mexico City (more than 26 million people) and São Paulo (about 24 million people) compete with Tokyo for the status of the largest city of the Earth.

Culture of Latin America

Narget of modern national cultures L.A. refers to the 19th century, when in colonial possessions Spain and Portugal New ethnic communities began to be formed, which differed from each other as a result of the differences in geographical conditions, the racial composition of residents, the degree of preservation of the indigenous population and the peculiarities of European colonization. At the same time, the interaction of various cultures was not the mechanical addition of elements of Indian, European and African heritage.

In countries where large compact groups of the indigenous population have been preserved, there was a kind of "dualism of cultures. In these states, for example, in Bolivia and the Peruvian Republic, along with European Values-oriented National City, so. Creole, culture exists and An original Indian culture, which has its roots of pre-agricultural civilizations. In the middle of the XIX centuries. In Guatemala, Bolivia, Ecuador, Mexico and the Republic of Peru, the course of Indianism as an antithesis of the views of the landowner oligarchy, which denied the independent economic and cultural development of countries with the Indian population And he considered this population with a negative factor.

As a negative response to such a doctrine, a provision was formed about the future dominant role of the Indian race. The ideologues of the traditionalist flow in Indianism put forward the slogan of the construction of the "Indian community communism" on the basis of the congenital traditions of the Inca Empire. Traditionalists are opposed to the "immanent humanism" of the Indian - kindness, love for the family, proximity to nature, understanding the beauty of the world, that is, the "natural" qualities of a person, Western standards with their antihumanity. But in the 60s of the XX century. Traditionalists moved away from their main thesis - the possibilities of the community path of development of the Indians and recognized the need for their integration into the socio-economic and cultural life of the nation.

The ruling circles of Latin American countries from the Indian population are aware that the further public progress of these states depends on the decision of the Indian issue. In particular, in Mexico during their stay authorities President Lopez Portillio (1977-1982) was created by the National Council of Bilingual Workers and Indians to stimulate training on the basis of two languages \u200b\u200band two cultures and folk culture affairs. This approach was called "New Indianism", i.e. Recognition of "multiplicity of ethnic groups and multiplicity of cultures."

On the formation of national cultures in L.A. The decisive impact made the achievement by the countries of the region of political independence in the 1st quarter of the XIX century. The development of Latin American social thought, science and culture occurred in the persistent search for national identity, its own place in world history and culture. Progressively thinking creative intelligentsia L.A. Always applied to the humanistic and democratic ideals of Europe, its cultural heritage. At the same time, she sought to separate from the old world - and for the sake of approval of its identity, and in the hope of opening a new page of universal culture, which was especially in the second half of the twentieth century.

But in parallel in L.A. Such concepts of historical and cultural identity applying to substantiate political hegemonism and cultural and ideological guardians relative to other countries have been formed. One of them is "Brazilianidad", proposed in the 30s of the 20th HH. The famous sociologist Zhilberto Freere, approves the uniqueness of the Brazilian civilization and the biological connection of its carriers with the peoples of Africa and the Caribbean. Separate ideologues of the military regime 1964-1985 were removed from the concept of "Brazilianidad" the right to the leading role of the country not only in L.A., but also in Africa.

The great idea of \u200b\u200bthe national exclusivity and superiority of the impregnation and the concept of "Archentinidada", which justifies (the only one in LA) the superiority of representatives of the White race. It is based on the thesis about the specifics of the Argentine National Spirit, the lifestyle, in which the collectivist soul of the community and the nation in general is supposedly provided. In historical research and artistic literature, the idealized image of the shepherd-Gaucho as the highest expressant of the Spirit "Argentinidad" is in every way.

And yet awareness of the interdependence of the processes developing in the world, incl. In the field of culture and social thought, led in the 80-90s to the care of many scientists, writers and cultural figures L.A. from the concepts of "special path" and "original development" based on the opposition of historical fate of Europe and America. Many of them (as, for example, the famous Mexican philosopher Leopold Sea) now raise the question of the need for a qualitative leap in the development of world culture as a whole, a change in the lifestyle and values \u200b\u200bof humanity, the gradual formation of a new type civilization.

Religion of Latin America

Religious structure of the population L.A. It is noted by the absolute predominance of Catholics (more than 90%), since in the colonial period, Catholicism was the only mandatory religion, and the inquisition was persecuted to other religions. After the war, the freedom of religion began to be recognized after the war, and the freedom of religion, and in a number of states (Brazil, Guatemala, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Salvador, Uruguay and the Republic of Chile) were proclaimed separating the church from the state.

But in Argentina, Bolivia, the Republic of Venezuela, the Republic of Haiti, Dominica, the Republic of Columbia, Costa Rica, Paraguay and the Peruvian Republic remained in force, the so-called right to patronage, giving the government to interfere with church affairs and provide state aid to the church. Colombian Republic (since 1887) and (since 1954) are associated with the Vatican Concordat - Agreement on the legal regulation of the Catholic Church.

The church traditionally plays an important role in the political and social life of the Catholic Continent, from the middle of the twentieth century. It was covered by a powerful update movement, supporters of which were made by representatives of all the steps of a confessional hierarchy - from ordinary priests to Archbishop and Cardinals. Range of modernization trends of the Catholic Church in L.A. It turned out to be very wide - from the head of the Chilean Catholic Church of Cardinal Silva Enikes, who condemned "as a source of suffering, injustice and a fratricide war," to the brightest expressant of the "rebellious" wing of the Church, Chapellane of the National University of Bogota and Professor of the Sociological Faculty of Camil Torres, who entered Partisan detachment and died in battle in autumn 1965 slogan of his followers in L.A. We became the words "the responsibility of every Christian is to be a revolutionary. Each revolutionary is to make a revolution."

It is in L.A. The region of sharp social contradictions were massive folk companies Believers - Christian lower communities, were actively involved in political life. Generalizing the experience of these communities in the mid-60s of the twentieth century. The "Theology of Liberation" was the participation of the employees of the cult in the liberation struggle for the help of theological arguments, references to the Holy Scriptures, papal encyclics and other religious documents. Within the framework of the "liberation theology", there are: moderate wing - "Development Theology" and the Radical - "Theology of the Revolution" ("Rezero Church"), the most famous representatives of which in the 70-80s were Brazilian archbishop, a supporter of Christian socialism Don Elder Camara and Archbishop Salvador Oscar Romer, killed during the service with right extremists on March 24, 1980

At the III conference of the Latin American Episcopal Council in January 1979 in Puebla of the newly elected Pope John Paul II (it was his first foreign trip in the new quality "rebellious" priest managed to ensure the unanimous approval of the final document, which urged Catholic hierarchs to unite his efforts with the ministers of others The cults and "people of goodwill" in the struggle "against evil, for creating a fair, free and more civil society. The document condemned the repressive military regions of the region, but at the same time the violence against the struggle against the right terror was condemned. How capitalism, so I. socialism They put forward as an accepted social system, then it was argued that the Latin American Church should comply with the "Third Way", to offer the world "something new".

The second after Catholicism by the number of faithful religion in L.A. It is Protestantism (in the early 90s - about 20 million people), is represented by a large number of different churches and sects. Having distributed in the region in the first decades of the XIX century, he became the religion of the majority of the population in many countries of West Indies. More than 10 million Protestants live in Brazil (including 6 million Pentecostals and 1.5 million Baptists), in Mexico - almost 2 million (mainly Pentecostals and Presbyterians), in the Republic of Chile - more than 1 million. (mostly Pentecostals). The growth of influence among believers in recent decades of Protestant churches is one of the features of the religious situation in L.A.

From non-Christian religions in L.A. The most widely represented by Hinduism and Islam (Guyana, Suriname Both Trinidad and Tobago), and in the south of the continent - Judaism (only in Argentina more than 300 thousand people).

Economy Latin America.

From the first years of conquest about L.A. I went fame as a continent with fabulously rich inlets and generous tropical nature, which allows you to grow, sugar cane, cotton and tobacco. Therefore, until today in the World Economy, the Latin American States remain the role of exporters of mineral raw materials and agricultural products. But the continent lags behind some other regions according to the degree of proclamation of the territory (search work Conducted only to 1/5 of the territory).

Each country L.A. Specializes in the export of several types of raw materials and products, from which its well-being directly depends. Brazil delivers to the world market iron Rud. (1 place for mining in the world), (2nd place), manganese ore (3 place), coffee, cocoa and soy; Argentina -, wool and wheat (half of all exporting L.A.), Republic of Chile - copper (1st place), Selitra and Molybdenum (2nd place) and fruits; Republic of Peru - Color Ore metals (2nd place in the world for mining zinc and silver, 4th - lead). Suriname and Guiana are among the main manufacturers of bauxite. But the share of L.A. In oil production, it is steadily reduced: from almost a quarter in the non-socialist world to the Second World War to 15% in the late 80s.

Due to industrialization in the structure of the processing industry In recent decades, significant changes have occurred. In the total cost of product products, the share of heavy industry increased (from 41% in 1960 to 65% in the early 90s), metalworking and mechanical engineering were released to leading positions in the 70s, in the structure of the latter increased the importance of shipbuilding, aircraft construction, Electronics and production of automatic machines and computers. In the countries-exporters of black gold (Republic of Venezuela, Mexico), as well as in Argentina, Brazil and the Colombian Republic, noticeable development has acquired petrochemistry - production of plastics, synthetic fibers, rubber, polymers.

But relatively versatile managed to build only three Latin American giants - Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, where microelectronics, robotics, aerospace and nuclear energy appeared. These countries touched the "Green Revolution", but in general advanced industries Economy in L.A. Combined with backward agriculture. Despite the conducted in the 60-70s. In many countries, agricultural reforms, land tenure is still characterized here by a two-pole system: on one pole - huge latifunds with their irrational use of the land foundation, backward agricultural squares and the low yield of agricultural products per unit area; On the second - large masses of small-earth and landless peasants.

The consequences of traditional for L.A. Monocultures are detected so far - is 10 products? cost All products of crop production, in which grain player play a leading role (in a number of Central America and the Caribbean - coffee, sugar cane and bananas). There is a relatively low and agrotechnical level of agriculture: in the early 90s. By the number of tractors for 1 thousand people in agriculture, the region lagged behind the developed capitalist countries 8 times, moreover, more than 2/3 of the tractor fleet focused in Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. In small countries, a plow and machete is still spread.

Total countries L.A. There are 15% of world meat production, 18% - corn, 19% cotton, 21% - fruit, and the most important agricultural areas are Mexican Highlands, the Argentine Papper and the East Coast of Brazil. About 4/5 of all products of agriculture are produced in 5 countries - Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, the Republic of Venezuela and the Republic of Columbia.

The idea of \u200b\u200bimplementing import-substituted industrialization, i.e. creating our own engineering and other industries Industry to meet the needs of economic development, arose immediately at the end of World War II. At first, a path to a large part of the economy was chosen to implement this large-scale problem. In Mexico, this process fell during the presidency of Aleman Valdez (1946-1952), in Argentina - Juan Peron (1946-1955), in Brazil - Zhetuliu Vargas (1930-1945, 1951-1954), in the Republic of Chile - Gonzalez saw (1946 -1952). This allowed the end of the 50s to increase the production of industrial products compared with a pre-war period 2.5 times. Wide foreign ownership (under the type of "Mexication", "Venezuelaization", "Columbus", "Argentinianization") and infrastructure branches continued in the 60-70s.

However, in the 80s, L.A. I am struck by solvency, which began in Mexico (1982) and quickly spread to other countries, in 1989 external debt reached $ 430 billion, more than 4 times higher than the amount of commodity export, share payments only percent loans absorbed 35% of currency revenue from export. The problem of external debt was born by the weakness of internal sources of accumulation, spending foreign loans for non-production goals, cosmopolitanism of Latin American oligarchic groups, an increase in the share of private (expensive) external loans.

IMF and IBRD led to the provision of new loans to the Latin American countries in deep reforms in a non-liberal spirit:

Reduction of budgetary costs for the content of the public sector and management office and the implementation of social programs;

Maximum state enterprises, especially unprofitable;

Termination of the state intervention in investment policies, currency and foreign trade operations;

Providing preferential conditions for national and foreign private capital;

Reduced trade barriers.

To fulfill these conditions, which meant a cardinal change in the region's development strategy, the so-called "lost decade" (August 80 - August 90s), which was accompanied by a sharp polarization of society, the concentration of income and the growth of poverty to unprecedented sizes. But in general, it was possible to take inflation (in 1995 - 25%), GDP growth decreased to 3% per year. True, the economic revival of the early 1990s was somewhat corrupted by the collapse of the Mexican Peso at the end of 1994 (as a result of the artificial overestimation of his course), which had serious consequences for Argentina, Brazil and the Peruvian Republic.

However, massive external assistance from the United States and IMF contributed to rapid overcoming crisis: In 1997, Mexico and Argentina reached more than 5% growth GDP, and Brazil in terms of its volume ($ 850 billion, at a purchasing power parity - 1.057 trillion. Dol in 1999) confidently ranked second in the Western Hemisphere after the United States. Growth prospects in other countries of the region, primarily in the Republic of Chile, Bolivia, Uruguay, Republic of Peru and the Republic of Venezuela, also seem quite good, although most of them are still extremely sensitive to external shocks like currency crisis In Southeast Asia 1997-1998 or an increase in interest rates in the United States. The main question for L.A. It is not back to the "Development Policy" for the period of the 60-70s, and in how to continue the macroeconomic restructuring of the 80-90s.

L. countries The first in the "third world" became on the path of economic integration, when in 1960 were organizationally decorated trade and economic groups - Latin American free trade (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Republic of Venezuela, Ecuador, Republic of Columbia, Mexico, Peruvian Republic, Uruguay and the Republic of Chile) and Central American Common market (Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Salvador). With the creation of the Caribbean Association in 1968 trade, united as independent at the time of the state (Barbados, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica) and British possessions (Antigua, Belize, Grenada, Dominica, Montserrat, Saint - Vincent, Saint Lucia, Saint Christopher and Nevis), Almost all countries L.A. took part in the integration process.

His ultimate goal was to form a common Latin American market through a gradual decline in mutual customs taxes, the elimination of trade, currency and other restrictions in mutual trade, the introduction of a single external tariff for third countries. Financing regional projects had the right to inter-American development (created in December 1959 by the EDAD member countries), in which in 1964 the Institute of Integration of Latin America was founded.

But from the mid-60s, the integration process began to change and did not go through the merger of existing groups, but their fragmentation. As a result of the disagreements inside the lavt, two formations arose: Laplat (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) and Andada (Bolivia, Republic of Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombian Republic, Republic of Peru and the Republic of Chile) Group. In 1978, the Amazonian Pact (Bolivia, Brazil, Republic of Venezuela, Guyana, Ecuador, the Republic of Columbia, Peruvian Republic and Surinam) was created, in many respects similar in their tasks to the Laplat group. In 1980, LAVT was reorganized into the Latin American Integration Association (Portugal and Cuba became observers in it), which raised more modest purposes.

The next integration boom in the region began with the creation of March 26, 1991 of the total market of the countries of the Southern Cones (Merkosur) with the participation of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay (associate members - Bolivia and the Republic of Chile). From the beginning of 1995, he turned into almost the first Latin American, the largest in the Third World. Finally, it should form for 2006.

Mexico, the Republic of Venezuela and the Colombian Republic have intensified their participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the participation of the United States and Canada signed in 1992. It provides for full leveling and merging of national markets for 15 years. Brazil, Costa Rica, Jamaica expressed fundamental agreement to joining Nafta, and the process of formation of the "American Free Trade Zone from Alaska to Thier-del Fuego" began in January 1996. At the next "Americas summit" in Quebec in April 2001, with the participation of heads of state and governments, 34 countries were made a fundamental decision on the creation of a 2005 continental free trade zone.

Latin American economic integration has become the object of picky attention and the European Union. In December 1995, in Madrid between EURO Union and Mercosur was concluded agreement about firms In the first decade of the XXI century, a joint free trade zone.

States in Latin America

Among the most popular Latin American destinations - Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Republic of Peru, Republic of Chile, Republic of Venezuela.

We are going to Brazil to visit impressive megalopolises (and, of course, to try in the most sultry nightclubs of the planet, to explore the impassable jungle and almost flop from the noise of the giant waterfalls.

Tourist Mexico is excursions to mysterious buildings Maya and Aztecs, as well as incendiary holidays on the most prestigious beaches of the world and impressive diving on local coral reefs.

Argentina is going to visit numerous national parks and engage in skiing in glaciers. Among other things, here you can check in the southernmost city of the planet and from here you start to visit the penguins in Antarctica.

In Costa Rica - a real paradise for a connoisseur of nature: Beautiful reserves with volcanoes, endless mountain chains, exotic beaches with black sand. There, as well as in the Republic of Venezuela and Ecuador, lovers of eco-tourism are sent. The Peruvian Republic of Tourists attract Cusco and Machu-Picchu - places associated with the story of the Incas, perfectly evenly and unknown by whom the naska multi-kilometer lines, the origin of the Amazon. In the Republic of Chile - very beautiful nature, the most dry desert in the world of Atakam and high-class ski resorts, and on the island of Easter you can get a mysterious ancient stone sculptures. Bolivia should be visited at least in order to see with its own eyes the most high-mountainous, the most multinational and most isolated from the rest of the world part of the globe, and the Republic of Colombia will surprise with gorgeous resorts and elegant colonial facades of Cartagena.

In addition, Latin America also includes less popular, but we believe that the country's hopeful tourism is highly developed: Belize, Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, French Guyana, Guatemala.

Brazil, The official name of the Federal Republic of Brazil is the largest in the area and the population in the glowing continent and the only portuguestital in America. It is located in fifth place among the countries of the world in the area and in terms of population. It takes the eastern and central part of the mainland.

The capital is Brazilia. Another option of the name of the city is Brazil - coincides with the Russian name of the country.

The greatest length from the north to south is 4320 km, from the east to the west of 4328 km. Borders with all states of the flaming continent, except for the Republic of Chile and the Republic of Ecuador: with French Guiana, Suriname, Giana, Republic of Venezuela in the North, Colombian Republic in the North-West, Republic of Peru and Bolivia in the West, Paraguay and Argentina in the South-West and Uruguay on South. The length of the land borders of about 16 thousand km. From the East is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, the length of the coastline is 7.4 thousand km. Brazil also includes several archipelagos, in particular Fernando Di Norona, Rokas, San Pedro and São Paulo and Trundadudi and Martin-You.

Brazil was colony Portugal From the moment of landing in Pedru Alvarech Kabral on the shores of the glowing continent in 1500 before independence announcement in 1822 in the form of the Brazilian Empire. Brazil became a republic in 1889, although the two-challenging parliament, today called Congress, is rooted by 1824, when the first was ratified. Current Constitution Determines Brazil as a federal republic, which is soyuce Federal District, 26 states and 5564 municipalities.

Brazil has the eighth largest nominal GDP Economy in the world and seventh GDP designed for purchasing power parity. Economic reforms brought international recognition to the country. Brazil consists in international organizations such as the UN, G20, Merkosur and the Union of South American Nations, and is also one of the BRICS countries.

A significant impact on the country's culture was provided by Portugal, the former metropolis. The official and almost only colloquial language of the country is Portuguese. According to the religion, most Brazilians are Catholics, which makes Brazil the country with the largest Catholic population in the world.

In honor of Brazil, the asteroid (293) Brazil opened in 1890 by the French Astronomer Auguste Charlua

Brazil will be held 2014 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in June-July 2014. Also in Rio de Janeiro will be held summer Olympic Games 2016.

Latin America (Latin America) is

Argentina It occupies the south-eastern part of the mainland of the flaming continent, the eastern part of the island of the fiery and nearby Islands of Estados, etc.

Borders in the West from the Republic of Chile, in the north with Bolivia and Paraguay, in the northeast - with Brazil and Uruguay. In the East is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

The shores are cut little, only the estauria of the La Board crashes into a landing at 320 kilometers. The territory of Argentina is stretched in the meridional direction. The greatest length of its length from north to south is 3.7 thousand kilometers. The big length of marine borders played an important role in the development of its external economic relations.

Area 2.8 million km (without Falkland, or Malvinsky, islands - controversial between Argentina and British territory).

The nature of Argentina is diverse due to the high length of the country from north to south and differences in relief. In the structure of the surface, the country can be divided by about 63 ° C. D. Two half: flat - north and eastern, elevated - Western and South.

Latin America - Latin America. Bolivia, La Paz. Latin America, the general name of countries located in the southern part of North America, south of the Rio River Bravo del Note (including Central America and West India), and in South America. Total area of \u200b\u200b22.8 million ... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Latin America - on the map Latin America Sob ... Wikipedia

Latin America - I Latin America (AMÉRICA Latina), the general name of countries located in the southern part of North America, south of r. Rio Bravo del Note (including Central America and West India), and in South America. Total area of \u200b\u200b20.5 million km2. ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary - Latin, Aya, Oe. Explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Swedov. 1949 1992 ... Explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov

LATIN AMERICA - Area 20.1 million square meters, population of more than 380 million people. Latin America includes 30 independent states. These are mostly agrarian countries. Main agricultural cultures of coffee, cocoa, sugar cane, bananas. Livestock RA ... World shepherdie

Latin America - Localization of Latin America on the map. Latin America includes American countries and territories south of the United States, in which Spanish and Portuguese Romanesque languages \u200b\u200bthat occurred from Latin prevail. Latin America and the corresponding ... ... Wikipedia ,. Latin America's bibliographic pointer is from 1964 (Issue 1-15 - "Latin America in Soviet Press"). In this issue (20th) included books and reviews ...