Culture of Latin America and the Caribbean Notes

Human Characteristics 525 million people-about 9% of world’s population- living in 33 countries Major ethnic groups- Native American, European, African, Asian and mixtures All native groups can trace ancestry back to either Aztec, Inca, Maya

Europeans first arrived in late 1400s Most settlers were Spanish or Portuguese Africans first arrived in 1500s as slaves They worked cash crops like sugar Brought to Brazil and Caribbean Influence of food, music, religion, art

Asians first settled during 1800s Labored as temporary workers In Guyana, about ½ population is South Asian Many Chinese settled in Mexico, Peru, Cuba Many Japanese settled in Brazil and Peru

Language Most speak Spanish Portuguese in Brazil French in Haiti and Martinique English in Jamaica and Belize However there are many dialects of these languages and many Latin Americans are bilingual Language

Where Latin Americans Live High growth rates, estimates are 800 million by 2050 Varied climates and landscapes are factor in where most people live Most live on only 1/3 of the land Mostly on coasts, few in interior 350 million along coasts of SA 140 million in Central America and Mexico 38 million in Caribbean

In SA, low density due to large areas of land compared to population Most densely populated=Ecuador with 118/sq. mile Mexico is largest Spanish speaking country in the world (100 million) Mexico City population density=30,150/sq. mile! In Caribbean, high density due to small areas of land compared to population Most densely populated=Barbados with 1,620/sq. mile Population Density

Migration Many immigrants from around the world have come to Latin America, especially in the years after WWII However, many have moved north towards the US for better opportunity-particularly from Mexico, Caribbean, Central America Major cities of region: Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Mexico City, Mexico; Buenos Aires, Argentina

Most are Roman Catholic due to it being the official religion of European colonizers Blend of Catholicism and West African deities have created minor religions like Santeria and Voodoo Religion

Art Traditional arts include: weaving, metalwork, wood carving, pottery Colorful mosaics and murals decorate temples and other places of worship

Everyday Life Strong sense of community and family Most have large extended families that are close Godparents play an important role Quality of education varies across the region In most countries, it is required to complete elementary school but many do not because of long distances and lack of transportation Access to health care varies as well and many health issues are tied to poverty like poor sanitation

Sports and Leisure FUTBOL is national sport of most countries, baseball is runner up Festivals like Carnival Fiestas and parties are popular and serve as a way to spend time with family and friends to celebrate occasions

Latin American Holidays & Celebrations Carnaval Cinco de Mayo Dia de los Muertos Dia de los Reyes Magos Las Posadas Instructions Choose a Latin American tradition from the list Research the following information: Date(s) of celebration Country(ies) celebrated in Purpose Customs/practices associated with it (how is it celebrated?)