1. Culture of Latin America and the Caribbean Notes

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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?)