1. The Geography & History of Latin America

2. The Basics 33 countries 4 parts Mexico Central America
Caribbean Islands
South America

4. Physical Features Mountains throughout the region
Andes Mountains in South America
Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico
Volcanoes on the Caribbean Islands
Amazon Rainforest in South America
Largest tropical rainforest in the world
Amazon River in South America
2nd longest in the world
Lake Titicaca in South America
Highest lake (in elevation) in the world
Atacama Desert in Chile
Driest place on earth
Angel Falls in South America
World’s tallest waterfall

5. Climate
3 main types of climates in Latin America— look at the climate maps on pages 58 and 74 to find them
Tropical climate in much of Central America, Caribbean Islands, and Amazon Basin
Cool highlands climate in western South America (Andes) & southern Mexico (Sierra Madre)
Arid (dry) climate in northern Mexico and southern South America

6. Cultural Features Languages: Where did Latin America get its name?
2 main languages spoken: Spanish & Portuguese
Where did Latin America get its name?
Spanish & Portuguese come from the Latin language (which is now considered a “dead” language.)
Main religion practiced in Latin America?
Look at p. 40 in your atlas
Roman Catholic Christianity
Largest country in population AND land area?
Brazil (4th largest in the world for both stats.)
Countries in Central America (list at least 1 on your notes sheet) look on p. 57
Countries in Caribbean Islands (list at least 1 on your notes sheet) look on p. 57
Countries in South America (list at least 1 on your notes sheet) look on p. 73

7. Cultural Features
Countries in Central America (list at least 1 on your notes sheet) look on p. 57
Panama, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica
Countries in Caribbean Islands (list at least 1 on your notes sheet) look on p. 57
Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago
Countries in South America (list at least 1 on your notes sheet) look on p. 73
Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Guyana, Suriname

8. Other unique cultural features!

9. Latin American Country Activity: Due tomorrow
Find at least 5 interesting cultural facts about a Latin American country
Consider these parts of culture when finding your facts: food, music, religion, festivals/holidays, customs, recreational activities, art, government, education, currencies, history, gestures, family customs
You MUST use Culture Grams as one of your sources of information.
Do NOT use Wikipedia
Go to
Username: 5250pvjh
Password: mbaea9

10. History 3 civilizations that impacted history of Latin America: Mayans
Aztecs
Incas
Who were the first Europeans to conquer Latin America?
Spanish & Portuguese
In what decade did the Spanish and Portuguese come to Latin America to establish colonies?
1500s

11. History
What was the name of the man who led the Spanish in conquering the Aztecs?
Hernan Cortes
2 reasons why the Europeans were successful in conquering the native Latin Americans:
They had more advanced weapons.
They brought over diseases that killed off large portions of natives.

12. History 5 changes Europeans made to Latin American culture:
1. Religion from native religions to Roman Catholic
2. Replaced native languages with Spanish/Portuguese
3. Changed farming practices to use modern technology
4. The food they grew & ate
Examples: Olives, wheat, carrots, bananas, broccoli, rice, and coffee
5. They introduced new animals
Examples: Horses, cats, cows, chickens

13. History
Almost every country is now independent of Spain & Portugal today
BUT, there is still a great deal of Spanish/Portuguese influence on the culture of Latin America.