Latin America

Definition

Latin America refers to the region of the Americas where Romance languages (Spanish, Portuguese, and French) are primarily spoken. It includes countries in Central and South America, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean.

Related terms

Mestizo: This term refers to people of mixed European (primarily Spanish or Portuguese) and Indigenous American descent. The concept originated in Latin America during the colonial era.

Creole: In the context of Latin American history, this term refers to people born in the Americas but descended from European settlers - mainly Spanish or Portuguese.

Liberation Theology: A Christian movement that started in Latin America in the 1950s-60s which emphasizes social concern for the poor and political liberation for oppressed peoples.