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Latin America
Cultural
Characteristics
Cultural Geography of Latin America
-A population of 525 million people, roughly 9% of
the world’s population.
Rapid population growth rate with large percentage
under 15 years of age
Low literacy, low life expectancy- Are they
developed or developing???
Indigenous Groups:
Mayan
Aztec
Incas
Indigenous Peoples
Maya: The Mayan civilization was found in the
Yucatan Peninsula and parts of Guatemala. Famous
site is Tikal
Tikal
Mayan Ruins at Tikal, Guatemala
Chichén Itzá : Mayan Ruins
Aztec: The Aztec were found in the Valley of Mexico. Also had
pyramids
Inca: The Inca were found in the highlands of Peru Andes
Mountains, Machu Pichu is the famous site.
Machu Pichu
Macchu Picchu
in Peru
Machu Picchu: Incan Ruins, Peru
Terraced
Terraced farming:
farming
HI Carl!
Cultural Blending
In Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador people of mixed native and
European descent (Mestizo) make up the largest part of the
population.
In the Caribbean people of Mixed African and European descent
(Mulatto) make up a large percentage of the population.
In Haiti a blending of W. African religion and Roman Catholicism
led to the creation of a new religion, Voodoo.
Language
European Languages
Spanish: Primary language of most L. American countries.
Portuguese: Brazil
French: Haiti and Martinique
English: Jamaica, Belize, and Guyana.
Dialects: Each country has developed its own dialect, or different
form of a language.
Native Languages
Many people speak languages which have been spoken by native
populations for centuries.
Where Latin Americans Live
High Population Growth: The region’s population is expected to
reach about 800 million by the year 2050, increasing 55%.
Large percentage under 15
years of age
Physical barriers limit areas
where people can live, the
population only lives on about
1/3 of the land.
Coastal Areas
Most Densely Populated.
Cultures and Lifestyles
Religion plays an important role
Most people are Christian, but other
religions here include Native beliefs,
African religions, Islam, Hinduism,
Buddhism, and some Judaism.
Roman Catholicism: Most Christians in Latin America are Roman
Catholic. Catholicism was brought over by European conquerors
and many natives were forced to convert to the religion.
Very, very rigid social structure-known for machismo, thus male
dominated society
Protestants make up large numbers
Mixed Religions
Voodoo (Condomblé/Santería) A blending of
West African religion and the Catholic faith.
This religion has a negative reputation, but is
not evil. It believes in the honoring of spirits
in nature and veneration of ancestors.
Modern Art
Diego Rivera
Mexican artist who focused on murals that
illustrated Mexico’s history, especially the
struggles of the poor.
Seller of Flowers
Girl with Pink Dress
Other art forms
Music: Brazilian Samba, Cuban Salsa, and Mexican Mariachi
Reggae and Calypso in the Caribbean
Steel Drum Bands
Carnival
Celebrates the week before the start of Lent.
Rio de Janeiro is home to one of the biggest Carnival celebrations
in the world.
Spanish Church, Mexico City
Bullfighting Ring and
Soccer (Fútbol) Stadium
Mexico City
Christ the Redeemer
Rio de Janeiro
100 ft tall
Sits on Corcovado
Mountain on a 20
foot base.