Federation of Latin America. Latin America

The article contains information about the region. A list of Latin American countries is provided and the features of the economic and political development of states are indicated. The economic vector along which the process of emergence of developing countries occurs is considered.

Territorial division of Latin America

Latin America refers to a group of countries that are located in the Western Hemisphere between the southern borders of the United States and Antarctica.

Rice. 1. Latin America on the map.

The area of ​​the region is 20.1 million km. sq. Population: about 545 million people.

The list of Latin American countries includes:

• Argentina;
• Antigua;
• Bahamas;
• Barbuda;
• Belize;
• Brazil;
• Barbados;
• Venezuela;
• Guyana;
• Haiti;
• Honduras;
• Guatemala;
• Grenada;
• Grenadines;
• Guiana;
• Dominican Republic;
• Dominica;
• Colombia;
• Cuba;
• Costa Rica;
• Mexico;
• Nicaragua;
• Nevis;
• Paraguay;
• Panama;
• Puerto Rico;
• Peru;
• Salvador;
• Saint Kitts;
• Saint Vincent;
• Saint Lucia;
• Suriname;
• Uruguay;
• Chile;
• Ecuador;
• Jamaica.

Many countries and capitals of Latin America today claim to be leading players in the global economic and political arena. This is due to the fact that in most states there has been a change in political regime. This is evidenced by the data given in the table. Some countries in the region today are actively establishing international relations without the possibility of becoming dependent on a partner with a more powerful level of economic development.

TOP 2 articleswho are reading along with this

Rice. 2. Fidel Castro.

Table “Features of development of Latin American countries”

Models of modernization of Latin American countries

A striking example of modernization is Cuba.

In 1961, US President John Kennedy proposed the Alliance for Progress assistance program to Latin American countries. The program was adopted, but did not strengthen democracy.

Rice. 3. J. Kennedy.

Modernization became the main slogan of military regimes. Such actions often had positive results for the economy.

What have we learned?

We found out what reasons had the greatest impact on the rapid economic growth of individual countries in the region. We learned what historical events were the way to maintain democracy in a number of Latin American countries. We got an idea of ​​which country in the region is an example of modernization. We supplemented our knowledge of the curriculum for 11th grade geography.

Test on the topic

Evaluation of the report

Average rating: 4.5. Total ratings received: 114.

Territory, borders, position.

Latin America is the name given to the region of the Western Hemisphere located between the United States and Antarctica. It includes Mexico, Central and South America, and the island states of the Caribbean (or West Indies). Most of the population of Latin America speaks Spanish and Portuguese (Brazil), which belong to the group of Romance or Latin languages. Hence the name of the region - Latin America.

All Latin American countries are former colonies of European countries (mainly Spain and Portugal).

The area of ​​the region is 21 million square meters. km, population - 500 million people.

All Latin American countries, with the exception of Bolivia and Paraguay, either have access to oceans and seas (Atlantic and Pacific oceans), or are islands. The EGP of Latin America is also determined by the fact that it is located in relative proximity to the United States, but at a distance from other large regions.

Political map of the region.

Within Latin America there are 33 sovereign states and several dependent territories. All independent countries are either republics or states within the British-led Commonwealth (Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Grenada, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago , Jamaica). Unitary states predominate. The exception is Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, Argentina, which have a federal form of administrative-territorial structure.

Note:

Form of government (state system): KM – constitutional monarchy;

Form of territorial structure: U – unitary state; F – federation;

The countries of the region are very diverse in area. They can be divided into 4 groups:

very large (Brazil);

large and medium-sized (Mexico and most South American countries);

relatively small (Central American countries and Cuba);

very small (West Indies islands).

All Latin American countries are developing countries. In terms of the pace and achieved level of economic development, they occupy an intermediate position in the developing world - they are superior in this regard to the developing countries of Africa and inferior to the countries of Asia. The greatest successes in economic development have been achieved by Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, which are part of the group of key countries in the developing world. They account for 2/3 of Latin America's industrial production and the same amount of regional GDP. The most developed countries in the region also include Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru. Haiti belongs to the subgroup of least developed countries.

Within their region, Latin American countries have created several economic integration groups, the largest of which is the South American Common Market consisting of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay (MERCOSUR), concentrating 45% of the population, 50% of total GDP and 33% of Latin America's foreign trade.

Population of Latin America

Exceptionally complex ethnic sos tav population of Latin America. It was formed under the influence of three components:

1. Indian tribes and peoples that inhabited the territory before the arrival of the colonists (Aztecs and Mayans in Mexico, Incas in the Central Andes, etc.). The indigenous Indian population today is about 15%.

2. European settlers, primarily from Spain and Portugal (Creoles). Whites in the region currently make up about 25%.

3. Africans are slaves. Today, blacks in Latin America make up about 10%.

About half of the population of Latin America are descendants of mixed marriages: mestizo, mulatto. Therefore, almost all Latin American nations have a complex ethnic background. In Mexico and the countries of Central America, mestizos mainly predominate, in Haiti, Jamaica, the Lesser Antilles - blacks, in most Andean countries Indians or mestizos predominate, in Uruguay, Chile and Costa Rica - Spanish-speaking creoles, in Brazil half are “white”, and half are blacks and mulattoes.

The colonization of America had a significant impact on the formation religious composition region. The vast majority of Latin Americans profess Catholicism, which for a long time was propagated as the only official religion.

The distribution of the population of Latin America is characterized by three main features:

1. Latin America is one of the least populated regions of the world. The average population density is only 25 people per 1 sq. km.

2. The uneven distribution of the population is much more pronounced than in other regions. Along with densely populated areas (the island states of the Caribbean, the Atlantic coast of Brazil, most metropolitan areas, etc.), vast areas are almost deserted.

3. In no other region of the world has the population mastered the plateau to such an extent and does not rise so high into the mountains.

By indicators urbanization Latin America resembles economically developed countries rather than developing countries, although the pace has slowed recently. The majority (76%) of the population is concentrated in cities. At the same time, there is an increasing concentration of the population in large cities, the number of which has exceeded 200, and in “millionaire” cities (there are about 40 of them). A special Latin American type of city has developed here, bearing some of the characteristics of European cities (the presence of a central square on which the town hall, cathedral, and administrative buildings are located). Streets usually diverge from the square at right angles, forming a “chessboard grid”. In recent decades, modern buildings have superimposed on such a grid.

In recent decades, Latin America has seen an active process of formation urban agglomerations. Four of them are among the largest in the world: Greater Mexico City (1/5 of the country's population), Greater Buenos Aires (1/3 of the country's population), Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro.

Latin America is also characterized by “false urbanization.” Sometimes up to 50% of the city's population live in slum areas (“poverty belts”).

Natural resource potential of Latin America.

The region's natural resources are rich and varied, favorable for both agriculture and industrial development.

Latin America is rich in mineral raw materials: it accounts for about 18% of oil reserves, 30% of ferrous and alloying metals, 25% of non-ferrous metals, 55% of rare and trace elements.

Geography of mineral resources in Latin America

The wealth and diversity of Latin America's mineral resources can be explained by the peculiarities of the geological structure of the territory. Deposits of ferrous, non-ferrous and rare metal ores are associated with the crystalline basement of the South American platform and the folded belt of the Cordillera and Andes. Oil and natural gas deposits are associated with marginal and intermountain troughs.

Latin America ranks first among large regions of the world in terms of water resources. The Amazon, Orinoco, and Parana rivers are among the largest in the world.

The enormous wealth of Latin America is its forests, which occupy more than 1/2 of the territory of this region.

The natural conditions of Latin America are generally favorable for the development of agriculture. Most of its territory is occupied by lowlands (La Plata, Amazonian and Orinoco) and plateaus (Guiana, Brazilian, Patagonian plateau), suitable for agricultural use. Due to its geographic location (almost the entire region is located in tropical and subtropical latitudes), Latin America receives a large amount of heat and sunlight. Areas with a sharp lack of moisture occupy a relatively small territory (southern Argentina, northern Chile, the Pacific coast of Peru, the northern regions of the Mexican Highlands); the predominant red-brown, chernozem, black and brown soils, combined with an abundance of heat and moisture, are capable of producing high yields of many valuable tropical and subtropical crops.

Vast areas of savannas and subtropical steppes (Argentina, Uruguay) can be used for pasture land. The main difficulties for agricultural activity are created by significant forest cover and swampiness of low-lying areas (especially the Amazonian lowland).

General characteristics of the Latin American economy.

Lagging behind Asia and Africa in terms of territory and population, Latin America is ahead in terms of industrialization of production. Unlike these regions of the world, the leading role in the economy here has recently shifted to the manufacturing industry. Both basic manufacturing industries (ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, oil refining) and avant-garde industries (electronics, electrical engineering, automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, aircraft manufacturing, machine tool manufacturing) are developing here.

However, the mining industry continues to play a significant role in the economy. In the structure of product costs, 80% comes from fuel (mainly oil and gas) and about 20% from mining raw materials.

Latin America is one of the oldest oil and gas producing regions in the world. In terms of production and export of oil and natural gas, Mexico, Venezuela and Ecuador stand out.

Latin America is a prominent global producer and exporter of non-ferrous metal ores: bauxite (Brazil, Jamaica, Suriname, Guyana stand out), copper (Chile, Peru, Mexico), lead-zinc (Peru, Mexico), tin (Bolivia) and mercury (Mexico) ore

Latin American countries are also of great importance in the world production and export of iron and manganese (Brazil, Venezuela), uranium (Brazil, Argentina) ores, native sulfur (Mexico), potassium and sodium nitrate (Chile).

The main manufacturing industries - mechanical engineering and the chemical industry - are essentially developed in three countries - Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. The Big Three account for 4/5 of the manufacturing industry. Most other countries do not have mechanical engineering and chemical industries.

Specialization in mechanical engineering - automotive, shipbuilding, aircraft manufacturing, production of electrical household appliances and machines (sewing and washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners), etc. The main directions of the chemical industry are petrochemicals, pharmaceutical and perfume industries.

The oil refining industry is represented by its enterprises in all oil-producing countries (Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador, etc.). The world's largest (in terms of capacity) oil refineries were created on the islands of the Caribbean Sea (Virginia, Bahamas, Curacao, Trinidad, Aruba, etc.).

Non-ferrous and ferrous metallurgy is developing in close contact with the mining industry. Copper smelting enterprises are located in Mexico, Peru, Chile, lead and zinc - in Mexico and Peru, tin - in Bolivia, aluminum - in Brazil, steel - in Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico and Argentina.

The role of the textile and food industries is great. The leading branches of the textile industry are the production of cotton (Brazil), wool (Argentina and Uruguay) and synthetic (Mexico) fabrics, food - sugar, fruit canning, meat and cold processing, fish processing. The largest producer of cane sugar in the region and in the world is Brazil.

Agriculture The region is represented by two completely different sectors:

The first sector is a highly commercial, predominantly plantation economy, which in many countries has acquired the character of a monoculture: (bananas - Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, Panama; sugar - Cuba, etc.).

The second sector is consumer small-scale agriculture, not at all affected by the “green revolution”

The leading branch of agriculture in Latin America is crop production. The exceptions are Argentina and Uruguay, where the main industry is livestock farming. Currently, crop production in Latin America is characterized by monoculture (3/4 of the cost of all products falls on 10 products).

The leading role is played by grains, which are widespread in subtropical countries (Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Mexico). The main grain crops of Latin America are wheat, rice, and corn. The largest producer and exporter of wheat and corn in the region is Argentina.

The main producers and exporters of cotton are Brazil, Paraguay, Mexico, sugar cane - Brazil, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, coffee - Brazil and Colombia, cocoa beans - Brazil, Ecuador, Dominican Republic.

The leading branches of livestock farming are cattle breeding (mainly for meat), sheep breeding (wool and meat and wool), and pig breeding. In terms of the size of the number of cattle and sheep, Argentina and Uruguay stand out, while pigs - Brazil and Mexico.

Llamas are bred in the mountainous regions of Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. Fishing is of global importance (Chile and Peru stand out).

Transport.

Latin America accounts for 10% of the world's railway network, 7% of roads, 33% of inland waterways, 4% of air passenger traffic, 8% of the world's merchant fleet tonnage.

A decisive role in domestic transportation belongs to motor transport, which began to actively develop only in the 60s of the 20th century. The most important highways are the Pan-American and Trans-Amazonian highways.

The share of railway transport, despite the large length of railways, is declining. The technical equipment of this type of transport remains low. Many obsolete railway lines are being closed.

Water transport is most developed in Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Uruguay.

In external transportation, sea transport predominates. 2/5 of maritime transport occurs in Brazil.

Recently, as a result of the development of the oil refining industry, pipeline transport has been rapidly developing in the region.

The territorial structure of the economy of Latin American countries largely retains colonial features. The "economic capital" (usually a seaport) typically forms the main focus of the entire territory. Many areas with specialization in the extraction of mineral raw materials and fuel, or plantation farming, are located in the interior of the territory. The railway network, which has a tree structure, connects these areas with the “growth point” (the seaport). The rest of the territory remains underdeveloped.

Many countries in the region are implementing regional policies aimed at mitigating territorial imbalances. For example, in Mexico there is a shift of productive forces north to the US border, in Venezuela - to the east, to the rich resource region of Guayana, in Brazil - to the West, to the Amazon, in Argentina - to the south, to Patagonia.

Subregions of Latin America

Latin America is divided into several subregions:

1. Middle America includes Mexico, Central America and the West Indies. The countries of this region have great differences in economic terms. On the one hand, there is Mexico, whose economy is based on oil production and refining, and on the other, the countries of Central America and the West Indies, known for the development of plantation farming.

2. Andean countries (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile). For these countries, the mining industry is of particular importance. In agricultural production, the region is characterized by the cultivation of coffee, sugar cane and cotton.

3. Countries of the La Plata Basin (Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina). This region is characterized by internal differences in the economic development of countries. Argentina is the most developed country with a developed manufacturing industry, while Uruguay and especially Paraguay lag behind in development and are characterized by an agricultural economy.

4. Countries such as Guiana, Suriname, Guyana . The economies of Guyana and Suriname are based on the bauxite and alumina industries. Agriculture does not meet the needs of these countries. The main agricultural crops are rice, bananas, sugar cane, and citrus fruits. Guiana is an economically backward agricultural country. Its economy is based on agriculture and the meat processing industry. The main crop is sugar cane. Fishery (shrimp fishing) is developed.

5. Brazil - a separate subregion of Latin America. This is one of the largest countries in the world in terms of territory. It ranks fifth in terms of population (155 million people). Brazil is one of the key countries in the developing world, its leader. The country has large mineral reserves (50 types of mineral raw materials), forest and agro-climatic resources.

In Brazilian industry, a significant role is played by mechanical engineering, petrochemicals, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy. The country stands out for its large-scale production of cars, airplanes, ships, mini and microcomputers, fertilizers, synthetic fibers, rubber, plastics, explosives, cotton fabrics, shoes, etc.

Important positions in industry are occupied by foreign capital, which controls most of the country's production.

Brazil's main trading partners are the USA, Japan, Great Britain, Switzerland and Argentina.

Brazil is a country with a pronounced oceanic type of economic location (90% of its population and production are located in a strip of 300-500 km on the Atlantic coast).

Brazil occupies a leading position in the production of agricultural products. The main branch of agriculture is crop production, which has an export orientation. More than 30% of the sown area is devoted to five main crops: coffee, cocoa beans, cotton, sugar cane, and soybeans. Corn, rice, and wheat are grown from grain crops, which are used to satisfy the country’s internal needs (in addition, up to 60% of wheat is imported).

Livestock farming has a predominantly meat profile (Brazil accounts for 10% of global beef trade).

America is a country that consists of two continents, South and North America, and a number of adjacent islands. It was discovered on October 12, 1492 during the expedition of Christopher Columbus, who actually intended to find a sea route to India and China. Most of the local population speaks languages ​​of the Indo-European family. Thus, in North America they speak predominantly English, in Mexico and South America - Spanish, in Brazil - Portuguese, and in Canada - French.

Territorial division

The countries of America are grouped as follows:

Latin America: countries and capitals

This region is located between the United States and Antarctica, on its territory there are 33 states and 13 colonies. The region's area covers about 15% of the planet's total land area. The term “Latin” itself in the name of this part of America is explained simply. The languages ​​spoken by the inhabitants of this region are derived from Latin.

Latin American countries are divided into the following categories:

Latin America includes Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, etc. The capital of Brazil is the city of Brasilia. Every year the state is visited by a huge number of tourists. Sunny Brazil attracts with both classical architectural monuments and beautiful parks and waterfalls. Argentina is another colorful country, its capital is Buenos Aires. It is famous for its many kilometers of sunny beaches and friendly residents. And finally, Mexico, with its capital in Mexico City, is widely known throughout the world for its cuisine.

Central American countries

This region is located between South and North America. The countries in this area that were listed above, although they do not stand out economically, still play an important role in the political arena of this part of the world. This mainly happens because important transport arteries connecting the two continents pass through them.

The countries of America, North and South, are connected by the Panama Canal. Despite the relative economic stability of states and their geopolitical advantages, the level of development of even the largest cities remains unsatisfactory. This is due to the constant outflow of the population to the USA and South America in search of a better life (although the opposite statement is also true - people leave precisely because they are unsettled, wanting to improve their lives).

Most of the countries of Central America have access to the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. This helps maintain a constant flow of tourists wanting to bask in the beaches. Only two states have access to just one of the oceans: El Salvador and Belize.

USA

The most developed state in this part of the world (from a variety of points of view) remains the United States. High economic indicators have contributed to the fact that people from all over the world have been flocking here for several centuries. It would be rational to tell the most interesting things about the USA:

Conclusion

The countries of America differ in their geographical features, political status, religion and much more. But each of them is special and remarkable in its own way. The most developed Americas play an important role in the political arena, while the less developed ones are a constant source of labor.

Description of Latin America: list of countries, capitals, cities and resorts. Photos and videos, oceans and seas, mountains, rivers and lakes of Latin America. Tour operators and tours in Latin America.

• Tours for May Worldwide
• Last minute tours Worldwide

Latin American countries

The land of the mysterious civilizations of the Incas, Mayans and Aztecs, the land of breathtaking beauties and noble caballeros, the main tobacco and coffee region of the planet, as well as the concentration of a mass of original and diverse traditions and cultures, Latin America occupies the lower edge of the North American continent, South America and a whole scattering of islands, perched near their narrow isthmus.

The term “Latin America” arose as a designation for the dependent territories of the European metropolises, whose official languages ​​developed from folk Latin - in particular, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. Today the combination “Indian America” is in circulation (as it is more politically correct), although for travel agents and tourists the region, it seems, will remain “Latin” for a long time.

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

In a tourist sense, Latin America is a motley “bouquet” of destinations. People come here for everything - to personally touch legendary architectural monuments, to ride jeeps in national parks and, of course, to relax in style in coastal hotels. The public visiting Latin American countries is an inquisitive people with money (holidays in Latin America are very expensive). They have already traveled a lot around the world, have been to the countries of Southeast Asia several times and are very demanding about living conditions (70% of all tourists book five-star hotels). Most people prefer an educational holiday to passively lying on the beach, for which Latin America has everything they need.

Among the most popular Latin American destinations are Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Venezuela.

In Latin America with an area of ​​21 million square meters. km there are 46 states, more or less different from each other.

Latin American States

Several countries are the largest and most politically significant Latin American states.

Brazil
It is the largest country in Latin America with the largest population. The country is attractive to tourists for its nightclubs, impenetrable jungles and impressive waterfalls.

Mexico
A unique country, almost the most popular among travelers. Famous for the most popular beaches in the world, diving, ancient buildings of the Mayans and Aztecs.

Argentina
A country rich in a variety of attractions and entertainment (bullfighting, feeding predators, wine festivals, motorcycle racing, dolphin shows, etc.). The amazing nature of national parks with waterfalls and rare animals, skiing is an integral advantage of Argentina.

Costa Rica
This country is valued for its unique nature: volcanoes, nature reserves, mountain slopes, lakes, underwater national parks and exotic beaches.

Venezuela
This Latin American state attracts tourists with its unshakable ecosystem. The country can be proud of the highest waterfall in the world - Angel, rain forests of the Orinoco River and a wide variety of flora.

Peru
This is a mysterious country with objects of historical significance - Cusco, Machu Picchu.

Chile
A state with beautiful nature and popular ski resorts.

Bolivia
Multinational highland country with salt hotels and deserts, mountain lake Titicaca.

Colombia
This state is famous for its luxurious resorts, snow-capped Andes peaks, and frequent festivals and fairs.

Less developed countries in terms of economy and tourism include Panama, Uruguay, Paraguay, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Belize, Guiana and Guatemala.

Island states of Latin America

The island states of Latin America include the countries of the West Indies:

Barbados;
- Grenada;
- Dominican Republic;
- Dominica;
- St. Vincent;
- Grenadines;
- St. Kitts;
- Nevis;
- Saint Lucia;
- Jamaica;
- Trinidad;
- Tobago;
- Antigua;
- Barbuda;
- The Bahamas is a tiny but rich state, with a high standard of living and economy, it is famous for its luxurious hotels and pink flamingos;
- Haiti is practically the poorest country in the world: corruption and dictatorship do not bring prosperity to the state, and frequent earthquakes only worsen the economic situation;
- Cuba is distinguished by inexpensive shopping, cigars, rum, as well as developed surfing and water skiing.

The world of Latin America is unusual and unique, as it is characterized not only by an interesting style of communication between people, but also by climatic features and unusually beautiful nature.