All the Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean
What do you think of when you hear “Latin America?” Salsa, guacamole, and Machu Picchu might come to mind, but Latin America is so much more! Do you know all 26 countries in Latin America?
A Brief History of Latin America
People have inhabited Latin America for thousands of years, starting with native groups like the Olmec, Maya, Inca, and Aztec. Starting in the 15th century, European countries explored and colonized areas throughout North and South America. This colonization led to disease, slavery, and death for the native groups.
However, the merging of European and native cultures is what has made Latin America the rich cultural area that it is today. After several hundred years of foreign reign, most of the territories in North and South America revolted and gained their independence. (Learn more about the history of Latin America!) Before delving into each country and territory, we need to define where exactly Latin America is.
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Which Countries Are in Latin America?
The term “Latin America” refers to the countries and territories in North, Central, and South America that have been influenced and governed by countries that speak a Romance language (Spanish, Portuguese, French).
You might think all the countries from Mexico to Chile are part of Latin America, but that is actually not the case. Because this area is determined by language and colonial influences, countries like Jamaica, Belize, Suriname, and Guyana are not included in Latin America. They are geographically located in the Americas, but they were colonized by countries that do not speak a Romance language: England and the Netherlands.
The 26 countries and dependencies of Latin America are spread across two continents, but they are often broken down into four geographical areas: North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. ¡Exploremos!
North and Central America
While North America includes Central America, Mexico is the only Latin American country technically in North America. Central America is an isthmus in the southernmost part of North America that connects to South America. It is comprised of seven countries, all of which are part of Latin America except Belize (because it was ruled by the English Empire, and its official language is English).
Mexico
Capital: Ciudad de México (Mexico City)
Population: 128.6 million
Government: Republic
Mexico is a vast country with 32 states. The Mexican culture reflects influences both from the indigenous groups that once ruled the land and Spanish colonization in such traditions as Día de los Muertos. These customs, along with their delicious food, have become popular around the world. Mexico attracts many tourists because of its gorgeous beaches and unique geography.
Costa Rica
Capital: San José
Population: 5.1 million
Government: Republic
Costa Rica’s name literally means “rich coast,” which perfectly describes the natural beauty that this small country offers. The beaches and jungles bring in many tourists, as well as the high quality of living and education. This country, while definitively part of Latin America, has English as its unofficial second national language.
El Salvador
Capital: San Salvador
Population: 6.48 million
Government: Presidential Republic
El Salvador is the only Central American country that does not have a Caribbean beach. However, its Pacific beaches are world-famous for surfing. Despite being the smallest Central American country, El Salvador’s multiple volcanoes also draw in tourists.
Guatemala
Capital: Ciudad de Guatemala (Guatemala City)
Population: 17.2 million
Government: Presidential Republic
Guatemala is also known as the heart of the Mayan world, as almost half the population is Mayan. The rich culture, combined with the geographical wonders of volcanoes, jungles, and black sand beaches, makes this country a prime spot for tourism.
Honduras
Capital: Tegucigalpa / Comayaguela
Population: 9.24 million
Government: Republic
Honduras shares a border with Guatemala, and as such shares in the rich Mayan culture. After extensive damage from a 1998 hurricane, the country has worked hard to reboot the economy. Honduras offers pristine beaches, coral reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving, and unique wildlife that beckons travelers from all over the world.
Nicaragua
Capital: Managua
Population: 6.2 million
Government: Presidential Republic
Despite its recent political unrest that made international news, Nicaragua is a country rich in resources and natural wonders. The beaches, jungle wildlife, and delicious food make this country a hotspot destination. Nicaragua also has several beautiful colonial cities to explore.
Panama
Capital: Ciudad de Panamá (Panama City)
Population: 3.89 million
Government: Presidential Republic
Panama is home to the famous Panama Canal, which makes the capital city a wonderful mix of cultures as people from all over the world travel across the country. This large, diverse urban population is contrasted by the indigenous populations that can be found in the mountains and on the islands.
South America
There are a total of twelve independent countries that form South America, but only ten of them can be listed as part of Latin America.
Argentina
Capital: Buenos Aires
Population: 45.5 million
Government: Presidential Republic
Argentina is a wonderfully diverse country. While there is no official language, Spanish is the national language; Italian, German, English, French, and native languages have significant influence, though. Just like with multiple languages, Argentina has numerous breathtaking geographical locations. These include Las Pampas, Patagonia, the Andes Mountains, and Iguazu Falls.
Bolivia
Capital: La Paz, Sucre
Population: 11.6 million
Government: Presidential Republic
Bolivia is the home of diversity. Not only does it have more than 30 official languages, but you can find almost half of all the world’s animal and plant species in this country. Bolivia is also home to a famous salt flat, the world’s highest lake, and some of the highest elevation cities. Although Bolivia does not have any beaches, it more than makes up for that with its geographical diversity.
Brazil
Capital: Brasília
Population: 211.7 million
Government: Federal Presidential Constitutional Republic
The official language of Brazil is Portuguese. It is the largest most influential country in the region. Brazil is most well-known for the Amazon rainforest, interesting wildlife, and numerous indigenous tribes. This nation also has incredible beaches, rich food, and world-famous music.
Chile
Capital: Santiago
Population: 18.2 million
Government: Presidential Republic
Chile runs the length of Argentina, bordering it on the west. Like Argentina, Chile boasts some impressive geographical locations, such as the Atacama Desert, volcanoes, and Easter Island. This country also has many different types of music, delicious food, and a world-famous tennis team.
Colombia
Capital: Bogotá
Population: 49.1 million
Government: Presidential Republic
While Colombia might have been previously known for negative reasons, it has changed over the years. What was once the most dangerous city in the world, Medellín, is now a prime tourist spot with impressive technological innovations and street art. Colombia is also home to thousands of species of butterflies, beetles, and plants, sharing the Amazon rainforest with Brazil and other South American countries.
Ecuador
Capital: Quito
Population: 16.9 million
Government: Presidential Republic
Ecuador, named for its location on the equator, plays an important part in world history. The Galapagos Islands where Darwin made groundbreaking discoveries are located in Ecuador. Additionally, Ecuador shares a great diversity of plant and animal life with other South American countries. It is also located at a high elevation, which actually changes the temperature at which water boils in Ecuador. Like Bolivia, Ecuador’s population is mostly indigenous.
Paraguay
Capital: Asunción
Population: 7.2 million
Government: Presidential Republic
Paraguay is a landlocked country, a large portion of which is made up of a sparsely populated area called El Chaco, a hot region of lowlands and savannas. Other interesting aspects of Paraguay are its large Mennonite population and its second official language, Guarani.
Peru
Capital: Lima
Population: 31.9 million
Government: Presidential Republic
One of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet, Machu Picchu, is located in Peru. Additionally, this country is home to the vast majority of all the world’s alpacas. Peru is an enormous country with diverse ecosystems. From beaches to deserts, from rainforests to the Andes Mountains, this country has a bit of everything.
Uruguay
Capital: Montevideo
Population: 3.39 million
Government: Presidential Republic
Uruguay occupies a unique place in Latin America. It has neither tropics nor mountains, and the majority of the population is not Catholic, unlike all other Latin American countries. Furthermore, Uruguay is one of the safest countries, known for its peace and the fact that it has four times as many cows as people.
Venezuela
Capital: Caracas
Population: 28.6 million
Government: Federal Presidential Republic
Venezuela, like many other Latin American countries, is home to thousands of unique species, like the three-toed sloth. These animals can be found in the Amazon rainforest in the southern part of the country. Additionally, Angel Falls, the highest waterfall, is located in Venezuela. While soccer is extremely popular in most Latin American countries, baseball is the sport of choice in this country.
Caribbean
Of the 13 countries in the Caribbean, only three are part of Latin America. Each of these countries has a complex history with native and European influences.
Cuba
Capital: Havana
Population: 11.1 million
Government: Communist State
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and is well-known for its Revolution led by Fidel Castro in 1959 and rocky history with the United States. However, the country has a rich culture full of delicious foods, innovative music, and exciting dances. Cuba’s upbeat capital is full of life, and its beaches are unforgettable.
Dominican Republic
Capital: Santo Domingo
Population: 10.5 million
Government: Presidential Republic
The Dominican Republic shares the Caribbean’s second-largest island, Hispaniola, with Haiti. Known as the land of the Eternal Summer, the DR is an ideal vacation spot because of its beautiful beaches and perfect weather.
Haiti
Capital: Port-au-Prince
Population: 11.1 million
Government: Semi-presidential Republic
Haiti is one of the few Latin American countries with French influences. The indigenous population of Hispaniola still has great influence in the culture, and Haitian Creole shares the title of official language with French. You can still see idyllic ruins throughout the country while visiting the impressive national parks and beaches.
Dependencies
Not all areas of Latin America are independent countries. While all parts of Latin America have had foreign rules at some point, there are still six territories that have not chosen to become independent.
French Guiana
Ruling Country: France
Regional Capital: Cayenne
Population: 290.7 thousand
Government: Territorial Collectivity
French Guiana is located in the northeastern part of South America above Brazil. This tropical territory has been part of France for centuries, so the majority of the population speaks French. However, several native languages are still spoken there. The area is known for its jungles, wetlands, and beaches.
Guadeloupe
Ruling Country: France
Regional Capital: Basse Terre
Population: 397.5 thousand
Government: President of the Regional Council
Guadeloupe is made up of six populated islands in the Caribbean and is ruled by the French. As such, they are part of the European Union and speak French. These tiny islands have one of the lowest crime rates in the region. The beaches, good food, and rich music and dance attract tourists from around the globe.
Martinique
Ruling Country: France
Regional Capital: Fort-de-France
Population: 376.5 thousand
Government: President of Executive Council
Martinique is two islands south of Guadeloupe and is also part of France and the European Union. This tiny island has beautiful jungles covering extinct volcanoes and, of course, wonderful beaches. Martinique is also a prime spot for the French music genre zouk.
Puerto Rico
Ruling Country: United States
Regional Capital: San Juan
Population: 3.19 million
Government: Devolved Presidential Constitutional Dependency
While Puerto Rico is currently a commonwealth, unincorporated, and organized territory of the United States. It is considered part of Latin America because of the extensive Spanish reign over the island from the 15th to 19th centuries. Even today, the vast majority of the island speaks Spanish and prides itself on Latino music, food, and culture.
Saint Barthémely
Ruling Country: France
Regional Capital: Gustavia
Population: 9.8 thousand
Government: Devolved Parliamentary Dependency
This Caribbean island has bounced between ruling parties throughout its history. Originally ruled by native peoples, the island was conquered by the French. It was then under Swedish rule, before becoming part of France once again. It was part of Guadeloupe but became a separate territory in 2003. Saint Barthémely is a volcanic island with beautiful forests and reefs.
Saint Martin
Ruling Country: France
Regional Capital: Marigot
Population: 35.1 thousand
Government: Devolved Parliamentary Dependency
Interestingly, the island is split into two separate territories: Sint Maarten of the Netherlands and Saint-Martin of France. Only the French side of the island is considered part of Latin America. Like the other French Caribbean territories, Saint Martin is part of the European Union, and the inhabitants speak French. Despite its small size, the island brings in about a million tourists a year.
Where Do You Want to Go?
As you can see from our list of countries in Latin America, the region is incredibly diverse, home to hundreds of languages, thousands of unique species, and unique geographical regions. Start dreaming about where you want to go!
Make sure to talk to your Spanish teacher in your free trial class about your favorite Latin American countries. They can give you even more insight into these amazing places. ¡Visita latinoámerica!
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Hi,very interesting article, on some countries in Latin America I agree,..but I coming to see for 6 months antigua guatemala,ir was terrible,it is not secure,uber charge me triple ,for be foreign,they didn’t like Americans,nowat the capital for now, it is very well if..you can afford the most secure and beautiful area,and don’t go anywhere,so it is no easy way in central america , except maybe Costa Rica.