América

América is the name used in Spanish and Portuguese for the American continents, usually referring collectively to North America and South America, with the Caribbean and Central America treated as subregions. In some contexts, especially in English, "America" can denote the United States, which can create ambiguity. The plural phrase "the Americas" is common in formal use.

Etymology: The term derives from Amerigo Vespucci, Latinized as Americus, and was popularized after Martin Waldseemüller’s 1507 map naming the continents America.

Geography and peoples: The Americas span a wide range of environments—from Arctic zones to tropical rainforests—and host a multitude of cultures and languages. The Isthmus of Panama traditionally marks the boundary between North America and South America; Central America and the Caribbean are subregions within the broader landmasses.

History: Long before Europeans arrived, civilizations flourished in the region, including the Maya, Aztec, and Inca in the south, and diverse societies in what is now North America. European contact began in the late 15th century, followed by colonization and later independence movements that shaped the modern nations across the two continents.

Language and politics: Spanish and Portuguese predominate, with English, French, and many Indigenous languages also spoken. The Americas include major economies and regional organizations such as the Organization of American States. The usage of "América" varies by language and country and may differ from formal English usage.