Hispanoamerica

Hispanoamérica, or Spanish America, is the portion of the Americas where Spanish is the predominant official language and Iberian cultural heritage has shaped social and political life. The term is commonly used to describe the Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America, typically including Mexico, the nations of Central America, and most South American states; some definitions also include Spanish-speaking Caribbean countries. It excludes Brazil, where Portuguese is official, and most non-Spanish-speaking territories.

Geography and language: The region stretches from northern Mexico to the southern tips of South America, encompassing diverse landscapes such as deserts, high plateaus, the Andes, and the Amazon basin. Spanish is the de jure official language in all sovereign states, while many countries recognize indigenous languages like Quechua, Aymara, Guarani, and others as co-official or widely used in daily life.

History: Beginning with Spanish conquest in the 16th century, Iberian legal, religious, and cultural frameworks shaped institutions across the continent. Independence movements in the early 19th century produced sovereign republics, followed by a variety of political evolutions in the 19th and 20th centuries, including periods of authoritarian rule and subsequent transitions to democracy in many countries.

Culture and economy: The region has produced a rich literary and artistic tradition and a wide array of musical styles, including tango in the southern cone, mariachi and ranchera in Mexico, cumbia in several countries, and salsa in urban centers with Caribbean influences. Economically, Hispanoamérica shows great diversity across countries, with agriculture, industry, and services playing major roles; regional blocs and trade agreements continue to shape economic integration.