Latin America

Latin America is made up of countries whose current predominant languages have origins in Latin (Spanish, Portuguese and, to a lesser extent, French).  It is one of the areas of the world with most ethnic diversity, due to the high level of varied, cultural and local development seen in this territory.  Before colonialization, hundreds of indigenous empires and groups are recognized with markedly different languages, social practices, politics, art, and religions.  Among these groups, the most recognized are the Aztecs, Maya, Muiscas and Incas.  After being conquered by the Spanish, Portuguese and British empires, many of these cultures slowly faded or vanished without trace. Some of them left a very important architectural, historical and cultural legacy throughout the expanse of the central and southern parts of the American continent.

As with its culture and diversity, the Latin American and Caribbean economy is incredibly diverse in terms of social and cultural aspects as well as demographic aspects and it depends greatly on existing local and regional economic policies.  There is a prevalence of economic models associated with the use of natural resources for production, such as mining, oil, manufacturing, agriculture and livestock farming, due to Latin American countries being producers of products.  These local and global economies in Latin America that are based in large part on agricultural systems and the use of land for production have resulted in the loss of natural ecosystems, the reduction of large areas covered by forests, the deterioration of water sources and a detriment to natural spaces in general.  In recent years, this trend seems to want to turn toward economic practices that look to improve the exploitation and use of resources and that aim to increase preservation and conservation of nature, thereby creating conscience in the community.

Without doubt, Latin American gastronomy plays a significant part in the culture and the food defines the society that lives here. Latin America has its own, varied cuisine that has its own cultural, ethical and social origins, with fusions of Hispanic, Indian, African, and Creole elements.  Peru is the gastronomic capital of America and has cuisine that is world renowned, however the other countries also deserve mention such as Mexico, which also has well-known, legendary cuisine, Chile, which has a received a great French influence, Argentina with its combination of Italian and Hispanic influences, and Colombia and Venezuela whose gastronomy is marked by the fusion of indigenous, Spanish and African elements borne from the rural contexts of its territory.  Each country recounts its unique history through its cuisine.