| − | '''Latin America''', in the broadest sense, is the entire southern portion of the Americas including parts of the [[Caribbean]], [[Central America]] and [[South America]]. It does not, however, include [[Suriname]], [[Guyana]] and [[French Guiana]] (an integral part of the [[France|French Republic]]). Latin America has 523 million people, far more than the United States population of about 300 million. It is considered largely [[Catholic]] and is Spanish-, French-, and Portuguese-speaking. The region is of crucial political importance to the United States. Former President [[George W. Bush]] toured Latin America on a peace mission to try and curb negative influence stemming from [[Venezuela]]n dictator [[Hugo Chavez]].<ref>[https://www.newsmax.com/hottopics/Latin_America.shtml Latin America]. Newsmax.</ref> | + | '''Latin America''', in the broadest sense, is the entire southern portion of the Americas including parts of the [[Caribbean]], [[Central America]] and [[South America]]. It does not, however, include [[Suriname]], [[Guyana]] and [[French Guiana]] (an integral part of the [[France|French Republic]]). Latin America has 523 million people, far more than the United States population of about 300 million. It is considered largely [[Catholic]] and is Spanish-, French-, and Portuguese-speaking. The region is of crucial political importance to the United States. Former President [[George W. Bush]] toured Latin America on a peace mission to try and curb negative influence stemming from [[Venezuela]]n dictator [[Hugo Chavez]].<ref>[https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/infocus/latinamerica/ Latin America]. George Bush - White House Mar 7, 2007.</ref> |
| | The term "Latin America" (and "Latin American") was invented by the French in the 1860s as part of their goal of controlling Mexico. The term has caught on and usually means the resident of any [[Spanish]]-speaking, [[Portuguese]]-speaking or [[French]]-speaking country south of the U.S. | | The term "Latin America" (and "Latin American") was invented by the French in the 1860s as part of their goal of controlling Mexico. The term has caught on and usually means the resident of any [[Spanish]]-speaking, [[Portuguese]]-speaking or [[French]]-speaking country south of the U.S. |