Parker GEOG 4031

  The Subregions of Latin America in this WebMap are based upon the cultural and language geography of each subregion's peoples, economic systems, languages, and colonial influence.  Starting with the northernmost subregion, the subregion of Mexico (outlined in green) which is largely aligns with the 2022 United Mexican States municipal land borders. This is because of the population size in relation to the diversity of the population and the effect that it had on the culture and language of the subregion. Comparing this to subregion of Guatemala (outlined in pink), which is smaller in population and has a discrepancy of a dominant Hispanic heritage, the country of Belize. The Greater Antilles subregion (outlined in yellow) is determined through the large African heritage base from the importation of slave labor and the diversity of colonial influences in the region. The resulting subregion is defined by its larger roots in African culture, but also in previous Spanish Imperia...

The reason I am interested in taking this course and learning more about Latin America is because I find the history and culture of the region fascinating. Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the few regions in the world where the indigenous cultures and histories continue to be celebrated and practiced, but also features a magnificent fusion of the indigenous cultures and many other global cultures. In the region, you can find many facets of indigenous languages, customs, and foods influenced by Iberian, European, Middle Eastern, South East Asian, and South Pacific cultures that have been introduced to the area through a long, sometimes harrowing, history. Immigration, Colonization, and forced relocation has permanently left a mark on the region through the movement of plant and animal species, trade goods, enslaved people, and religious doctrine. Just one example of the many cultures that were introduced to the region was Moorish culture from Iberian and Moroccan Muslims escapi...