* Central America: Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama.
* South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela.
* The Caribbean: Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Haiti, and various other islands with Spanish, Portuguese, or French influence.
The term "Latino" originated in the United States as a way to encompass people from these diverse countries who share a common cultural heritage rooted in Latin languages (Spanish, Portuguese, French, etc.). It's important to recognize that:
* It's not just about geography: People from Central America, the Caribbean, and even Spain itself are considered Latino.
* Cultural identity is complex: People may identify as Latino, Hispanic, or with specific nationalities within these regions.
* "Latino" is often used as an umbrella term: It's important to acknowledge the diversity within this group and respect the specific cultural identities of individuals.
It's crucial to avoid generalizations and recognize the rich and diverse cultures within the Latin American region.