CANADIAN LATIN HERITAGE ASSOCIATION
OUR MISSION
Canadian Latin Heritage creates cultural events like festivals, concerts, exhibitions, educational workshops to promote the Latin culture (music, visual arts, dance, and theatre) and support the Latin talent in collaboration with local and international cultural organizations and artists.
LATIN AMERICA
Latin America covers approximately 13 percent of the earth’s surface area and has a population of close to 600 million people. This expansive area is known for its rich history and culture. Latin America is described as a region of the Americas, stretching from the southern border of the United States to the southern point of South America, and it also includes the Caribbean. Latin America is made up of countries that speak the romance languages: Spanish, Portuguese and French.
Interesting Facts about Latin America
There is a lot to learn about Latin America. And each of the countries within Latin America offers their own unique culture and history. Here are 20 interesting facts about Latin America that you might not already know:
- Brazil reportedly has the 10th highest number of vehicle owners in the world
- The smallest country in Central America is El Salvador
- One of the tallest waterfalls in the world, called Angel Falls, is located in Southeastern Venezuela
- Colombia produces about 90 percent of the world’s total production of emerald gemstones
- Costa Rica means “rich coast.” This country got this name because of the 800 miles of coastline between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts
- Latin America is one of the most urbanized regions in the world. Eighty percent of the people of Latin America resides in cities
- Brazil contributes a lot to your breakfast; this country exports the most coffee, sugar, and orange juice in the world
- Argentina was the first Latin American country to legalize gay marriage in 2010
- With over 77 indigenous tribes, the Brazilian Amazon is home to hundreds of un-contacted Indians living off of the crops and animals of this area
- The 2010-2015 Uruguayan President, Jose Mujica, was considered the poorest president. He donated 90 percent of his income to charity and was uninterested in wearing expensive clothing or driving a large car
- Because of the weakened soil and growing population consuming large amounts of groundwater, Mexico City sinks 10 inches every year
- The Bolivian community enjoys eating from local vendors on the street, rather than paying for meals from large chains. Because of this lifestyle, Bolivia became the first Latin American country to get rid of McDonald’s
- In 2014, Colombia was ranked the happiest country in the world according to the Barometer of Happiness and Hope
- The people of Venezuela have won the most beauty titles compared to any other country in the world, over the past 30 years
