The Overlap and The Distinction Most of the continent of South America falls under the umbrella of Latin America. It has clear physical borders: the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Caribbean Sea to the north.
South America and Latin America Are Not the Same: Understanding the Difference
Several South American nations are not considered part of Latin America due to their primary language. Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana are located on the South American continent but are not Latin American in the cultural-linguistic sense because their dominant languages are English and Dutch, respectively.
This definition immediately shows that the two concepts are not identical, as South America includes countries where English, Dutch, and indigenous languages are predominant. South America, defined by its physical landmass, is a continent with its own incredibly diverse cultures, indigenous histories, and colonial experiences that vary significantly from country to country, regardless of the language spoken.
Understanding Why South America and Latin America Are Not the Same
The concept of Latin America emerged in the 19th century as a way to unite regions that shared a common colonial past under Latin-derived languages. When people think about the geography of the Western Hemisphere, the terms Latin America and South America often appear, sometimes interchangeable, sometimes distinct.
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