history of Latin America: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Nov. 13, 2026

News •

Trump list of US-designated 'foreign terrorist organizations' in Latin America grows to 22 • Nov. 13, 2026, 3:31 PM ET (AP)

Analysts weigh how Democrats’ midterm wins could shift Trump’s Latin America policy • Nov. 11, 2026, 1:02 AM ET (AP)

On Latin America tour, Pope Leo XIV arrives in Argentina, the homeland of his predecessor who never returned as pope • Nov. 8, 2026, 2:35 PM ET (AP)

Pope Leo XIV arrives in Uruguay at start of South American tour less than a month after lung surgery • Nov. 6, 2026, 9:53 PM ET (AP)

Pope introduces new communications chief who shows a more informal approach • Nov. 6, 2026, 4:03 PM ET (AP)

Photos

Map of Latin America showing countries, major cities, and key physical features such as mountain ranges, highlands, and rivers. The map includes Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, with labeled regions like the Andes, Brazilian Highlands, and Gran Chaco, as well as an inset highlighting the West Indies. Surrounding bodies of water, including the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea, are also labeled.

Battle of Tenochtitlán

Map of the Americas in 1780 showing the Spanish and Portuguese viceroyalties. Spanish territories are shaded in green, including the Viceroyalty of New Spain, Viceroyalty of Peru, Viceroyalty of New Granada, and Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata. Portuguese territory, labeled as the Viceroyalty of Brazil, is shaded in purple. Borders between Spanish and Portuguese lands are marked, with amendments from 1750 and 1778 indicated. British territory is shown in the northern part of North America. Ma

Bronze equestrian statue of General Simon Bolivar on a stone pedestal labeled Bolivar in Bolivar Square, Tunja, Colombia, with the Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle behind.

Historical map showing the division of Gran Colombia in 1830, with the territory divided into three color-coded departments: Cundinamarca in yellow, Quito in pink, and Venezuela in green. Dashed lines indicate disputed areas, and major cities such as Bogota, Quito, and Caracas are labeled. The map covers the region of northern South America, including present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and parts of Peru.

Map of Latin America highlighting countries from Mexico through Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, with country names labeled and major surrounding oceans indicated. A compass rose and scale are shown in the lower left corner.

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