How different are the nations of South America?

[antma robel]

Originally Posted by ialeixo

I think people are confusing the terms Latin here.....Latin America originally means the combination of countries in America that speak a romance language, wich derives directly from the Latin language.....portuguese is a romance language, so obviously Brazil is a latin country......Spain, France, Italy and Portugal are all latin countries for that matter, but nobody realizes that.......

But is Latinity only a matter of romance language?...What is latinity in Europe?

Latinity in ''Latin America'' is really something strange...Can I classify Haiti as a Latin country?...I think not for obvious reazons. But is Mexico with its ''mestizo'' population of about 62%, a Latin country? or Peru?...Bolivia?...Brazil and Cuba where the black influence has left its mark?...

[caribny]

Originally Posted by wordlife

This is exactly what I was thinking as I read through this thread. Growing up in NY and the metro area there is a huge population of Guyanese here. When I lived in Europe I had alot of friends from suriname, they reminded me so much of the Guyanese!

I haven't been to either country but yes I know there is a strong Caribbean connection, as well as a cultural connection (Cricket etc.).

There's a pretty interesting land dispute I think that Guyana has going on with Brazil and Venezuela but more so on the interior of the country. One thing that I think is interesting is that the coastal parts of these countries have strong Caribbean ties, while the interior have strong indigenous ties.

Guyana has no disputes with Brazil, though periodically Venezuela flexes its muscles, as it did recently when an oil exploration vessel, operating within Guyana territorial waters, but claimed by Venezuela, was seized. It also has border issues with Suriname.


This thread doesn't surprise me. Guyana, Suriname and French Guyana are fundamentally Caribbean societies located in South America. We lack the ties with the rest of the continent that Belize has with the rest of Central America. In fact it is even difficult to travel to other parts of South America. One can get to NYC from Suriname more easily than to Sao Paulo. To fly to Caracas from Guyana one must overnight in Trinidad, or fly via Miami.

Yet despite this there are those who will dispute that these nations are Caribbean.

[caribny]

Originally Posted by AntonioR

Its similar to how many people don't really consider Cuba, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico as the 'true' Caribbean, they're more Latin American in outlook and influence, and even in the feel.on this.

Don't know about that. Cuba and the DR fit any notion of what being Caribbean is about. Similar food music, history, etc. I was watching a youtube of some one touring parts of the DR, just after I was watching some one touring St Kitts. I would never have known the difference was it not pointed out.

The Guyanas on the other hand are completely different from the rest of South America, with the partial exception of Brazil. The coastal north eastern regions of Brazil are possibly the areas where people from the Guyanas (most being coastal dwellers) would feel comfortable. The interiors of the Guyanas are a lot like similar areas in Brazil and even have many Brazilians to prove it.