The Hispanic and Spanish-speaking population have distinct behaviors that should be recognized by businesses of…
How Many Hispanic Countries Are There?
Spanish is a language that is spoken in many countries, but how many countries are Hispanic? A Hispanic country is typically defined as a country where Spanish is the official language. Using this as the definition, there are 21 Hispanic countries in the world.
It’s important to understand which countries are considered Hispanic for several reasons, including:
- Economic and political influence
- Cultural enrichment and awareness
- Historical significance and contributions
In essence, understanding Hispanic countries helps us appreciate their unique identities, acknowledge their historical and ongoing contributions, engage in meaningful cross-cultural interactions, and recognize their increasing global influence in both economic and political spheres.
What Defines a Hispanic Country?
As stated above, a Hispanic country is one in which the primary language is Spanish. Additionally, a Hispanic country has its cultural identity tied to Spanish heritage.
Because Brazil is part of Latin America, you may think that it is Hispanic. It is not. Its primary language is Portuguese, not Spanish. Brazilians are considered Latino due to the geographic location in Latin America, but not Hispanic based on linguistic criteria.
It’s also important to note that Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, not an independent country. However, it is included in our list because Spanish is the predominant language spoken and deeply ingrained in its culture.
Another important point to make is that though Spanish may be the official language of these 21 countries, it isn’t the only language spoken within their borders. Indigenous languages and other European languages may be spoken in some of the countries.
There are also exceptions and gray areas in these countries:
Equatorial Guinea: Though Equatorial Guinea is a former Spanish colony, Spanish, French, and Portuguese are all official languages.
Belize: Belizean Creole and Spanish are widely spoken in Belize, followed by the Mayan languages and Garifuna. Over half of the population is multilingual due to the diverse linguistic backgrounds of the population.
The U.S.: Many people speak Spanish in the U.S., but it isn’t the primary language.
The Difference Between Hispanic and Latino
You may be wondering what the difference is between “Hispanic” and “Latino.” Often, these two terms are used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Hispanic generally refers to people, cultures, or languages related to Spain and Spanish-speaking countries.
Latino refers to people, cultures, or languages related to Latin America, which includes Spanish-speaking countries, but also countries where Portuguese and French are spoken.
How Many Hispanic Countries Are in the World?
The Hispanic countries are:
- South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela
- Central America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama
- North America: Mexico
- Europe: Spain
- Caribbean: Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico
- Africa: Equatorial Guinea
It’s also important to note that Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, not an independent country. However, it is included in our list because Spanish is the predominant language spoken and deeply ingrained in its culture.
Another important point to make is that though Spanish may be the official language of these 21 countries, it isn’t the only language spoken within their borders. Indigenous languages and other European languages may be spoken in some of the countries.
Another important point to make is that though Spanish may be the official language of these 21 countries, it isn’t the only language spoken within their borders. Indigenous languages and other European languages may be spoken in some of the countries.
There are also exceptions and gray areas in these countries:
Equatorial Guinea: Though Equatorial Guinea is a former Spanish colony, Spanish, French, and Portuguese are all official languages.
Belize: Belizean Creole and Spanish are widely spoken in Belize, followed by the Mayan languages and Garifuna. Over half of the population is multilingual due to the diverse linguistic backgrounds of the population.
The U.S.: Many people speak Spanish in the U.S., but it isn’t the primary language.
Cultural and Linguistic Importance of Hispanic Nations
Hispanic nations are unified by the Spanish language and a shared cultural heritage. These nations hold significant cultural and linguistic importance on a global scale. The cultural and linguistic importance of Hispanic nations lies in their ability to foster connections and understanding between diverse cultures.
The widespread use of the Spanish language acts as a unifying force, facilitating communication and interaction, while the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Hispanic nations provide a window into unique artistic expressions, values, and celebrations that have enriched the global landscape.
Cultural Importance
Family Values and Traditions: Hispanic culture is deeply rooted in strong family values, emphasizing closeness, respect for elders, and a sense of collective responsibility.
Vibrant Celebrations and Traditions: Hispanic nations share a rich tapestry of celebrations and traditions, often centered around religious holidays or cultural milestones. Examples include Dia de los Muertos, Las Posadas, and La Quinceañera, which represent unique expressions of their shared heritage.
Rich Artistic Expressions: Hispanic nations have contributed immensely to the arts, including literature, music, dance, and visual arts. Notable literary figures like Gabriel Barcia Marquez and Pablo Neruda have left an indelible mark on global literature. Vibrant musical genres like salsa and reggaeton, and the artistry of figures like Celia Cruz, have also significantly influenced global music and entertainment trends.
Distinct Cuisines: While diverse, Hispanic cuisines often share common elements like the importance of mealtimes as family and social events, with lunch typically being the main meal. Traditional dishes, like tacos and tamales, are integral to Hispanic culture and have also gained popularity globally.
Strong Sense of Identity: Shared language and cultural traditions foster a strong sense of identity and belonging among people in Hispanic nations, despite the diverse regional identities and influences present within this cultural mosaic.
Linguistic Importance
Global Reach of the Spanish Language: Spanish is the world’s second most spoken native language, spoken by over 475 million people, and is the official language in 21 countries across Europe, the Americas, and even parts of Africa. This widespread use of Spanish facilitates international communication and interaction across diverse communities.
Access to Growing Markets: Spanish-speaking markets represent a combined GDP exceeding $7 trillion, playing a crucial role in global trade networks. Proficiency in Spanish provides businesses access to these dynamic and emerging markets, fostering international growth and partnerships.
Cultural Exchange and Understanding: Learning Spanish opens doors to deeper cultural understanding and appreciation. It allows individuals to engage in authentic travel experiences, connect with locals on a deeper level, and gain insights into the rich history, traditions, and customs of Spanish-speaking countries.
Prevalence of Indigenous Languages: Many Hispanic nations, especially in Latin America, are characterized by significant linguistic diversity, with numerous indigenous languages coexisting alongside Spanish. Examples include Quechua, Guarani, and Nahuatl, according to AbroadLink. These languages represent unique traditions and worldviews, contributing to the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Facilitating Language Learning: Learning Spanish can serve as a foundation for acquiring other Romance languages, as it shares many similarities in vocabulary and grammatical structures.
FAQs About Hispanic Countries
Is Brazil a Hispanic Country?
No, Brazil is not a Hispanic country because the primary language is Portuguese.
Is Spain considered Hispanic?
Yes, Spain is considered Hispanic.
Are all Latin American countries Hispanic?
No, not all Latin American countries are considered Hispanic.
What is the difference between Hispanic and Latino?
Hispanic generally refers to people, cultures, or languages related to Spain and Spanish-speaking countries. Latino refers to people, cultures, or languages related to Latin America, which includes Spanish-speaking countries, but also countries where Portuguese and French are spoken.
How many Spanish-speaking countries are in the Caribbean?
There are three Spanish-speaking countries in the Caribbean: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Other islands in the Caribbean have populations that speak Spanish; these are the only three that have it as their official language.
Puerto Rico is technically a U.S. territory, but it has its own identity, and Spanish is its official language.
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