Featured Countries
One of the aspects about Celebrating Latinos at Foster (CLF) is to educate our peers about the Latinx culture. We have selected five countries to feature and the ALPFA UW membership has prepared the research for Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Panama.
What is Brazil known for?
Brazil is known for its unique music and choreographic art including Samba, Bossa Nova, Capoeira, and Funk. They are home to one of the most famous beaches: Copacabana. Along with that, Brazil contains almost 60% of the Amazon rain forest.
Fun Facts:
- Only country in South America that speaks Portuguese
- Five World Cup wins
- Covers three time zones
- The capital Brasilia took 41 months to build, between 1956 to 1960 under President Juscelino Kubitscheck (JK), period where Bossa Nova gained immense popularity and Brazilians had hope for a modernized future compared to their prior dictatorship
Current Events:
Coronavirus
Amazon Rainforest
What is Colombia known for?
Colombia is known for their rich agriculture which includes fruits, vegetables, flowers, and they are the fourth largest producer of coffee in the world.
Fun Fact:
It is mandatory for radio and public television in Colombia to play the national anthem every day at 6 am and 6 pm.
Current Events:
Colombia is having its largest wave of protests in recent decades. It all started on NOV 21st when unions and and social movements called a rally on this date and went on twitter to use hashtag #21N. The major reason for this rally was to protest the government’s intentions to reduce the benefits provided to retirees and workers.
What is Guatemala known for?
Guatemala is known for its fascinating Mayan culture, volcanic landscape, their UNESCO World Heritage Site, Homegrown coffee, and volcanic landscape.
Fun Facts:
- Guatemalans invented the first-ever chocolate bar
- There are more than 30 volcanoes in Guatemala
- There are 21 dialects spoken in Guatemala.
- 21 distinct Mayan languages as well as several non-Mayan languages spoken here, particularly in rural areas
- The population of Guatemala is 16.91 million people
- The name Guatemala actually means ‘land of the trees’ in the Maya-Toltec language
Current Events:
Newly Elected President: Alejandro Giammattei
https://apnews.com/3e084967fbda861ff057e27e1c937fc3
Guatemala breaks diplomatic relations with Venezuela
https://apnews.com/b1f5508d96d6d09296534dfb60b43ff8
What is Nicaragua known for?
Nicaragua is known for their dramatic terrain of lakes, beautiful beaches, and it is home to more than 430 volcanic islands. Two major lakes that are opened for tourism include Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua. They are exporters of coffee, tobacco, sugar, gold, and peanuts.
Fun Facts:
- Nicaragua gained independence from Spain on September 15, 1821
- Lake Managua is the only freshwater lake where sharks live. Bull sharks enter the lake by traveling up the Rio San Juan river from the Atlantic Ocean. The sharks can adapt to freshwater, but they are now rarely found in the lake.
Current Events:
Nicaraguan deaf children create language of their own
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2004-10-14-0410140040-story.html
Coronavirus
What is Panama known for?
Panama is known as a transit country because of their Panama Canal which generates 1/3 of their economy. Agriculture is an important aspect of their economy and a few of their major products include bananas, cocoa beans, coffee, coconuts, and more. They are also top exporters of petroleum and pharmaceuticals.
Fun Facts:
- Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic.
- First Latin American country to adopt the U.S. currency as its own.
- Panama is considered one of the best places for retirees given its affordable cost of living, great healthcare, and use of the U.S. dollar.
Current Events:
Elected Laurentino Cortizo as the new President
Coronavirus
https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/01/world/panama-coronavirus-sex-intl/index.html