The smallest country in Central America — officially named Republic of El Salvador — is also the most densely populated in the area and the only country in Central America without a Caribbean coastline. El Salvador houses the third largest economy in Central America (behind Costa Rica and Panama) and it is known as the land of the volcanoes, because it has more than 20 within its boundaries and two of them are currently active.

Spanish is the official language of El Salvador, but Nahua is still spoken in some areas. Most of its nearly seven million inhabitants live in urban areas, and the country’s population is composed of Mestizos, whites, and Amerindians.

El Salvador’s national dish is the “pupusa.” One of the staples of Salvadorian cuisine is plantains, and the most popular drink is coffee. El Salvador has cultivated coffee since the nineteenth century, and Salvadoran coffee makes up precisely half of its total exports revenue.

El Salvador is probably the most popular and famous surfing destination on the Pacific coast. Several surfing competitions take place there during the year. One of the hotspots for wave-lovers is the Town San Sebastian, which is famous for having great waves at the beach and is only 22 miles from the capital, San Salvador.

Did you know…? The country’s cell-phone density is one of the highest in the world (125 phones per 100 people). The name pupusa comes from the Pipil-Nahuatl word, pupushahua.

This is the tenth in a series of articles spotlighting different countries in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. To see a complete list of previous entries, click here.

The Republic of Cuba is an archipelago consisting of the main island — Cuba — and the archipelagos of Colorados, Sabana-Camagüey, Jardines de la Reina, and Canarreos, along with a chain of cays, islands, and adjacent islets. It is the largest island in the Caribbean, and the 17th largest in the world. Thanks to its geographical location, Cuba is home to more than 300 beautiful and paradisiacal beaches, with crystal clear turquoise waters and various sand textures — from the spectacular white found in Varadero to the glittery gold hues found at Guardalavaca — attracting tourists from all over the world.

Music is a commonly known expression of Cuban culture, and that is where we find the musical style known as Son (it means “beat” in Spanish), which mixes Spanish and Afro-Cuban styles with percussion elements and has become widely popular around the world. The Son rhythm is the basis for other musical genres, too, such as salsa, rumba, and mambo.

Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Taino (native inhabitants), Spanish, African, and Caribbean foods. Among their most popular dishes are the Ropa Vieja, Moros con Cristianos (black beans and rice), the Cuban sandwich, and many more. Cuba was a pioneer in the production of sugar cane and is ranked among the most-literate populations of the world, boasting a 99.8% literacy rate.

Did you know: Ernest Hemingway wrote “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “The Old Man and the Sea” while he lived in Cuba. There are no animals or plants in Cuba that are poisonous or lethal to humans. Christmas did not become an official holiday in Cuba until 1997. More than 98 percent of Cuba’s coastal boundaries are bordered by reefs.

This is the ninth in a series of articles spotlighting different countries in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. To see a complete list of previous entries, click here.

With an estimated population of over 48 million people, this South American country is considered one of the world’s 17 mega-diverse countries. It is also the second-most bio-diverse country in the world, and it was dubbed the happiest country in the world in 2013 and 2014.  Colombia occupies a very privileged geographic position, as it is the only country in South America with coastlines touching both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. You can experience virtually every type of climate in Colombia — hot or cold and wet or dry — and ecosystems range from tundra, coastal, and desert to tropical rainforest and savanna.

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Situated in the heart of South America, Bolivia is a culturally diverse country with 36 native cultures and more than 30 languages spoken, the main ones being Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara. There are numerous archaeological ruins from different pre-Columbian cultures, and many ancient traditions are still a part of the country’s cultural celebrations.

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Belize, located in Central America — bordering Mexico and Guatemala — is one of the best dive sites in the Caribbean and is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world. Much of Belize is still unexplored wilderness and 75 percent of the rainforest is under government protection.  This has led to considerable growth in ecotourism, which is now the nation’s second-largest source of revenue.

Belize has around 900 Mayan ruin sites, and the tallest building in Belize is a Mayan temple called El Caana (“Sky Place”). You can climb to the top and see for miles over the rainforest canopy.

Belize was part of the British Empire until fairly recently, and it was not until Sept. 21, 1981, that Belize was granted independence. English is the official language of Belize, yet Kriol and Spanish are commonly spoken. You can also still hear a mixture of Creole, Spanish, Garifuna, and Mayan languages being spoken on the street.

Did you know…? Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America. There are no McDonalds, Burger King, Starbucks, or KFC in the entire country. Belizean cuisine can best be described as a mix of Mexican, Central American, Jamaican, Anglo, and Caribbean cuisines.

This is the fifth in a series of articles spotlighting different countries in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. To see a complete list of previous entries, click here.

Sept. 18 is not precisely Independence Day for Chile, yet for the next couple of days, Chileans will be commemorating 205 years since the proclamation of the First Governing Body back in 1810. This marked the beginning of the Chile’s independence process. The official holiday is observed Sept. 18 and 19; however, the celebration itself can last up to a week. Parades, food, dancing, and rodeos are all typical features — as is taking advantage of days off to visit with family.

Many of the major Latin-American literature contributors are Chileans. From Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda — Nobel Prize winners — to Isabel Allende, José Donoso, Roberto Bolaño and many more, these writers have helped Chile live-up to its “country of poets” nickname.

Did you know…? Eighty percent of Chile’s territory is made up of mountains. Although located in Polynesia (in the middle of the Pacific Ocean), the Easter Islands are also under the control of Chile, and since 1995, they’ve been considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The traditional Chilean empanada is baked and filled with pino, a mixture of ground beef, onions, raisins, black olives, and boiled egg.

Note: Our thoughts and prayers are with Chile after of the 8.3 magnitude earthquake that struck them this past Wednesday.

This is the fourth in a series of articles spotlighting different countries in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. To see a complete list of previous entries, click here.

The Houston Independent School District is observing Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanics and Latinos to the U.S.

Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off September 15 with the anniversary of the 1821 independence day of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (known back then as the Captaincy General of Guatemala or Kingdom of Guatemala,) and goes through Oct. 15. Belize, Chile, and Mexico also commemorate their independence during September. Throughout the month, a variety of events showcasing performances, music festivals, food tastings, art shows, and many other displays of the rich Hispanic culture can be observed in schools across the district.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is truly a time to celebrate — especially in Houston, a truly global city known for its rich diversity and culture,” HISD Superintendent Terry Grier said. “In HISD, we are proud of our diversity and thrilled to take part in recognizing the many wonderful contributions of our Hispanic community.”

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, we’ll be highlighting an interesting fact from each Latin-American country, to share a little bit more about their history. So stay tuned! And check back daily to see which country will be spotlighted next. Then join the conversation on social media and tell us your favorite reason to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

And Central America was born…
Viva Mexico! Celebrating 205 years of Independence
Argentina: Tango, Soccer, Gauchos, and more!
Chile: Country of Poets
Belize: Barrier reef, rainforest, Maya heritage
Bolivia: Rich in natural resources and biodiversity
Colombia: Biodiversity, emeralds, and the greatest storyteller!
Costa Rica: Adventure-filled, eco-friendly, and unique!
Cuba: Turquoise beaches, ‘Son’ rhythm, and more!
El Salvador: Land of volcanoes, coffee, and surf
Ecuador: Rivers, nature, and bananas!
Spain: Tapas, soccer, and flamenco
Guatemala: Mayan heritage, archeology, and crafts
Honduras: Mountains, a biosphere reserve, and culture
Nicaragua: Land of lakes, volcanoes, and poets
Panama: Culture, skyline, and the crossroads of the world
Paraguay: Guaraní culture and hydroelectric resources
Peru: Ancient cultures, colonial architecture, and a multiethnic melting pot
Puerto Rico: Baseball, blue flag beaches, and forts
Dominican Republic: Where it all started!
Uruguay: Natural beauty, music, and high-tech farming
Venezuela: Joropo, oil, and the world’s highest waterfall

Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15-Oct. 15., is a time to recognize the contributions made by people of Hispanic and Latin American descent and to celebrate their heritage and culture. Continue reading →