Spanish-Speaking Countries

Overview of the major Spanish-speaking countries with cultural and geographical information.

Spain (España)

Capital: Madrid Currency: Euro (€) Population: ~47 million Notable: Origin of Spanish language, flamenco, paella, bullfighting

Mexico (México)

Capital: Ciudad de México (Mexico City) Currency: Peso mexicano Population: ~130 million (largest Spanish-speaking country) Notable: Aztec and Mayan heritage, tacos, mariachi, Day of the Dead

South America

Argentina

Capital: Buenos Aires Currency: Peso argentino Notable: Tango, gauchos, beef, Patagonia, uses vos

Colombia

Capital: Bogotá Currency: Peso colombiano Notable: Coffee, emeralds, cumbia, clear Spanish accent

Peru

Capital: Lima Currency: Sol Notable: Machu Picchu, Inca civilization, ceviche

Chile

Capital: Santiago Currency: Peso chileno Notable: Long, narrow geography, wine, Easter Island

Venezuela

Capital: Caracas Currency: Bolívar Notable: Oil, Angel Falls, arepas

Central America

Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama

Caribbean

Cuba

Capital: La Habana (Havana) Currency: Peso cubano Notable: Cigars, rum, salsa, classic cars

Dominican Republic

Capital: Santo Domingo Currency: Peso dominicano Notable: Baseball, merengue, beaches

Puerto Rico

Capital: San Juan Currency: US Dollar (US territory) Notable: Reggaeton, El Yunque rainforest

Practice