Geography homework: what is the difference between...?

Question

...latin america, south america and hispanic america?

I mean I have a peruvian friend and apparently they call themselves "latins".. Shouldn't they be hispanic? or is it the same? Sorry the ignorance, we have a geography project at school (free subject) and I thought this could be intresting.. But first I have to understand the differences myself. TY

Answer 1

All the same thing, my friend.

Answer 2

Latin America includes Mexico and all the countries to the southern tip of South America. Most of these people share a common background. Their language, religon, arts and customs came from Spain, Portugal and France.  They are based on ancient Rome (or Latium).  It is because of this Latin culture that it is called Latin America.

South America is the name of the continent.

Hispanic America (Spanish: Hispanoamérica) is defined strictly and traditionally as the region comprising the American countries inhabited by Spanish-speaking populations.  This is generally from Mexico down the western part of South America (excludes Brazil).