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Do you believe that these countries really have the best Spanish or that their Spanish may be easier to learn? What about this website tells us that this might be misinformation?

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The Best Spanish Speaking Country in Latin America for La...

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Forget that Cathtellano lithp, you want to know which is the best Latin American country to learn Spanish, and this handy infographic is here to help.

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Sometimes misinformation poses things as facts that are simply opinions. This post was made from a travel website and has a lot of advertisements. What does this tell you about the site's credibility? Should you use the things you read here as research?

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We ranked the Spanish-speaking countries from worst to best, so you know exactly where to put your language skills to the test.

25 Best Spanish-Speaking Countries

The Hispanic culture can be exciting - the food, the colorful art and the rhythmic tunes that urge you to dance. Plus, many of the countries where Spanish is the predominant language are found in warm-weather destinations, often filled with wide, sandy beaches, palm trees and heavily forested mountains.

Combining the culture and the scenery is enough to make anyone want to travel to these Spanish-speaking countries. So, it got us thinking: Which ones are the best?

Looking at the 21 countries where Spanish is the official language plus four where it is a majority and strong minority language, we ranked these 25 Spanish-speaking countries from worst to first based on a variety of factors. Like the fact that some places simply aren't safe, while others are beyond fabulous for their cuisine, natural surroundings and attractions. This way you know exactly where and where not to put your language skills to the test. (Don't hate us.)

How the United States Compares

Of course, the national language of the United States isn't Spanish, but tell that to the 41 million people in the country that speak it. Nearly 40 percent of Californians, 30 percent of Texans, 25 percent of New York City alone and 20 percent of Floridians speak Spanish - with a whopping 60 percent of Miami's population fluent in the language. Miami even holds the nickname "Latin American Capital."

Plus, Puerto Rico, a territory of the U.S., is a Spanish-speaking island in the Caribbean. Turquoise waves lapping against beaches, historic districts that predate the U.S. and lush rainforests ripe for adventure are actually pretty darn great and should land the island higher on the list, but the U.S. hasn't done a very good job of helping the island recover from Hurricane Maria, which hit in 2017 and cost $90 billion in damage. It's bouncing back but isn't 100 percent yet.

So, ranking the U.S. above countries where Spanish is the native language seems laughable - especially when this is the same country that suggested building a wall between it and its Spanish-speaking neighbor, Mexico. Sorry, U.S., but you're really the worst for anyone looking to get an authentic taste of that Hispanic flavor.

How Venezuela Compares

Venezuela has not been the most stable country in recent years. Two presidents claimed they controlled the country. One of them was charged by the U.S. for drug trafficking, civil unrest and military brutality, corruption, crime and drugs. These are not selling points.

Even before the pandemic hit, the South American country was listed on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" list. It doesn't help that the capital city, Caracas, has one of the highest murder rates for a major city in the world.

How Equatorial Guinea Compares

Twenty years ago, Equatorial Guinea struck it rich with the discovery of oil. Rather than use the money to build up the African nation the way the United Arab Emirates did in the Middle East, the leaders of the nation pocketed the wealth through money laundering and corruption.

This has left the Sub-Saharan country poor. No wonder it is the sixth least-visited country in the world.

How Bolivia Compares

The political scene has been a mess in Bolivia since 2019, and human rights are struggling. In August 2020, the embassy alerted Americans, asking them to avoid the country due to ongoing demonstrations.

That's really a shame because the South American country is an underrated hiking destination and is considered the "Tibet of South America."

How Dominican Republic Compares

The Dominican Republic (DR) was a real hot spot for tourism. Punta Cana alone is filled with beautiful beaches and all-inclusive resorts with excursions into the nearby jungles for ziplining and ATV adventures.

And, hey, we were right there with the rest of them loving the Caribbean nation - that is until tourists began dying mysterious deaths. All signs pointed to drugged drinks that left travelers passed out in their hotel rooms to be robbed. As a result, the U.S. State Department's 2019 travel advisory designated the country as a Level 2 destination, advising visitors to "exercise increased caution."

All of this resulted in the DR's tourism numbers dropping by 80 percent, leading the nation to work harder on making travel safer. And that's a good thing because World Heritage Sites such as the charming Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo, along with Parque Nacional del Este, are must-see travel spots. The white-sand beaches of Punta Cana are also begging for your bare feet to take a stroll, and the quieter, less-visited La Romana area can provide some serious R&R.

How Colombia Compares

Colombia once led the world in having the most kidnappings, scaring off any potential traveler who heard of rebels fighting in the jungles and drug cartels making it a very dangerous country. But the FARC Rebels and the Colombian government made peace, and kidnappings have fallen by 92 percent since 2000.

Colombia is working hard to redeem itself, and tour groups are entering the rainforests once again to explore. The walled city of Cartegena is deemed safe - just stay inside and enjoy the more traditional Colombian hospitality amidst the cobblestoned streets and colorful buildings that date back to the 16th century. You can even enjoy the Caribbean Sea beaches from the city as well.

Travelers have caught on that Colombia is a place to be, with tourism in Colombia growing by more than 260 percent since 2002. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, travel to Colombia increased by nearly 10 percent in 2015 alone.

How Mexico Compares

One of the most popular destinations for American travelers is just south of the border in Mexico. Here, Cancun, the Riveria Maya and Puerto Vallarta are filled with all-inclusive resorts making a vacation simple: Eat, drink, enjoy the pools, water sports and nightly entertainment, and repeat.

Thankfully, there are also destinations near popular vacation spots that get you off the beaten path and give you a more authentic Mexican experience. One favorite is Riviera Nayarit outside of Puerto Vallarta, where Sayulita provides a Boho beach vibe.

And, if you skip the beach, Oaxaca is filled with ancient temples and is considered the gastronomic capital of Mexico. Mmm ... mole sauce!

How Gibraltar Compares

Gibraltar, of the famed rock (pictured), is a territory of Britain, but its location off of Spain lends to its Spanish-speaking population.

Forget the British, who only want this land to control the entryway into the Mediterranean. This was the land of the Moors or Spaniards, and the evidence of both are found across the very small territory.

Another neat "attraction?" Gibraltar boasts the only population of wild monkeys in Europe. (But be careful, they like to steal from backpacks!)

How Argentina Compares

Argentina's expansive country provides nature and city settings, sharing awe-inspiring Patagonia with Chile and featuring South America's most-visited city, Buenos Aires.

Catch a feisty hot tango, sample some of the best steak of your life at a Churrasco Argentino Parrilla and soak in the energy of the business capital that is Buenos Aires. Then, leave the city behind to see the glaciers, mountain peaks and scores of wild penguins at the southernmost tip of South America.

Love, love, love!

How Getty Images Compares

Panama's canal makes it easy for ships to sail between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans without having to travel around Cape Horn. This timesaver has made Panama a big player in the business world. (The canal itself generates a third of the country's economy!)

Because of this, Panama City is a thriving city of ex-pats. But Panama is so much more than its capital. The San Blas Islands, for one, are ripe for diving, snorkeling and sailing adventures.

How Chile Compares

It's proximity to Antarctica plus the towering Andes Mountains and otherworldly Patagonia make this country a stunner.

With Antarctic travel on the rise, people have been pleasantly surprised by their time in Chile, which includes checking out more than 80 geysers at El Tatio, walking about a moonscape-like desert known as Valle de la Luna, hiking on the active and snow-covered Villarica volcano and visiting Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of the continent.

How Peru Compares

What do you do when tourism increases 700 percent to your one-of-a-kind temple in the sky? Do you erect more hotels and turn it into a bigger-than-Disney attraction? Or do you put limitations on visitors?

The latter is exactly what Peru did in an attempt to save and preserve Machu Picchu. Since reaching 1.3 million visitors in 2013, the country has limited access to the site to 2,500 per day, tour groups must be 20 or fewer people, and just 500 permits for hikers are available. (More than half of the permits go to the guides and porters.)

Way to go, Peru!

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All 25 Spanish-Speaking Countries, From Worst to First

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We ranked the Spanish-speaking countries from worst to best, so you know exactly where to put your language skills to the test.

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Here is a great example of information that might be partially true, or true some of the time.

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If you're beginning to learn Spanish or thinking about it, you have definitely wondered which of the different Spanish dialects is the easiest to master.

There are many to choose from. Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Peruvian, Colombian, Guatemalan, and Chilean Spanish.

In this article, we will dissect some of these dialects to help you discover which Spanish is the best Spanish accent for you and your learning goals.

Consider that you can master one first and then continue to train your ear with other accents. Also, ask yourself:

Do I have friends from a Spanish-speaking country?

If so, where are they from?

What are the chances that I can practice with them?

Which country or countries would I like to visit?

Which culture draws me more?

What accent do I enjoy more?

What are the chances that I use one dialect more than the other?

Which is the most neutral, as opposed to others with more linguistic particularities?

Which Spanish-speaking country produces the most digital material for me to learn from home?

Remember that everyone's learning process is unique and is influenced by various factors such as previous language experience, exposure to the language, and individual learning style.

Try to consider everything before making a decision.

Read ahead to discover why some people might have an easier time learning one of them versus harder dialects.

Once you've decided, you're all set to take the following steps in your learning journey!
Join 559 million people on the planet who speak Spanish!
Sign up for your free trial Spanish class today. ➡️

First Things First: What is a Dialect?

A dialect is a form of a language spoken by a particular group of people with distinctive features like pronunciation, slang, vocabulary, and grammar that varies from the standard form.

They result from geographic location and isolation, like migration, colonization, and contact with other languages and cultures.

The different Spanish dialects vary from region to region-even between countries geographically close-but also among social classes or between specific groups or communities.

Each one has its own unique features and nuances, but some can be more challenging for a beginner.

There is a thing called "neutral Spanish," which is Castilian, spoken in Madrid, Spain; or the neutral Latin American Spanish. This last one is the one used for movie dubbing.

People from all Spanish backgrounds can understand it, but some words might sound a bit unnatural in some dialects more than others.

People from Europe tend to learn Castilian, and people from the Americas also learn from a nearby dialect.

Let's remember that even though Spanish is the official language of Spain, other regions speak other languages first, like Catalan in Catalonia and Euskera in Basque Country.

Spanish dialect differences should be celebrated as they are rooted in cultural and linguistic diversity and local communal experiences.

The Most Useful Spanish Dialect

Mexico has the highest number of Spanish speakers, with over 130 million people that speak it as their first language. Meaning that Mexican is the most widely used.

Imagine investing a couple of hours a week in learning a Spanish dialect and being able to speak to that amount of people-plus those of Mexican descent around the world.

Suppose you're considering practicing with a native speaker in Canada or the United States. In that case, you will most likely do it with someone from Mexico, as they are the highest Latin American population, with almost 38 million living in those countries.

If you can't do this, we highly recommend you train yourself by watching TV shows and movies in Spanish.

Mexico is the Latin American country that produces the most tv shows, including dramas, comedies, thrillers, and telenovelas.
See also: Spanish Dialects: How Many Varieties Exist

Beginner-friendly Spanish Dialect

People consider Colombian Spanish one of the clearest and most understandable of all the different Spanish dialects.

It has various regional accents, but the one from the capital sounds pretty standard.

Colombia has almost 50 million people, meaning it's the second-largest number of Spanish-speaking people in the world after Mexico.

It's important to know that this country has a privileged geographical location, as it's surrounded by other Spanish-speaking countries, making it less prone for people to adopt Anglicisms, as it happens with Northern Mexico or Puerto Rico.

Colombia also houses fewer foreign communities than other countries like Argentina, which has been greatly influenced by Italian language and culture.
Read next: 10 Reasons to Learn Language With Native Speakers
The different Spanish dialects have pros and cons, but this one is nice and slow, and you can benefit from the chill rhythm of it to make your language-learning journey simpler!

The Most Unique Spanish Dialect

Chilean Spanish is considered one of the most unique Spanish dialects because it has developed its own distinctive features influenced by the country's geography, history, and culture.

One clear example is their slang. They tend to cut words, inhale the letter "s," and speak extremely fast, running over some syllables.

Intonation patterns are also a riddle, as they end sentences, making them sound like questions.

If this is not enough, we also have to throw into the mix the fact that they use indigenous words and incorporate them into their daily lives. This happens in many parts of Latin America, like in Peru and Southern Mexico, but it is a distinction in Chile as well.

Of all the different Spanish dialects, this one is famous in Latin America for being unique and hard to understand even among native Spanish speaker peers.

Keep in mind it also changes heavily from one region of Chile to another.

Here are some of the most famous Spanish dialect differences:
Handpicked for you: What is Neutral or Standard Spanish and Why Does the Media Use It?

Spain's Spanish: seseo and ceceo-pronouncing the letter "s" as "sh" and the letters "c" before an "i" or "e" and "z" as "th" from the word "think"

Argentinian Spanish: yeismo-pronouncing the "y" as "sh"

Uruguayan Spanish: They say vos instead of tú, just like Argentinians and some Colombians; this is a direct influence from the Portuguese voçe or vosotros from Spain

These different Spanish dialects show us just a little bit of how diverse Latin America truly is and how it has many different roots, influences, and other factors that have shaped people's way of speaking, thinking, and even behaving.

Dialect with the Easiest Accent to Understand

One of the best Spanish to learn is the Guatemalan dialect. Even though Guatemalans speak faster than Colombians, they sound highly neutral, natural, and clear.

It resembles a lot the Mexican accent, which makes perfect sense as these two countries share a border and indigenous communities.

People tend to speak in diminutives in the different Spanish dialects, adding the -ito and -ita suffixes at the end of some nouns, and Guatemala is not the exception.

One of the great advantages of learning this accent is that they take more time pronouncing vowels, meaning they space the syllables more and make sentences sound clearer.

Latin Americans think of the Guatemalan accent as a "musical" one.

Choose From the Different Spanish Dialects Today!

As you can see, you have many Spanish accents to choose from. Once again, remember to consider all the factors around your specific case to decide which path is best.

We highly recommend you choose one of the easiest and least challenging, as it will otherwise take you longer.

Also, you must seize the time we live in. With our handy technology and the tools that can help us learn anything faster and better, we have no excuse to excel at almost any endeavor, such as learning a new language.

The best way to learn Spanish is through native, authentic Spanish instruction with real human connection.

By training your hearing, reading, writing, and speaking with people whose first language is Spanish is the fastest track toward proficiency. Not only in terms of grammar and vocabulary but also in pronunciation and idioms.

In Homeschool Spanish Academy, our Guatemalan teachers offer an expert-certified curriculum, flexible scheduling, and web-based classes suiting your interests and needs.

Learn from our innovative, human-centered learning strategies and achieve your learner-specific language goals. We've been teaching Spanish for over 10 years. Let our trusted support team take care of you.

Choose the Guatemalan dialect and speak Spanish from your very first class. Try a free class today -no payments or credit card details required-and discover why students love our 5-star Spanish instruction.

We can't wait for you to join us!

- Sharon K, Parent of 3
Join one of the 40,000 classes that we teach each month and you can experience results like these

- Cindy D, Parent of 3
"This is the best way for your kid to learn Spanish. It's one-on-one, taught by native Spanish speakers, and uses a curriculum."

- Erica P. Parent of 1
"It's a great way to learn Spanish, from native Spanish speakers in a 1-on-1 environment. It's been fairly easy to schedule classes around my daughter's other classes. The best value for us has been ordering multiple classes at a time. All the instructors have been great!"

"HSA offers very affordable, quality, one on one classes with a native speaker. My son has greatly benefited from taking classes. We have seen his confidence increase as well as his pronunciation improve, because he learns from a native Spanish speaker. HSA has quick, personal customer service. Our family has been very pleased with our experience so far!"

Want to learn more about the Spanish language? Check out our latest posts!

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Spanish Dialects: Which One is the Easiest to Master?

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If you're beginning to learn Spanish you should know which of these Spanish dialects is the easiest to master!

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1) Is it current?

When was this information published? Are you able to find a date?

2) Is it relevant?

Is the author actually qualified to speak on this subject? What is there profession? Would a certain degree be necessary to be able to accurately share information on this topic?

3) Is it objective?

Is this website trying to sell something? Are there a lot of advertisements? Are the images conducive with the content that the website is sharing?

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The articles that were published in the red are all websites based on opinion or partially true information. Students could potentially believe that these opinions are objective when they simply are not. These websites are trying to promote travel and may try to pursue you to explore a country where the Spanish is "easier" when in reality the company has partners in that country. To avoid misinformation, I would like you to all define these 3 questions for every source you use:

Is it current?

Is it relavent?

Is it objective?

I would ask that you also provide the hyperlink with each source. I only want one sentence for each question. I know it will be extra work but it will teach you how to look out for false sources and save you from a bad grade in the long run!

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Media Literacy is the ability to analyze the credibility of online sources. Has your friend ever told you something that you later out found was not true?

We are so blessed to live in a time with so much information. But the stronger the tool, the more safeguards we need. The internet is a STRONG tool, which means we need to be aware and have A LOT of safeguards.

Below in the blue box, I have listed the step to avoid misinformation. I also have some examples of misinformation within online resources as it relates to Spanish.

Take a look around and let me know if you have any questions!

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STORY TIME: Once in my eighth-grade class, we were researching the candidates for the USA Presidential Election. As we read aloud what we learned from the articles we had read, one girl mentioned that her article stated that this specific candidate had a scandal with another politician. I remember the look on my teacher's face when he told her that the information she had read was inaccurate.