The pepper originated in Mexico and the neighboring areas of Central America.  Soon after Columbus' discovery of this plant, it was spread and grown worldwide as a spice and medicine.  India referred to hot peppers as "Chillies" while Spain called hot peppers "chili" a term still used today.   The sweet pepper was popular in Spain and was referred to as "pimientos" to describe the red coloration and sweet taste.  Today, pepper plants can be found growing wild in tropical areas around the world.  Many countries grow it as a crop, China leading the world in production and the US right behind