South America

South America is a continent entirely in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a smaller part in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the southern subregion of the Americas. The continent is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west, the Atlantic Ocean on the north and east, and the Drake Passage on the south.

The continent has twelve sovereign countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. There are also two dependent territories: the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and one internal territory: French Guiana.

South America is big. It has an area of 17,840,000 square kilometers and more than 434 million people. Brazil is the largest country. Most people live near the coasts. The interior and far south have fewer people. The land includes the Andes mountains in the west and big flat areas in the east. Major rivers such as the Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraná flow through these areas.

Culturally, South America has been shaped by Indigenous peoples, European conquerors, immigrants, and African slaves. Most people speak Spanish or Portuguese. The region has many Western traditions. Since 1900, it has been a peaceful continent.

History

Main article: History of South America

South America was first settled by people who crossed the Bering Land Bridge from Russia over 15,000 years ago. These people moved south through North America and reached South America via the Isthmus of Panama.

One of the earliest known civilizations in South America was Caral–Supe, located on the central Peruvian coast around 3500 BC. This civilization is known for its large buildings, which are some of the oldest in the world. Other early cultures include the Moche, Paracas, and Nazca in Peru, and the Tiwanaku in Bolivia.

European colonization began in the early 1500s when Spain and Portugal claimed South American lands. This brought big changes, such as new diseases and new ways of doing things. Many native traditions mixed with European ways, creating new cultural identities.

In the early 1800s, South America saw a desire for independence from European rule. This led to wars that helped most of South America free itself from Spanish and Portuguese control. Leaders like Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín were important in these independence movements.

After that, South American nations faced conflicts as they worked to set their borders and build stable governments. Despite these challenges, the region has kept developing. Today, South America works on reducing foreign influence and promoting unity through groups like Mercosur.

Geography

Main article: Geography of South America

South America is the southern part of the Americas. Most of it lies in the Southern Hemisphere, with a small part in the Northern Hemisphere. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and east, and the Drake Passage to the south.

The continent has many famous places. These include Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall, and the Amazon River, the largest river by volume. It also has the Andes mountains, the longest mountain range in the world, and the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth.

South America has many valuable minerals such as gold, silver, and petroleum. These have helped shape the economies of the countries there. Brazil is the largest country, covering almost half of the continent. The continent also includes islands like the ABC islands and Trinidad and Tobago, though these are often thought of as part of North America.

The climate in South America changes a lot. It is tropical in places like the Amazon basin and cold in areas such as Tierra del Fuego. The continent is also full of different animals, including the llama, anaconda, and piranha.

Politics

See also: Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean

South America has an interesting political history. Many countries started as republics led by strong leaders. Brazil was different; it was a constitutional monarchy when it first became independent. Today, all South American countries are presidential republics except Suriname, which is a parliamentary republic. French Guiana is part of France. The Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands belong to Britain.

Lately, South American countries have worked together through groups like Mercosur and the Andean Community. These groups help economies grow, let people travel between countries freely, and work together on defense and trade.

List of states and territories

Main article: List of sovereign states and dependent territories in South America

South America has many countries and territories where people live and make their own rules. You can read more about each place in the main article linked above.

Economy

Main article: Economy of South America

Since 1930, South America has grown in many areas. Farming and raising animals are very important, and much of what is produced is used nearby. But exporting crops like soy and wheat is also very important for trade.

Brazil and Argentina are leaders in industry. The most industrialized nations are Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile. They make up most of the region’s economy. Industries include electronics, textiles, food, and cars.

Tourism is growing, with popular spots including Rio de Janeiro, Florianópolis, and Machu Picchu. The region has many different landscapes and cultures that attract visitors.

Agriculture

Brazil leads in growing crops like sugarcane, soy, and coffee. Argentina is a top producer of yerba mate and soy. Chile grows high-value fruits like cherry and cranberry. Colombia is famous for its coffee and avocado. Peru grows quinoa and many other crops.

Brazil is also a big exporter of chicken meat and has a large cattle herd. Argentina produces a lot of beef, and both countries export meat and dairy products.

Manufacturing

Brazil has the largest manufacturing sector in South America, making things from cars to steel. Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Chile also have important manufacturing. Brazil makes a lot of processed foods, pulp, and paper.

Mining

Mining is very important for countries like Chile, Peru, and Bolivia. Chile is a top producer of copper and lithium. Peru makes silver, zinc, and tin. Brazil has lots of iron ore, gold, and gemstones like amethyst.

Tourism

Tourism brings in a lot of money for many South American countries. Famous places include Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Machu Picchu in Peru, and the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador. Natural wonders, historic sites, and lively cities draw millions of visitors each year.

Energy

South America has many kinds of energy. Brazil leads in hydroelectric power and has lots of potential for wind and solar energy. The country makes its own oil. Argentina and Colombia also have growing energy sectors, with Argentina having large reserves of shale oil and gas.

Transport

South America has many ways to travel. Roads are extensive, especially in Brazil and Argentina. Commercial flights are well-developed, with big airports in cities like São Paulo, Bogotá, and Buenos Aires. Seaports are important for trade, with key ports in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.

Rail networks exist but are smaller than in other places. Waterways, especially the Amazon basin, are important for travel in Brazil. Public transport in big cities often uses buses, with some cities also having subways and other systems.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of South America

See also: List of South American countries by population and List of South American countries by life expectancy

South America has over 428 million people. Most people live near the edges of the continent. Big cities are where many people live. The people of South America come from many backgrounds, including European, African, and Indigenous groups. Spanish and Portuguese are the most common languages.

Language

Main article: Languages of South America

Spanish and Portuguese are the most spoken languages in South America. Spanish is the official language in most countries, while Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. Other languages such as Dutch, English, and French are also official in some places. Many Indigenous languages are still spoken, such as Quechua, Guaraní, and Mapudungun.

Religion

Main articles: Religion in South America and Religion in Latin America

See also: History of the Jews in Latin America and the Caribbean, Buddhism in Brazil, and Islam in Argentina

Most South Americans are Christians, with many being Roman Catholic. Other religions include African and Indigenous beliefs, as well as East Asian religions like Buddhism and Shinto. There are also communities of Jews, Hindus, and Muslims.

Ethnic demographics

Main article: Ethnic groups in South America

People in South America have mixed backgrounds. In many countries, people have European, Indigenous, and African ancestry. Indigenous groups make up a large part of the population in some countries. There are also significant communities of African, East Asian, and other ethnic groups.

Indigenous people

Main articles: List of Indigenous peoples of South America and Indigenous peoples of South America

Some Indigenous groups still live traditional lives, often in the Amazon rainforest. These include the Aymara, Guaraní, Mapuche, and Quechua peoples, among others.

Populace

While Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia have the largest populations, big cities exist in many countries. The largest metropolitan areas include São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires. These cities have millions of people and are important centers of culture and economy.

South America has many large cities and growing urban areas. Brazil has several big city regions, and Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru also have major urban centers.

Culture

Main article: Culture of South America

South America has a rich culture. This culture comes from its original peoples, its history with the Iberian Peninsula and Africa, and people who moved there from all over the world. The continent is famous for its music, including vallenato, cumbia, samba, bossa nova, tango, and Nueva Canción.

Main article: Cuisine of South America

Food in South America is very different in each place, but all of it is influenced by Africa, Europe, Asia, and the people who lived there first. For example, Bahia in Brazil is known for food that came from West Africa, and many countries enjoy drinks like mate and wines.

Main article: Art of South America

Artists from South America are famous around the world. Painters and sculptors like Oswaldo Guayasamín from Ecuador and Fernando Botero from Colombia are known for their special styles.

Main article: Sport in South America

Football is the most popular sport in South America, and Brazil and Argentina are some of the best teams in the world. The continent has hosted big events like the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup. Other popular sports are cycling, rugby, and field hockey.