South America
South America is a continent entirely in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, on the north and east by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the northwest by North America at the Isthmus of Panama. Here are some key points about this continent:
Geography
- South America covers an area of approximately 17,840,000 square kilometers (6,890,000 sq mi), making it the fourth largest continent by land area.
- The continent includes twelve sovereign states: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela; and two non-sovereign areas: French Guiana (an overseas territory of France) and the Falkland Islands (a British Overseas Territory).
- The Amazon River and the Andes Mountain range are two of the most significant geographical features, with the Amazon being the second-longest river in the world and the Andes being the longest continental mountain range.
History
- Before European colonization, the region was inhabited by numerous indigenous peoples, with civilizations like the Inca Empire and the Aztec Empire (although the latter was primarily in what is now Mexico).
- European exploration and colonization began in the 15th and 16th centuries, led by Spain and Portugal. The Treaty of Tordesillas divided the continent between these two powers, with Brazil going to Portugal and the rest to Spain.
- The 19th century saw the independence of most South American countries, often through wars of independence led by figures like Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín.
Culture
- South America is known for its diverse cultures, with a rich blend of indigenous, European, African, and Asian influences due to historical migrations and colonization.
- The continent has produced notable cultural exports in music, like Samba and Tango, literature, with authors like Gabriel García Márquez, and art, with movements like Surrealism.
Economy
- South America's economy is varied, with significant natural resources like oil, minerals, and agricultural products. Brazil has the largest economy in the region, followed by Colombia and Argentina.
- Trade blocs like Mercosur aim to integrate the economies of South American countries, promoting trade and economic cooperation.
Environmental Issues
- The Amazon Rainforest, known as the "lungs of the Earth," faces severe deforestation due to logging, agriculture, and mining.
- Climate change affects the region, with increased glacier melting in the Andes and changes in precipitation patterns.
For further reading and sources:
Related Topics