South America

Continent in the Western Hemisphere

Orthographic projection of South America

South America is a continent located in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east by the Atlantic Ocean; North America and the Caribbean Sea lie to the northwest. It includes twelve sovereign states: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela, as well as the overseas department of French Guiana.

Geography

Satellite image of South America

South America is the fourth largest continent in terms of area, covering approximately 17,840,000 square kilometers (6,890,000 sq mi), and the fifth most populous continent, with a population of over 430 million people. The continent is characterized by a diverse range of geographical features, including the Andes Mountains, the Amazon River, and the Atacama Desert.

Mountains

The Andes Mountains run along the western edge of the continent, extending from the northernmost tip of South America in Venezuela to the southernmost tip in Chile and Argentina. The Andes are the longest continental mountain range in the world and include some of the highest peaks outside of Asia, such as Aconcagua.

Rivers

The Amazon River is the largest river by discharge volume of water in the world, and it flows through the Amazon Rainforest, which is the largest tropical rainforest on Earth. Other significant rivers include the Orinoco, the Paraná, and the Magdalena River.

Deserts

The Atacama Desert in Chile is one of the driest places on Earth. Other notable deserts include the Patagonian Desert in Argentina and the Monte Desert.

Climate

Köppen climate classification map of South America

South America has a wide range of climates, from the tropical rainforests of the Amazon Basin to the arid deserts of northern Chile. The continent experiences a variety of weather patterns, influenced by factors such as the Andes Mountains and the Humboldt Current.

Tropical Regions

The Amazon Basin is characterized by a tropical rainforest climate, with high temperatures and heavy rainfall throughout the year. This region is home to a vast array of biodiversity.

Temperate Regions

The southern parts of South America, including parts of Argentina and Chile, experience a temperate climate with distinct seasons. The Pampas region is known for its fertile plains and moderate climate.

Arid Regions

The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, with some areas receiving less than 1 mm of rain per year. The desert's unique climate is due to the rain shadow effect of the Andes and the cold Humboldt Current.

Biodiversity

South America is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The Amazon Rainforest alone is home to an estimated 390 billion individual trees and thousands of species of plants and animals. The continent is also home to unique ecosystems such as the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland area.

History

Cueva de las Manos, Argentina

The history of South America is marked by the rise and fall of numerous indigenous civilizations, including the Inca Empire, which was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The arrival of European explorers in the 15th and 16th centuries led to the colonization of the continent by Spain and Portugal.

Pre-Columbian Civilizations

The Inca Empire, centered in modern-day Peru, was known for its advanced agricultural techniques and impressive architectural achievements, such as Machu Picchu. Other notable civilizations include the Muisca in Colombia and the Mapuche in Chile and Argentina.

Colonial Era

The Spanish and Portuguese colonization of South America began in the late 15th century, leading to significant cultural and demographic changes. The continent's indigenous populations were greatly reduced due to disease and conflict.

Culture

South America is a culturally diverse continent with a rich heritage influenced by indigenous, African, and European traditions. The continent is known for its vibrant music, dance, and festivals, such as the Carnival in Brazil.

Languages

The primary languages spoken in South America are Spanish and Portuguese, reflecting the colonial history of the continent. Other languages include Quechua, Guarani, and Aymara, which are spoken by indigenous communities.

Religion

Christianity is the dominant religion in South America, with the majority of the population adhering to Roman Catholicism. There are also significant Protestant communities, as well as indigenous and African religious practices.

Economy

South America's economy is diverse, with agriculture, mining, and manufacturing playing significant roles. The continent is rich in natural resources, including oil, minerals, and agricultural products.

Agriculture

South America is a major producer of coffee, soybeans, and beef. The Pampas region of Argentina is known for its cattle ranching and grain production.

Mining

The continent is rich in mineral resources, including copper, iron ore, and gold. Chile is the world's largest producer of copper, while Brazil is a leading producer of iron ore.

Related pages

• Geography of South America
• History of South America
• Economy of South America
• Biodiversity of South America