Introduction to South America

Summary

South America is a vast continent with diverse landscapes and climates. From the tropical Amazon rainforest to the dry Atacama desert, its geography features towering mountains, expansive grasslands, and immense river basins like the Amazon and Río de la Plata. The continent is home to over 400 million people, with Brazil being the largest and most populous nation. Historically dominated by European colonies, South America now comprises 12 sovereign nations. It is rich in biodiversity and resources, with native species like llamas, guinea pigs, and cacao trees, contributing to global exports like coffee, beef, and rubber.

Takeaways

• 😀 South America is the fourth-largest continent by land area, shaped roughly like a triangle.
• 😀 The continent is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
• 😀 The equator runs through the northern and central parts of South America, giving it a warm climate year-round at lower elevations.
• 😀 The climate gradually becomes cooler and more temperate as you move south, with Cape Horn at the southern tip being quite cold and near Antarctica.
• 😀 South America is home to 423 million people, about 5.5% of the global population, and consists of 12 sovereign nations.
• 😀 Brazil is the largest and most populous country in South America, occupying almost half the continent’s land area and producing the world’s leading coffee supply.
• 😀 The Andes mountain range runs the length of the continent, with 69 peaks exceeding 20,000 feet, and home to about 14 million indigenous people.
• 😀 South America has three major river basins: the Amazon, Orinoco, and Rio de la Plata, with the Amazon being the world’s largest river basin.
• 😀 The Amazon rainforest, the largest in the world, is incredibly biodiverse but lacks roads and relies on boats for transportation.
• 😀 The Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world, contrasts sharply with the Amazon, and hosts Chile's major copper mining industry.

Q & A

What is the total land area of South America compared to other continents?

South America is the Earth's fourth largest continent in total land area, after Asia, Africa, and North America.

How is South America's geography defined in terms of its shape and borders?

South America is roughly triangular in shape. Its northernmost coast borders the Caribbean Sea, its eastern coast runs along the Atlantic Ocean, and its western coast borders the Pacific Ocean.

What does the equator's location in South America mean for the continent's climate?

The equator cuts across South America about 750 miles from the base of the Isthmus of Panama, meaning the northern and central parts of the continent are warm year-round at lower elevations, with the climate becoming milder as one moves south.

Which country has the largest population and land area in South America?

Brazil is by far the largest country in both land area and population in South America, with nearly 209 million people, representing almost half of the continent's population.

What is the significance of Brazil in terms of exports?

Brazil is South America's foremost exporting nation and is the world's leading coffee producer.

What are the Andes Mountains, and why are they significant to South America's geography?

The Andes Mountains run parallel to the Pacific Ocean along the entire length of the continent. They are home to about 14 million indigenous people, and 69 peaks exceed 20,000 feet in elevation.

What makes the Amazon River Basin unique?

The Amazon River Basin is the largest river basin in the world, covering about 40 percent of South America. It is home to the Amazon Rainforest, the world's largest rainforest, and is incredibly biodiverse.

What is the Atacama Desert, and why is it notable?

The Atacama Desert, located in northern Chile and southern Peru, is the driest desert in the world. Despite its harsh conditions, it is home to Chile's significant copper mining industry.

What role do the Pampas and Patagonia play in South America?

The Pampas are broad plains used primarily for large-scale farming of crops like wheat, soybeans, rice, and maize. The Patagonian grasslands are located in the south and support cattle and sheep grazing.

What types of animals and plants are native to South America?

South America is home to many unique species such as the capybara, guinea pigs, giant anteaters, anacondas, piranhas, and members of the camel family like alpacas, llamas, and guanacos. The continent is also the origin of crops like tomatoes, potatoes, cacao, and rubber trees.