South America is the fourth largest continent on Earth. Its length from north to south is more than 7,000 km, from west to east - about 5,000, and the total area reaches 17.8 km². Most of the mainland is in the Southern Hemisphere. The total number of inhabitants is more than 385 million people: according to this indicator, South America ranks fourth among the continents. But if we discard the dry facts, one thing can be said: this is a whole world, unknown, bright, alluring and frightening at the same time. Each country of this continent deserves the closest study, the most curious tourists and the most enthusiastic reviews.
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How to get there
The cost of air travel to South American countries varies significantly on regular days and during sales periods. If a regular ticket can cost 1700-2000 USD on average, then sale and promotional tickets can be bought with a discount of up to 50%. The most profitable for Russians is to buy a ticket to Venezuela (the cheapest one can be bought for 500-810 USD on the days of maximum discounts). Or fly to the relatively massive countries of the Caribbean, such as Cuba and the Dominican Republic, from where you can already move to the mainland by domestic airlines.
If you have time and money, you can arrange an unforgettable ocean trip: a boat trip to Buenos Aires will cost 1500-2000 EUR. Such a voyage will take much more time than a flight, because most often it is not just sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, but a full-fledged cruise calling at the ports of Europe and Central America.
Transport in South America
Inside the continent, air travel is quite expensive, but cruise travel by sea is widespread (the cost depends on the class of the liner). Railways are used mainly for freight transportation - there are very few passenger trains, but bus service is very common. Traveling by bus, of course, is less comfortable, but very economical (prices vary depending on the country and destinations - tourist or domestic). In addition, car rentals are very cheap here.
Weather
The climate is different in different parts of South America. In the north - the equatorial zone with the highest temperatures in January, in the south - the frosty polar zone. It is here that you can celebrate the New Year in a bikini under the scorching sun, and then go to a more familiar climate zone to a ski resort in the Andean highlands. In the south of the mainland, plump king penguins roam with might and main - Antarctica is close!
Hotels
If you find yourself in South America for the first time and are accustomed to the international class of service, choose large hotel chains (preferably international ones). Rooms in them cost from 50-90 USD per day. Students and exotic lovers often settle in small hotels or private apartments - the cost can start from 15-20 USD per day. The appearance and amenities of housing will depend on the country, proximity to popular resorts and personal luck. Prices on the page are for October 2018.
Iguazu Falls
South American countries
Venezuela- a state in the north of South America, washed by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The capital is the city of Caracas. Here there are conditions for a beach holiday - the luxurious beaches of the Caribbean coast, a fashionable secluded vacation on Margarita Island, and for an active one: Avila National Park near Caracas, the Amazonian jungle, the highest waterfall on the planet - Angel, the longest cable car in the world with a length of 12, 6 km and the country's highest mountain peak - Pico Bolívar (4981 m).
Guyana- a state on the northeast coast of South America. The capital is Georgetown. Almost 90% of the country is occupied by wet jungles. It is precisely because of the unfavorable conditions for tourism in the traditional sense that Guyana is visited primarily by ecotourists. They have chosen the waterfalls of the Guiana Highlands, the mountains of Pacaraima, the national parks of Kaieteur and Ivokrama, where visitors learn the wisdom of rafting, and also make hiking and horseback riding through the Rupununi savannahs.
Guiana(or French Guiana) - the largest overseas region of France, located in the northeast of South America. A French visa is required to enter Guiana. The administrative center is the city of Cayenne. 96% of the country's territory is occupied by tropical forests - this region is one of the most forested and environmentally friendly in the world. Tourist centers and villages of local residents are concentrated in the coastal strip, the central regions are practically deserted.
Colombia- a state in the north-west of South America, named after the great traveler. The capital is Bogotá. Russians are allowed visa-free entry to the territory of Colombia for up to 90 days. This country is famous for its historical heritage, many museums and an amazing fusion of European culture, brought by the Spanish conquistadors in the 15th century, and Indian culture, which is still carefully preserved in some parts of the country. Colombia has amazing nature: national parks, the peaks of the Sierra Nevada, the Amazon River basin, palm valleys and coffee plantations.
Paraguay called the heart of America, because this country has no access to the sea. Its population has retained its originality: the Indian dialect of Guarani is the state language here along with Spanish. The capital is Asuncion. "Guiana" is translated from Guaran as "great river" - meaning the Rio Paraguay (the third most full-flowing and longest river of the continent), dividing the country into the arid Gran Chaco plain and the humid regions between the Rio Paraguay and Rio Alta Parana. The country was chosen by ecotourists and connoisseurs of superbly preserved architectural monuments from the period of the Jesuit state.
Peru a country on the west coast of South America. The capital is Lima. Lovers of antiquities know Peru as the place of the Inca settlement - the Inca state of Tahuantinsuyu was the largest empire of pre-Columbian America and still remains a mystery to ethnographers and archaeologists. Here is the famous Machu Picchu, which has become one of the new wonders of the world, and landscapes with mysterious Nazca lines, the origin of which scientists still cannot explain. In total, there are more than 180 museums in Peru and many archaeological parks lost in the Andes valleys.
Visa-free entry to Peru is open for Russian tourists for up to 90 days.
Suriname- a state in the northeast of South America. The capital is Paramaribo. People come here in search of ecotourism in unusual places: tropical forests, Atabru, Kau, Uonotobo waterfalls, Galibi reserve, Sipaliwini region, which occupies most of the territory, trio, acurio and wayana Indian reservations.
Uruguay- a state in the southeast of South America. The capital is Montevideo. If you want to relax on the beach, come to Uruguay between January and April. Connoisseurs of colonial architecture will surely enjoy the sights of Cologna and Montevideo. Every year, a month and a half before Easter, two days before Lent, Catholics in Uruguay host a colorful carnival.
Visa-free entry to Uruguay is open for Russian tourists for up to 90 days.
Chile- a state in the southwest of South America, occupying a long strip from the Pacific coast to the Andes highlands. The capital is Santiago. In Chile, balneological tourism is widespread (33 sanatorium bases with water and mud treatment), beach holidays (the areas of Arica, Iquique, Valparaiso), as well as trips to the national parks of La Campana, Torres del Paine, to Lake San Rafael, to places Altiplano and San Pedro and, of course, the famous Easter Island. For lovers of skiing - 15 resorts with slopes from the most extreme to the simplest.
Ecuador located in the northwest of the mainland and got its name from the Spanish "equator". The capital is Quito. Particularly noteworthy are the Galapagos Islands, famous not only for their fauna, but also for their fantastic beaches, Oriente National Park and a trip to the Amazon, the El Kayas region with 200 lakes and lagoons, a monument of ancient culture Ingapirca and museums of the colonial and pre-colonial eras in Quito.
A visa-free regime for visiting Ecuador has been introduced for Russian tourists for up to 90 days.
In addition, South America includes the disputed island territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, as well as the Falkland (Malvinas) Islands, which are still disputed by Great Britain and Argentina. Tourists arrive on the islands as part of cruise tours. The most common activities are mountain climbing, hiking and rafting in kayaks and kayaks. The Falkland (Malvinas) Islands are places almost forgotten by tourists. In terms of climate, their territory is close to Iceland: it is cold, strong winds, and not only seagulls, but also plump king penguins scurry along the coast.
Nature of South America
After the breakup of the Gondwana mainland at the end of the Cretaceous into Africa, Australia, Antarctica and South America, the latter remained a separate continent. Connecting the current North and South America, the Isthmus of Panama appeared about three million years ago, significantly affecting the flora and fauna of the continent.
The variety of landscapes and climatic zones strikes the tourist's imagination. Andes, the world's longest mountain range, is also called the "ridge" of South America, stretching almost its entire length for 9 thousand km. The highest peaks - Aconcagua (6960 m) in Argentina and Ojos del Salado (6908 m) are covered with snow all year round. The movement of the earth's crust in this region, which continues to this day, causes earthquakes and eruptions of active volcanoes.
The famous Amazon flows here, the second largest river on the planet, always full-flowing thanks to its numerous tributaries. On its shores, the endless Amazonian jungle rises, so dense that some of their areas remain unexplored to this day.
The Amazonian jungle is called the "lungs of the planet."
In contrast to the Amazonian rainforests on the mainland is one of the driest places on the planet, the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. In Argentina and Uruguay, the pampas are hot and dusty.
There are vast lakes in South America, and high waterfalls, and rocky islands. From the north, the mainland is washed by the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, while its southernmost point - the island of Tierra del Fuego - is subject to frequent storms of the cold Atlantic Ocean.
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Books
- Atlas of the world. Political and physical maps, Sharonov A. (ed.). A detailed color illustrated encyclopedia contains physical and political maps of all countries of the world, indicating their administrative division into regions, provinces and regions. Edition…
One of the continents of the Earth is South America. The location corresponds to the name - most of it is located mainly in the Southern Hemisphere, and a very small piece - in the Northern. It is washed by the waters of two world oceans - the Pacific and the Atlantic.
The area of the continent is approximately equal to 17.8 million square kilometers. km, and the population is 386 million people.
The continent itself is very interesting for its unusual, vibrant and unexplored nature. First of all, you should pay attention to the interesting landscape. The mountain range immediately comes to mind - the Andes, which is a world landmark as the longest (the length is approximately 9 thousand km). Surprisingly, at present, the mountains continue to grow and amaze the inhabitants with their activity. Volcanic eruptions and fairly strong earthquakes regularly occur here.
Near the highlands stretches the abundant and wide Amazon River, famous for its swampy jungle. In the neighborhood of such a beautiful oasis, the most arid places on the planet are located - deserts, steppes of Argentina and Uruguay, where heat, drought and dust reign. Not far from such lifeless places are deep lakes with the highest waterfalls in the world that beat against the rocks. The North is washed by the hot waters of the Caribbean Sea, and the South attracts with Tierra del Fuego and the frosty fresh Atlantic, which is adjacent to the beautiful glaciers of Antarctica, its icebergs and penguins frolicking on them. Any person, regardless of their preferences and interests, will find a corner to their liking on this continent.
How many countries are in South America?
The continent consists of 12 independent countries:
And also there are 3 territories that have not acquired sovereignty and depend on large European countries:
- French Guiana (belongs to the possessions of France)
- Falkland (or Malvinas) Islands
- South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (both islands belong to the UK).
All states of South America are unique in their own way.
Argentina and Brazil
The largest countries, called Latin (because of the language), which literally catch the eye because of their size. Argentina covers an area of more than 2500 sq. km. State capital - Buenos Aires. Many tourists consider it the most beautiful in the world. Here, on January 16, a famous carnival is held, which attracts guests from all over the world.
Brazil is probably the most famous of all South American countries and the most attractive for tourists. The owner of the largest territory, population and unusual nature. The most popular center for tourists is a vibrant southern city Rio de Janeiro, which has an abundance of beaches and many carnivals are held annually.
A small state with no access to the ocean. The most famous and largest city - Santa Cruz, however, the capital is Sucre, whose population is 370 thousand people. The government of the country, surprisingly, is located in a completely different city - La Paz, also known for its species.
Venezuela
A place with a pleasant, warm climate, which can be found on the map in the northern part of the continent. In the capital of the country - the city Caracas- guests relax on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, and then embark on excursions to the tropics untouched by people.
Guyana, Paraguay and Suriname
Small countries, interesting only for their nature. They are hard to find on the map due to their small size. There are no skyscrapers or other modern monuments here. In architecture, primitiveness is preserved as much as possible, most of the jungle has remained virgin, untouched. The climate is humid, but the vegetation is very diverse.
Colombia and Ecuador
The state named after the discoverer of America. Tourist wealth consists of a huge number of museums, where the entire cultural heritage is revealed - from the native Indian atmosphere to the European one acquired in the course of history. The capital of the country is little known - the city of Bogota, where the population is just over 7 million people. Such sights of Colombia as the river have gained worldwide popularity. Canyo Cristales where the water is so clear that you can see the bottom with all the colorful algae and mosses.
Compared to Colombia, it is less popular, and the territory is several times smaller, but there are also a large number of cultural monuments and museums, which is of great interest to guests.
Peru
The territory of ancient civilizations, rich in unsolved mysteries. State capital - city Lima located on the ocean. Natural conditions are so unusual and diverse that they have become home to the most amazing animals and birds on the planet. For example, a condor whose wingspan is 3 meters. When visiting a country, tourists first go to the city Machu Picchu famous for the sacred valley of the Inca civilization.
Uruguay and Chile
It is quite easy to find them on the map: small countries on the coasts of the southern part of Latin America. Chile, according to one poet, is the most beautiful country in the world, where the Andes stretch on one side, and the Pacific coast on the other. The capital - Santiago - is constantly filled with tourists who love an unusual vacation.
Uruguay boasts of its hospitality. Although it is small, it is full of all kinds of recreational entertainment - from architectural monuments to active sports (surfing).
The rest of the territories, which are rather colonies of other large European states, are interesting as a beach holiday, however, here you can find historical and cultural monuments of bygone times. South America is an amazing place with unique nature, where everyone will find something to do and relax to their liking.
North America: Canada, USA, Mexico…. South America: Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, Guyana, Uruguay, Paraguay….
Canada, USA, (North America) ; Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, Haiti, Guyana, Guatemala, Grenada, Honduras, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru , El Salvador, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Chile, Ecuador, Yamaaaaaaika)) , (Latin America).
Chile Peru Brazil Guyana Venezuela well, my favorite is Peru
North America Antigua and Barbuda - Antigua and Barbuda - a state on the islands of the same name and Redonda Island in the Lesser Antilles (Caribbean Sea) in North America Bahamas Barbados Belize Haiti Guatemala Honduras Grenada Dominica Dominican Republic Canada - Canada (pron. English, fr. ) - a state in North America, ranks second in the world (after Russia) in terms of area. It is washed by the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans and borders the United States in the south and northwest. , in the southeast - with Belize and Guatemala, in the northwest it is washed by the waters of the Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean, in the east - by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea Nicaragua Panama El Salvador St. Lucia St. Vincent and the Grenadines St. Kitts and Nevis USA Trinidad and Tobago Jamaica Latin (South) America Argentina - Spanish. Argentina The official name of the Argentine Republic (Spanish: República Argentina) is the second (after Brazil) state in South America in terms of territory and population. Aruba - Aruba - a small island in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Bolivia Brazil, the Federative Republic of Brazil - Brazil (port. República Federativa do Brasil) - the largest state in South America in terms of area and population, the Capital is the city of Brasilia Venezuela Guyana Colombia Paraguay Suriname Uruguay Falkland Islands (disputed by the UK and Argentina) French Guiana (France) Chile Ecuador Peru
ecuador peru chile south america brazil united states canada argentida
Antigua and Barbuda - Antigua and Barbuda - a state on the islands of the same name and Redonda Island in the Lesser Antilles (Caribbean Sea) in North America Bahamas Barbados Belize Haiti Guatemala Honduras Grenada Dominica Dominican Republic Canada - Canada (pronounced English, French) - state in North America, ranks second in the world (after Russia) in terms of area. It is washed by the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans and borders the United States in the south and northwest. , in the southeast - with Belize and Guatemala, in the northwest it is washed by the waters of the Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean, in the east - by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea Nicaragua Panama El Salvador St. Lucia St. Vincent and the Grenadines St. Kitts and Nevis USA Trinidad and Tobago Jamaica Argentina - Spanish. Argentina The official name of the Argentine Republic (Spanish: República Argentina) is the second (after Brazil) state in South America in terms of territory and population. Aruba - Aruba - a small island in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Bolivia Brazil, the Federative Republic of Brazil - Brazil (port. República Federativa do Brasil) - the largest state in South America in terms of area and population, the Capital is the city of Brasilia Venezuela Guyana Colombia Paraguay Suriname Uruguay Falkland Islands (disputed by the UK and Argentina) French Guiana (France) Chile Ecuador Peru
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The extreme point of the mainland is the place where the mainland ends and the ocean begins. The geographical coordinates of the extreme points of all continents are given below.
The extreme points of the mainland Eurasia
The continent of Eurasia includes two parts (they are also called parts of the world) - Europe and Asia.
Political map and list of all countries in South America with capital names
The names and coordinates of the extreme points of Europe and Asia are as follows:
Extreme points of Europe
North - Cape Nordkin, coordinates 71̊ 08′ north latitude, 27̊ 39′ east longitude;
South - Cape Marroki, 36̊ north latitude, 5̊ 36′ west longitude;
Western point - Cape Roca, coordinates 38̊ 46′ north latitude, 9̊ 29′ west longitude;
Eastern - Polar Urals, the point with coordinates 67̊45′ north latitude, 66̊ 13′ east longitude is considered extreme.
Extreme points of Asia
The northern point is Cape Chelyuskin, coordinate 77̊ 43′ north latitude, 104̊18′ east longitude;
South - Cape Piai, 1̊ 16' north latitude, 103.3 east longitude;
Western - Cape Baba, coordinates 39̊29′ north latitude, 26̊ 10′ east longitude;
Eastern - Cape Dezhnev, 66̊ 04' north latitude, 169̊ 39' east longitude.
Extreme points of mainland Africa
North - Cape El Abyad, coordinates 37̊ 21′ north latitude, 9̊ 45′ east longitude;
South - Cape Agulhas, 34̊ 49′ south latitude, 20̊ east longitude;
Western - Cape Almadi, coordinates 14̊ 44′ north latitude 17̊ 31′ west longitude;
Eastern - Cape Ras Hafun, 10 degrees. 25" north latitude, 51̊ 21' east longitude.
Extreme points of mainland North America
North - Cape Murchison, coordinates 71̊̊ 50′ north latitude, 94̊ 45′ west longitude;
South - Cape Maryato, 7̊ 13′ north latitude;
Western - Cape Prince of Wales, coordinates 65̊ 35′ north latitude, 168̊̊ west longitude;
Eastern - Cape St. Charles, coordinates 52̊ 24′ north latitude, 55̊ 40′ west longitude.
Extreme points of mainland South America
North - Cape Galinas, coordinates 12̊ 25′ north latitude, 71 degrees. 35' west longitude.
South - Cape Froward, 53̊ 54′ south latitude, 71 degrees. 18'W.
Western - Cape Parinhas, coordinates 81̊ 20′ west longitude;
East - Cape Kaabu Branco, 34̊ 46′ west longitude.
Extreme points of mainland Australia
North - Cape York, coordinates 10̊ 41′ south latitude, 142̊ 32′ east longitude;
South - Cape Yugo-Vostochny, 39̊ 11′ south latitude, 146̊ 25′ east longitude;
Western - Cape Steep Point, coordinates 26̊ 09′ south latitude, 113̊ 09′ east longitude;
Eastern - Cape Byron, 28̊ 40′ south latitude, 153̊ 34′ east longitude.
The extreme point of the mainland Antarctica, Cape Sifre, is located at 63̊ 13′ south latitude and 57̊ east longitude.
Political structure of South America
South America is only 24 countries. Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Falkland (aka Malvinas) Islands, Chile and Ecuador. The countries of South America are developing countries. Major economies: Brazilian and Argentine. South American countries
| Countries | Capital Cities | Countries | Capital Cities | |
| 1. Agrantina | Buenos Aires | 13. Mexico | ||
| 2. Belize | Belmopan | 14. Nicaragua | mexico city | |
| 3. Bolivia | La Paz | 15. Panama | Managua | |
| 4. Brazil | Brasilia | 16.
South American countries in the tableParaguay |
Panama | |
| 5. Venezuela | caracos | 17. Peru | Asuncion | |
| 6 Guyana | Georgetown | 18. Salvador | Lima | |
| 7. Guiana (France) | cayenne | 19. Uruguay | San Salvador | |
| 8. Guatemala | Guatemala | 20. Chile | Montevideo | |
| 9. Honduras | Tegucigalpa | 21. Ecuador | Santiago | |
| 10. Greenland | Gotthob | 22. Suriname | Quito | |
| 11. Canada | Ottawa | 23. Falkland Islands (UK) | Paramaribo | |
| 12. Martinique | fort de france | 24. South Georgia (UK) | Port Stanley |
South Georgia is a British colony. From 1982 until March 2001, a small English military garrison (23 people) was stationed. He was relocated to the Falkland Islands. A research center operates on the site of the military base. The island has no economic significance, it is under the control of the Falkland Administration.
The political structure of the countries of South America
| Countries | Capital Cities | head of state | Form of government |
| 1. Agrantina (Republic of Argentina) | Buenos Aires | Parliamentary republic | |
| 2. Antilles | Willemstad | (Netherlands) | |
| 3. Belize | Belmopan | Queen of Great Britain (Governor General) + Prime Minister + 2-chamber Parliament Nat. Meeting | A constitutional monarchy |
| 4. Bolivia (Republic of Bolivia) | La Paz | President + Bicameral National Congress | Parliamentary republic |
| 5. Brazil (Federative Republic of Brazil) | Brasilia | President + Bicameral National Congress | Federal Republic |
| 6. Venezuela | caracos | ||
| 7. Guyana | Georgetown | The president | Parliamentary republic |
| 8. French Guiana (Guiana Department) (France) | cayenne | Overseas territory of France | |
| 9. Guatemala | Guatemala | ||
| 10. Honduras | Tegucigalpa | The president | Parliamentary republic |
| 11. Greenland | Gotthob | (Denmark) | |
| 12. Canada | Ottawa | ||
| 13. Martinique | fort de france | (France) | |
| 14. Mexico | mexico city | ||
| 15. Nicaragua | Managua | The president | Parliamentary republic |
| 16. Panama (Republic of Panama) | Panama | President + 1-chamber Legislative Assembly of People's Representatives | constitutional democracy |
| 17. Paraguay | Asuncion | The president | Parliamentary republic |
| 18. Peru (Republic of Peru) | Lima | The president | Parliamentary republic |
| 19. Salvador (Republic of Salvador) | San Salvador | The president | Parliamentary republic |
| 20. Falkland Islands (Malvinas) (UK) | Port Stanley | Queen of Great Britain + Governor | On South |
| 21. South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (official name of South Georgia) (UK) | - (No) | Operated from the Falkland Islands by British spec. authorized | On South |
| 22. Uruguay (Oriental Republic of Uruguay) | President + 2-chamber Parliament | Parliamentary republic | |
| 23. Chile | Santiago | President + 2-chamber Nat. Congress | Republic |
| 24. Ecuador (Republic of Ecuador) | Quito | President + 1-chamber Nat. Congress | Republic |
| 25. Suriname (Republic of Suriname) | Paramaribo | President + 1-chamber Nat. Meeting | constitutional democracy |
The largest states of Latin America are Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Chile, Peru.
Brazil occupies not only the largest land area in the South American region, but also ranks first in terms of population. Brazil is a federal republic with a presidential form of government. In this it is similar to Russia. By the way, there are special partnerships between Russia and Brazil, since both of these states are among the five BRICS countries.
One of the tiny states of Latin America are Bahamas. This state is still formally a British colony. Therefore, a little more than 300 thousand inhabitants of the Bahamas call themselves subjects of the British Crown. Despite the tiny size of the state, here very high standard of living. For comparison, we can say that it is many times higher than the standard of living in countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. Therefore, of all the countries that make up Latin America, the Bahamas has the highest economic performance.
In the immediate vicinity of the Bahamas, is the poorest state Haiti. It is one of the countries in Latin America with the lowest standard of living. It is believed that Haiti is one of the poorest countries on the planet. Particular damage to the economy of this state of Latin America is caused by frequent destructive earthquakes and a high level of corruption.
Territories of the large countries of Latin America(slide) indicated for countries whose area is more than 100 thousand km2, and for small countries(slide)- the area of which is less than 1 thousand km2.
The ratio of territories of countries in Latin America in % (slide 17) takes into account only countries whose territories make up more than 1% of the joint territory. The remaining countries with a territory of less than 1% of the total area are listed in the “Other” position. Their combined weight in the total territory is only 5.9%.
Home / Regions / South America / Geography of South America
Geography of South America. Geographic description of South America
Geography of South America
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South America is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, northeast, and southeast. In the west, the continent is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. In the northwest, the Isthmus of Panama connects South America with North America.
What countries are located in southern South America?
In South America, you can find very diverse landscapes and reliefs - from deserts to rainforests, and from plains to hills.
Geographical features of South America
Amazonian lowland
The Amazonian Lowland (Amazonia) is covered by the largest rainforest in the world, and the Amazon River and over 1,000 of its tributaries run through its heart, seven of which are over 1,600 kilometers long. On average, it rains here 200 days a year, and the total rainfall is over 250 centimeters annually.
The lowland drains about 7,000,000 square kilometers and covers about one third of all of South America. Originating high in the Andes, this river system irrigates almost half of the continent, and in terms of the volume of water eventually poured into the ocean, then it has no equal.
Andean Cordillera (Andes)
This jagged mountain system, approximately 7,240 km long, stretches from the southern tip of South America all the way to Panama.
These mountains are the source of most of the continent's rivers, and many of their chains include dozens of peaks over 6,000 m, the highest peak being Aconcagua in Argentina (6,960 m). In addition, these mountains are home to some of the largest volcanoes on the planet, while in the far south, along the coast of Chile, large glaciers and ice blocks are common.
brazilian highlands
This magnificent area of southeastern Brazil is almost 1,300 kilometers long and contains a variety of mountain ranges, notably the Serra de Mantiqueira, Serra do Paranapiataba, Serra Guerral, and Serra do Mar. The approximate highest point is 2245 m.
brazilian shield
This shield is a geological formation south of the Amazon. Hundreds of rivers and streams flow through this region on their way to the Amazon. These rivers contain a large number of migratory fish species.
Guiana Highlands
This highland, which is over 1,600 km long, stretches from southern Venezuela to the northern border of Brazil. This is a vast plateau marked by deep gorges, tropical forests, numerous rivers and waterfalls. It is famous for the highest waterfall in the world (Angel Falls), 979 m high. The highest point of the highlands is Mount Roraima on the border with Brazil, Guyana, and Vezezuela, with a height of 2,810 m.
Llanos
This large and highly fertile plain, located in eastern and central Colombia and central and southern Venezuela, is drained by the Orinoco River and many of its tributaries. Its approximate size is 582,000 sq. km.
Cape Horn
The southernmost point of South America, which remains a maritime legend to this day, because. sailing past this remote point and through its brutal waters is one of the most dangerous sea routes on the planet.
Tierra del Fuego
Located at the southern tip of South America, the Tierra del Fuego archipelago consists of one large island (48,100 sq. km in size), and a number of smaller islands. Presumably, the archipelago was named by the Portuguese traveler Ferdinand Magellan, the first explorer to circumnavigate the globe. The route he chose through the Strait of Magellan turned out to be the fastest and safest way to cross from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean for seaworthy commercial and research ships.
Pampas
Known for its large number of cattle ranches, this large plain in the southern part of the continent (in central Argentina) stretches for almost 1,600 km and covers a distance of 761,460 sq. km.
Pantanal
The Pantanal is the largest swamp in the world. It is located mainly in southwestern Brazil, and covers a distance of approximately 140,000 sq. km. up to 195,000 sq. km. A surprising number of aquatic plants grow on its territory, and a large number of various animal species live.
Patagonia
Located between the Andes and the Atlantic Ocean, and measuring approximately 1,600 km in length, Patagonia stretches south from the Rio Negro to Tierra del Fuego and the Strait of Magellan. Mainly, it is a rocky, lifeless land known for its beauty and amazing mountain landscapes.
Atacama Desert
Sparsely populated and high in the Andes of Chile, this not very large desert (or plateau) is a cold place, and is one of the few deserts on Earth where it does not rain at all. It is approximately 160 km wide and 1,000 km long. The relief of the desert is completely lifeless, and is covered with small lakes of borax, the remnants of lava flows, and salt deposits.
Waterfalls of South America
Other images of South America
THE BIGGEST
Map The biggest islands
- Greenland- (840,004 sq mi) (2,175,600 sq km)
- New Guinea- (303.381 sq mi) (785.753 sq km)
- Borneo- (288.869 sq. miles) (748.168 sq. km)
- Madagascar
- Baffin- (194.574 sq. miles) (503.944 sq. km)
- Sumatra
- Honshu- (88,982 sq mi) (225,800 sq km)
- Great Britain
- Victoria- (85.154 sq. miles) (220.548 sq. km)
- Ellesmere- (71,029 sq mi) (183,965 sq km)
NOTE: Australia is widely considered as a continental landmass, not an island. In reality it is of course the largest island with a size of 2,941,517 sq miles (7,618,493 sq km).
THE BIGGEST ISLAND COUNTRIES
- Indonesia- (735,358 sq mi) (1,904,569 sq km)
- Madagascar- (226.917 sq. miles) (587.713 sq. km)
- Papua New Guinea- (178.704 sq. miles) (462.840 sq. km)
- Japan- (143,939 sq mi) (372,801 sq km)
- Malaysia- (127.320 sq. miles) (329.758 sq. km)
- Philippines- (115,831 sq mi) (300,000 sq km)
- New Zealand- (103.883 sq. miles) (269.057 sq. km)
- Great Britain- (88.787 sq. miles) (229.957 sq. km)
NOTE: Great Britain is an island that unites the countries of England, Scotland and Wales, and is part of the country of the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland", commonly referred to as Great Britain.
- Cuba- (42,804 sq miles) (110,861 sq km)
- Iceland
THE HIGHEST ISLANDS
- New Guinea- (16.503 feet) (5.030 meters)
- Hawaii, USA- (13,796 feet) (4,205 meters)
- Borneo, Indonesia- (13,698 feet) (4,175 meters)
- Formosa, China- (13.114 feet) (3.997 meters)
- Sumatra, Indonesia- (12.484 feet) (3.805 meters)
- Ross, Antarctica- (12.448 feet) (3.794 meters)
- Honshu, Japan- (12,388 feet) (3,776 meters)
- South Island, NZ- (12.349 feet) (3.764 meters)
- Lombok, Indonesia- (12.224 feet) (3.726 meters)
THE BIGGEST VOLCANIC ISLANDS
- Sumatra, Indonesia- (171.069 sq. miles) (443.066 sq. km)
- Honshu, Japan- (87.182 sq. miles) (225.800 sq. km)
- Java, Indonesia- (53,589 sq mi) (138,794 sq km)
- North Island, NZ- (43.082 sq. miles) (111.583 sq. km)
- Luzon, Philippines- (42,458 sq mi) (109,965 sq km)
- Iceland- (39,769 sq mi) (103,000 sq km)
- Mindanao, Philippines- (37,657 sq miles) (97,530 sq km)
- Hokkaido, Japan- (30.395 sq. miles) (78.719 sq. km)
- New Britain, PNG- (13,569 sq mi) (35,145 sq km)
- Halmaherea, Indonesia- (6,965 sq mi) (18,040 sq km)
THE LARGEST ISLANDS OF THE LAKE
Manitoulin, Lake Huron - (1,068 sq mi) (2,766 sq km)
Vozrozhdeniya, Aral Sea - (888 sq mi) (2,300 sq km)
René-Lavasseour, Manicouagan Reservoir, Quebec, Canada
- (780 sq mi) (2,000 sq km)
Olkhon, Lake Baikal - (282 sq. miles) (730 sq. km)
Samosir, Toba - (243 sq miles) (630 sq km)
King's Island, Lake Superior - (209 sq miles) (541 sq km)
Ukerewe, Lake Victoria - (205 sq mi) (530 sq km)
St. Joseph, Lake Huron - (141 sq mi) (365 sq km)
Drummond, Lake Huron - (134 sq mi) (347 sq km)
Idjwi, Lake Kivu, DRC - (110 sq mi) (285 sq km)
THE BIGGEST ISLANDS IN THE USA
Hawaii, Hawaii - (4,037 sq mi) (10,456 sq km)
Kodiak, Alaska - (3,672 sq mi) (9,510 sq km)
Prince of Wales, Alaska - (2,587 sq miles) (6,700 sq km)
Chichagov Island, Alaska - (2,085 sq miles) (5,400 sq km)
St. Lawrence, Alaska - (1,710 sq mi) (4,430 sq km)
Admiralty, Alaska - (1,649 sq mi) (4,270 sq mi)
What countries are in South and North America?
km)
Baranof, Alaska - (1,636 sq mi) (4,237 sq km)
Nunivak, Alaska - (1,625 sq mi) (4,210 sq km)
Unimac, Alaska - (1,606 sq mi) (4,160 sq km)
Long Island, New York - (1,401 sq mi) (3,629 sq km)
THE BIGGEST ISLANDS IN EUROPE
UK - (88,787 sq mi) (229,957 sq km)
Iceland - (39,769 sq miles) (103,000 sq km)
Ireland - (33,342 sq mi) (83,766 sq km)
West Svalbard - (15,200 sq mi) (39,368 sq km)
Sicily - (9,807 sq mi) (25,400 sq km)
Sardinia - (9,189 sq mi) (23,800 sq km)
Northeast Land - (5,792 sq miles) (15,000 sq km)
Cyprus - (3,572 sq mi) (9,251 sq km)
Corsica - (3,367 sq mi) (8,720 sq km)
Crete - (3,189 sq mi) (8,260 sq km)
South America is the fourth largest continent belonging to the group of southern continents: the map shows that most of it is located in the Southern Hemisphere, and only a small region of it is in the Northern Hemisphere. On a total area of 17,800 sq. km there are 12 countries of South America, as well as 3 independent territories, and each of the countries has its own state language, flag, currency, culture and customs. Let us consider in more detail which states are part of South America.
general characteristics
South America is characterized by an amazing diversity and indescribable flavor of absolutely all countries located on the continent.
Before the conquest of the mainland in the 16th century by the Spanish conquerors, Indians lived here. After a while, the Portuguese and Spaniards brought Africans to the continent as a labor force. Subsequently, many regions of South America were settled by immigrants from Western and Eastern Europe. Despite the great differences in culture, religion and the general way of life, different peoples live surprisingly calmly on a common territory, without serious conflicts.
Rice. 1. The population of South America
On a racial basis, the entire population of the mainland can be divided into three main types:
- Indians;
- Europeans;
- black people.
In Colombia, Venezuela, Paraguay and Ecuador, the local population is mostly represented by mestizos - descendants of Indians and Europeans. In Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia, there are quite a lot of representatives of the Negroid race, and in Chile, Uruguay and Argentina - the advantage is for the Europeans. And only in Peru and Bolivia do indigenous peoples of South America form the majority.
The most widely spoken languages are Spanish and Portuguese. However, the population of South America is so diverse and many-sided that one can hear English, French, German, Italian speech here - these foreign languages are the most popular and they are taught at school. Russian is spoken only by tourists and immigrants from the countries of the former Soviet Union. Often on the streets you can hear the colorful speech of the native Indians: Aymara, Quechua, Guara, Araucan.
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Rice. 2. South America on the map
Table “List of South American countries and their capitals”
| The name of the country | Capital | Language | Currency | Areas of South American countries, sq. km |
| Argentina | Buenos Aires | Spanish | Argentine peso | 2 766 890 |
| Bolivia | La Paz, Sucre | Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guarani and 33 other languages | Boliviano | 1 098 581 |
| Brazil | Brasilia | Portuguese | Brazilian Real | 8 514 877 |
| Venezuela | Caracas | Spanish | Venezuelan bolivar | 916 445 |
| Guyana | Georgetown | English | Guyanese dollar | 214 970 |
| Colombia | Santa Fe de Bogota | Spanish | Colombian peso | 1 138 910 |
| Paraguay | Asuncion | Spanish, Guarani | Paraguayan Guarani | 406 752 |
| Peru | Lima | Spanish, Quechua | New salt | 1 285 220 |
| Suriname | Paramaribo | Dutch | Suriname dollar | 163 270 |
| Uruguay | Montevideo | Spanish | Uruguayan peso | 176 220 |
| Chile | Santiago | Spanish | Chilean peso | 756 950 |
| Ecuador | Quito | Spanish | U.S. dollar | 283 560 |
| Dependencies | ||||
| french guiana | cayenne | French | Euro | 86 504 |
| Falkland Islands | Stanley | English | Falkland Islands pound | 12,173 |
| South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands | Grytviken | English | GBP | 3 093 |
Brief overview of the countries of South America
Each country of the continent has its own characteristics.
- Brazil It is the largest country in terms of area and population. Known throughout the world for its first-class beaches and carnivals in Rio de Janeiro.
Rice. 3. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro
- Argentina - notable for its capital Buenos Aires, which annually hosts the famous carnival procession.
- Bolivia - Sucre is officially considered the capital of the country, but the local government prefers the largest and most beautiful city in Bolivia - La Paz.
- Venezuela - a country in which the north comes into its possession. On the outskirts of Caracas, there is a National Park with untouched tropical nature.
- Guyana - This is a country of constantly wet jungle. Up to 90% of the territory of Guyana is occupied by dense forests.
- Guiana - despite the fact that this is the territory of South America, however, it is impossible to get into this French region without a visa.
- Colombia - is distinguished by a large number of museums, which contain the richest cultural and historical heritage. This country is a symbiosis of two cultures - Indian and European.
- Paraguay - a country that does not have its own access to the sea. In the capital - Asuncion - there are many original architectural monuments.
- Peru - a mountainous country located in the Andes of the west coast. It is full of mysteries and amazing stories, because it was here that the Inca civilization once developed.
- Suriname - the smallest state in South America, which has preserved a unique colonial style.
- Uruguay - the country is famous, first of all, thanks to its traditional carnival, which in its significance and scope is in no way inferior to the Argentinean.
- Chile - the country is located in a very picturesque place, along the Pacific coast, partly in the highlands of the Andes.
- Ecuador - an equatorial country in which monuments of ancient culture and museums have been preserved.
