South America

Definition

South America is a continent located primarily in the Western Hemisphere, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is known for its diverse geography, ranging from the Andes Mountains and Amazon Rainforest to vast plains and deserts. This continent has a rich cultural heritage and a unique blend of indigenous and colonial influences that shape its social and economic structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. South America consists of 12 countries, with Brazil being the largest both in area and population.
2. The continent's population is diverse, with a mix of indigenous peoples, descendants of European colonizers, African slaves, and Asian immigrants.
3. The Amazon River, which flows through South America, is the second-longest river in the world and has the largest drainage basin.
4. South America experiences a variety of climates due to its geographical features, ranging from tropical in the north to arid in the Andes region.
5. The continent is rich in natural resources, including minerals like copper and lithium, as well as agricultural products like coffee and soybeans.

Review Questions

• How does the geography of South America influence its climate and biodiversity?
  • The geography of South America is incredibly varied, featuring mountains like the Andes and expansive rainforests such as the Amazon. These geographical features create microclimates that contribute to diverse ecosystems across the continent. For example, the Andes create rain shadows that result in dry areas on one side while supporting lush vegetation on the other. This variety leads to high levels of biodiversity, making South America home to many unique species of plants and animals.
• Discuss the impact of colonial history on South America's cultural diversity and economic structures.
  • Colonial history has significantly shaped South America's cultural diversity by blending indigenous traditions with European influences. Spanish and Portuguese colonization introduced new languages, religions, and social structures that intermingled with existing cultures. Economically, this history led to exploitative systems like encomienda, impacting land ownership and labor practices. Today, these historical factors continue to affect social dynamics and economic inequalities within countries across South America.
• Evaluate how regional trade agreements like Mercosur affect economic development in South America.
  • Regional trade agreements such as Mercosur aim to enhance economic integration among member countries by reducing tariffs and fostering trade relationships. This collaboration encourages economic development by allowing for increased market access for goods and services. However, challenges remain, such as differing economic policies among countries and external competition. The effectiveness of Mercosur can be assessed through its ability to promote sustainable growth and balance economic disparities among its members while addressing environmental concerns related to resource extraction.

Related terms

Andes Mountains:

The Andes are the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching along the western edge of South America, and are known for their biodiversity and cultural significance.

Amazon Rainforest:

The Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, located primarily in Brazil, and plays a crucial role in global climate regulation and biodiversity.

Mercosur: Mercosur is a regional trade bloc in South America that promotes free trade and economic cooperation among its member countries, which include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.