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 east by the Atlantic Ocean, on the north by the Caribbean Sea, and on the northwest by North America.
Geography
- Area: Approximately 17.8 million km², making it the fourth largest continent by area.
- Countries: It comprises 12 independent countries and 3 dependencies:
- Landscapes: South America features diverse landscapes including the Amazon Rainforest, the Andes mountain range, the Pampas, and numerous high plateaus and basins.
History
- Pre-Columbian Era: The continent was home to advanced civilizations like the Inca Empire, Maya Civilization, and various Amazonian tribes.
- Colonial Period: European exploration began with Christopher Columbus in 1498. Spain and Portugal divided the continent through the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494, leading to extensive colonization.
- Independence Movements: Starting with Haiti in 1804, South American nations began to fight for independence, with key figures like Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín.
- 20th Century: The century saw numerous political upheavals, dictatorships, and movements towards democracy, with significant influence from the Cold War dynamics.
Culture
- South America's culture is a rich tapestry influenced by Indigenous, African, and European traditions, leading to unique music, dance, cuisine, and festivals.
- Famous Cultural Elements:
Economy
- South America has a diverse economy with significant sectors in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and service industries. Countries like Brazil and Argentina are among the largest economies.
- Resources: Rich in natural resources including oil, natural gas, minerals, and vast agricultural lands.
- Trade: The continent is part of several trade blocs like Mercosur and Andean Community.
Environment
- Biodiversity: South America hosts some of the most biodiverse regions in the world, particularly the Amazon Rainforest.
- Environmental Challenges: Deforestation, climate change, and pollution are major concerns.
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