Chapter 13 Cultures of South America Section 3

The cowboys found on the plains of Argentina (pampas) are known as gauchos.

Most rural people with land of their own, grow only enough food to meet their families’ needs. This is known as subsistence farming.

Cash crops are crops grown on farms, which are sold for a profit. Coffee, bananas, nuts and cacao are examples of these crops.

Languages spoken in northern, South America include French, English and Dutch.

Argentina has large plains where the cattle can graze.

Two Andean South American countries are Ecuador and Bolivia.

South American culture is a melting pot, because it is a blend of many ethnic groups.

Many people who live high in the Andes are descended from Native Americans.

Geographically speaking, Chile is quite different from one area to another.

Today, women of South America have changed traditional roles by demanding equal rights allowed under law. Please note: The woman shown above is Shirley Chisholm from America and not South America. She held her ground for the rights of all people, not the least of whom, were women.

Countries of northern South America were colonized from different European countries. Because of this, their culture is diverse.

Many people who live high in the Andes speak Quechua and Aymara. They follow traditional ways of their ancestors. Andean countries are Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia.

Most of Chile’s population consists of Mestizos.

Culture in the areas away from the large cities of Chile, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, is less diverse than the city areas.

Brazil is Portuguese-speaking and has a diverse population of Native Americans, Africans and Europeans. It also has a large Japanese population in the city of Sao Paulo (sow PAW loh).