South America Geography South America is the fourth largest continent in size and the fifth largest in population. It is located primarily in the southern hemisphere, is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the West. The geography of South America is dominated by the Andes Mountain Range and the Amazon River (second longest river in the world).

Beginning of Civilization in South America Prior to European colonization, the Incan Civilization was a dominant force in South America. In the 1500's, Spain and Portugal colonized much of South America. It is politically divided into twelve sovereign states: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela, plus the overseas administration of French Guiana.

Major Cities Many South Americans live in big cities. The continent’s largest city is São Paulo, Brazil, with about twelve million residents. In all, South America has more than four hundred million residents. Major Cities

Oldest Civilizations of South America One of the oldest civilizations of South America is the Inca civilization. The capital of the Inca civilization was the city of Cusco in the Andes. The Incas were known for their distinct and developed culture. The ruins, Manchu Picchu, of the Inca civilization suggest that cities were built with unmatched stonework and constructed with great precision.

The Three Native Civilizations found in South America Aztec Maya Inca Of the three Native civilizations found in South America (Mayas, Incas, and Aztecs), the Incas were the least warlike. Their outstanding accomplishments in art and agriculture have endured throughout the centuries as their knowledge and expertise has been passed down from generation to generation. They have retained their culture, their lifestyle, and their artistic pursuits to this very day.

Freedom Fighters Simon Bolivar The colonies gained independence in the 1800's with the help of leaders such as Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin. As a result, much of South America still speaks Spanish and Portuguese is the primary language of Brazil. Jose de San Martin Simon Bolivar

The Unique Animals of South America Anaconda Andean Condor Piranha The Green Anaconda is one of the biggest and heaviest snake of the world. The king of the sky, the Andean Condor is an absolute stunning sight when spotted. It is the largest flying bird on our planet, with a wingspan up to 10ft. The Piranha is a carnivorous freshwater fish that lives mainly in the Amazon Basin of South America.

The Unique Animals of South America Giant Tortoise Capybara The Giant Tortoise is an animal that can only be found on the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador). The capybara is a semi-aquatic herbivorous animal and the largest of living rodents.

At about 4,000 miles in length, the Amazon River is the world’s second longest river. This waterway flows from west to east through a low area known as the Amazon River Basin. The Amazon contains more water than any on earth. The Amazon River

Amazon River Amazon river is the lifeline of the rainforest and most of its water comes from the snow melts in the Andes of Peru - it originates high up in the mountains and formed by the join efforts of the Ucayali and Marañon rivers.

Climate South America has a wide range of climates Three main climate regions in South America are home to many plants and animals. The higher elevations in the Andes have cold weather with mixed sun and snow. The center of the continent has mild winters, warm summers, and a rainy season. The Amazon rainforest has a tropical climate. It is rainy all year long.

Landforms of South America The Pampas are a fertile plain. Atacama Desert The Atacama Desert is located in the northern part of Chile. The Atacama Desert is the driest places in the world. In some places rain has not fallen for centuries. Pampas The Pampas of South America is home to a number of rodents, many unique to the region, from grasslands to sparse vegetation. Waterfowl make their home in cool rivers or coastal lagoons. The Pampas are located in the center of the northern part of Argentina. The Pampas are a fertile plain.

Natural Resources of South America Natural resources of South America are coffee beans, cocoa beans, bananas, timber, rubber, gold, bauxite, spices, and salt.

Summary South America has Earth’s longest mountain range, driest desert, largest rain forest, and river with the most water. South America has three main climates and valuable natural resource.