South America

Physical Geography Physically dominated by the Andes Mountains – world’s longest unbroken mountain chain The Amazon Basin – the largest rainforest in the world The Amazon River – the 2nd longest but largest in terms of volume in the world Atacama Desert – the world’s driest

Machu Pichu in Peru

Iguacu Falls on the border of Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina

Agricultural Societies Large scale Plantations of coffee Cattle ranching in grassland regions such as the Pampas of Argentina, Gran Chaco in Argentina & Paraguay, and Mato Grosso Plateau of Brazil. Fruit and vegetable farming in Chile Indigenous populations grow potatoes Huge sugar cane production in Brazil. Used for ethanol production

Political Geography 12 countries and 1 Territory Brazil is the largest in land size and population. 5th largest in land size, 5th in population at 190 million Multi-ethnic, yet dominated by an East-West, Portuguese/Spanish line of control.

Ethnic Breakdown Spanish Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela Many mestizos Portuguese Brazil, Paraguay (minority) Large mulatto population in Brazil (black-white)

Dutch Suriname French French Guiana (French territory)

Significant ethnic minorities German Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay Italian Argentina Arab Paraguay Jewish Native Americans Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador Indian (South Asia) Guyana

Argentineans, like most South Americans are massive futbol fans!

Human Geography Unequal distribution of wealth 20% of the realm’s inhabitants control 70% of the wealth The poorest 20% only control 2% of the wealth Population is largely on the periphery (coastal) Rapid urban growth is a problem

Large Cities Sao Paulo, Brazil 25.8 million Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 12 million Buenos Aires, Argentina 12.9 million Bogota, Colombia 8.2 million Lima, Peru 7.5 million Many cities surrounded by large slums such as the “favelas” of Rio and Sao Paulo or “barrios” of Lima and Bogota

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Crime-ridden, impoverished “favelas” of Rio de Janeiro

Economic Development Major oil and gas reserves particularly in Venezuela. Also found in Ecuador, Colombia, the Guianas, and Brazil Economic agreements: Mercosur (“market south”) Andean Community Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (hasn’t happened as of yet) Trans-Oceanic Highway

Political situation History of leftist (socialist populist) governments Former leaders such as Hugo Chavez of Venezuela attempted to stir up anti-American rhetoric throughout the region. Rebel groups are found in many countries such as Colombia. A group called FARC is a major threat and controls some areas of the country.

Hugo Chavez Nicholas Maduro

Serious issues Poverty (unequal distribution of wealth) Kidnapping and murders Cocaine production and trafficking Corrupt governments and unstable leaders Destruction of the environment, particularly the Amazon rainforest

Improvements and signs of hope Economic and trade agreements Brazil becoming more stable and productive Argentina and Chile most advanced Potential for oil, gas, and ethanol wealth Fewer coups and more democratically elected governments