1. Where in the World Wednesday
What is this?
Where is this?
What is the purpose of this statue?
When was it made?

2. Christ the Redeemer
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
A symbol of Brazilian Christianity
1931

3. South America
Latin America

4. History: Spanish- Speaking South America
Believe most natives came from North America and eventually settled to the South
Incas settled the west coast from s
Spanish explorers conquered the area in 1531
Europeans controlled area until 1800s when citizens began fighting for independence.

5. History: Portugal’s Brazil
Portuguese gained control of the East Coast of South America due to the Treaty of Tordesillas
Sugar plantations built around the coast but eventually started spreading west destroying the rainforest
Independence gained for Brazilians in 1822

6. Politics: South America
Several nations have had authoritarian leaders
Brazil and Chile were run by military dictatorships
Colombia and Peru have been run at times by drug cartels
Venezuela was ruled for years by communist leader Hugo Chavez
Most are democratic today

7. Economies: South America
Mercosur
Economic common market focusing on free trade to make nations more stable
Farming
Crops like grain, cotton, sugar
Fishing
Shrimp and fish
Natural Resources
Iron, oil, gold, silver, copper

8. Population and Urbanization
Most people live in cities in South America but are still extremely poor
Favelas- slums that exist in Brazil
Unemployment and crime increase
High levels of air pollution from cars and factories
Governments cannot afford to handle population increases
Infrastructure: Includes things such as sewers, transportation, electricity, and housing

9. Culture: South America Divided
Ethnicity
Native American ancestry in Northern South America
Mestizos- mix of European and Native American descent
Mulattoes- mix of European and African descent
Language
Spanish in most nations
French in French Guiana
English in Guyana
Dutch in Suriname
Portuguese in Brazil

10. Culture: South America United
Catholicism unites the people across the continent

11. Today’s Assignment
Use the atlas and your notes to fill out the chart you picked up on your way in.
Physical Geography: List at least three important features
History and Politics: describe the political history of the region and what types of govt. found today
Economic Activities: How do people here make money?
Cultural Characteristics: language, religion, social systems, etc.
Modern Issues: what are the main sources of concern for this region?