South America is the fourth-largest continent in the world. It consists of 15 countries and some territories, featuring diverse geography, a network of rivers, and varying levels of economic development. This article discusses the geography, major rivers, industrial areas, and other important facts about South America.
Geography of South America
The total area of the South American continent is approximately 17.82 million square kilometers and it is located to the south of North America. When combined with Central America and the West Indies, it is referred to as Latin America. During the 16th century, a large number of Latin people from Portugal and Spain settled in South America, which is why the continent is called Latin America.
Geographical Features:
Andes Mountain Range: The Andes is the longest mountain range in the world, stretching along the western coast of the continent. It spans 7,000 kilometers and contains several active volcanoes.
Amazon Rainforest: It is the world’s largest tropical rainforest, covering an area of 7 million square kilometers. It is the largest center of biodiversity on the planet.
Patagonia: Located in the southern part of South America, Patagonia is a cold, arid desert region.
Pampas: These are vast grasslands in Argentina and Uruguay, known for agriculture and cattle farming.
Major Rivers
South America is home to several major rivers that play a significant role in the continent’s ecology and economy.
Amazon River:
- It is the second-longest river in the world and the largest in terms of water volume. It flows from the Andes Mountains, traveling eastward through the Amazon Rainforest and into the Atlantic Ocean.
- The Amazon River’s drainage basin covers more than 7 million square kilometers and accounts for over 20% of the world’s fresh water flow.
Parana River:
- Paraná is the second-longest river in South America, with a length of about 4,880 kilometers.
- It flows through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It is also famous for the Iguazu Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world.
Orinoco River:
- The Orinoco River is located in the northern part of South America, with its basin extending across Venezuela and Colombia.
- It has a length of around 2,140 kilometers and is known for its rich hydrocarbon deposits.
Uruguay River: This river forms the border between Argentina and Uruguay, eventually flowing into the Rio de la Plata.
Rio de la Plata: This river system is formed by the confluence of the Paraná and Uruguay Rivers, flowing between southern Brazil and Argentina.
Industrial Areas
Industrial development in South America is uneven, with some countries relying on agriculture and others excelling in mining and manufacturing industries.
Brazil is the largest industrial country in South America. It is known for its aviation, automobile, steel, and petrochemical industries. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are major industrial hubs.
Argentina has a strong agricultural-based industry (e.g., meat and dairy products), but also boasts developed steel and automobile manufacturing sectors. Buenos Aires and Rosario are key industrial cities.
Chile is a world leader in copper production, with the Antofagasta region being a major center for copper mining.
Venezuela relies heavily on its oil industry, with large-scale production occurring around Lake Maracaibo.
Important Facts About South America
- Machu Picchu: Located in Peru, this is the most famous historical site of the Inca civilization and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Iguazu Falls: Situated on the border of Argentina and Brazil, this is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world.
- Galapagos Islands: Located west of Ecuador, these islands were the foundation for Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection.
- Coffee Farms in Brazil: Known as fazenda, Brazil’s coffee farms are among the world’s largest producers of coffee.
- Santos Port in Brazil: Referred to as the “Coffee Port,” it is one of the world’s busiest coffee export hubs.
- Arica: The driest place on Earth, located in Chile.
- Gran Chaco Region: Located in the lowland regions of Argentina and Paraguay.
- Quito: The capital of Ecuador, Quito is the highest capital city in the world.
- Selvas: The name given to the equatorial rainforests of South America.
- Pampas: The temperate grasslands of Argentina, known for their fertile soil and cattle farming.
- Alfalfa Grass: Found in the semi-moist grasslands of Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil.
- Llama: A camel-like animal found in the Andes Mountains.
- Amapa Mine in Brazil: The world’s largest manganese mine.
- Itabira: The main iron ore mining center in Brazil.
- Gran Chaco Plains: Argentina’s main cotton-producing region.
- Ecuador is the world’s largest exporter of bananas.
FAQ- Questions and Answers
1. What is the total area of South America?
Answer: The total area of South America is approximately 17.82 million square kilometers.
2. Why is South America called Latin America?
Answer: In the 16th century, a large number of Latin people from Portugal and Spain settled in South America, which is why it is called Latin America.
3. What is the longest mountain range in the world, and where is it located?
Answer: The Andes is the longest mountain range in the world, located along the western coast of South America.
4. How large is the Amazon Rainforest?
Answer: The Amazon Rainforest covers an area of approximately 7 million square kilometers.
5. Where is Patagonia located, and what is its characteristic?
Answer: Patagonia is located in the southern part of South America and is a cold, arid desert region.
6. In which countries are the Pampas grasslands located?
Answer: The Pampas grasslands are located in Argentina and Uruguay.
7. How large is the Amazon River’s drainage basin?
Answer: The Amazon River’s drainage basin covers more than 7 million square kilometers.
8. Which countries does the Parana River flow through?
Answer: The Paraná River flows through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.
9. Which countries does the Orinoco River flow through?
Answer: The Orinoco River flows through Venezuela and Colombia.
10. Which region in South America is famous for copper mining?
Answer: The Antofagasta region in Chile is famous for copper mining.
11. Which South American country is known for oil production?
Answer: Venezuela is known for oil production, especially around Lake Maracaibo.
12. In which country is Machu Picchu located, and to which civilization does it belong?
Answer: Machu Picchu is located in Peru and belongs to the Inca civilization.
13. Which waterfall in South America is one of the largest in the world?
Answer: The Iguazu Falls, located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, is one of the largest waterfalls in the world.
14. What are the Galapagos Islands famous for, and where are they located?
Answer: The Galapagos Islands are famous for Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection and are located west of Ecuador.
15. Which country is the leading industrial nation in South America?
Answer: Brazil is the leading industrial nation in South America.
16. What are the main industries in Argentina?
Answer: Argentina’s main industries are agriculture-based (such as meat and dairy products), as well as steel and automobile manufacturing.
17. Which country’s terra rosa soil is suitable for coffee production?
Answer: Brazil’s terra rosa soil is suitable for coffee production.
18. What is the capital of Ecuador, and what is its unique characteristic?
Answer: Quito is the capital of Ecuador, and it is the highest capital city in the world.
19. What is the name for the equatorial forests of South America?
Answer: The equatorial forests of South America are called “Selvas.”
20. What are the temperate grasslands of Argentina called?
Answer: The temperate grasslands of Argentina are called “Pampas.”
