South American

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South America is a continent located in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east by the Atlantic Ocean; North America and the Caribbean Sea lie to the northwest. It includes twelve sovereign states: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela – and two non-sovereign areas: French Guiana, an overseas department of France, and the Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory. In addition to this, the ABC islands of the Kingdom of the Netherlands may also be considered part of South America.

Geography

South America has an area of 17,840,000 square kilometers (6,890,000 sq mi). Its geography is diverse, featuring a range of climates, environments, and ecosystems. From the arid Atacama Desert in the north to the dense Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, the continent's landscapes vary dramatically. The Andes, the world's longest mountain range, run down the western edge of the continent, and are significant for their volcanic activity and rich mineral resources.

History

The history of South America is rich and varied. It was home to ancient civilizations, including the Inca Empire, which was centered in Peru and extended across western South America. European colonization began with the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1498, and subsequently, the continent was divided into colonies primarily by Spain and Portugal. The 19th century was marked by a series of independence movements across the continent, leading to the political landscape seen today.

Economy

South America's economy is diverse, with significant natural resources including petroleum, copper, iron ore, and agricultural products. Brazil's economy is the largest, characterized by expansive agriculture industries and growing technology sectors. Venezuela and Ecuador are notable for their petroleum industries. However, economic inequality and political instability are persistent challenges across the continent.

Culture

The culture of South America is a rich mosaic influenced by Indigenous, European, and African heritages. Festivals such as Carnival in Brazil and Inti Raymi in Peru reflect this diversity. Languages primarily spoken on the continent include Spanish, Portuguese, and a variety of indigenous languages.

Biodiversity

South America is one of the most biodiverse continents on Earth, home to many unique species and ecosystems. The Amazon Rainforest, spanning multiple countries, is the largest rainforest in the world and is incredibly rich in biodiversity. It is home to millions of species, many of which are endemic. The continent also includes parts of the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland area, and the Andes mountains, which are extremely diverse in terms of flora and fauna.

Challenges

South America faces several social, political, and environmental challenges. Political instability, economic inequality, and human rights issues are prevalent. Environmental challenges include deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and the impacts of climate change on vulnerable ecosystems and communities.

See also

• List of countries in South America
• Geography of South America
• History of South America
• Economy of South America
• Culture of South America

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