Federations in South America. South America: countries and cities

Today, the states of South America are among the world's most significant producers of mineral raw materials and agricultural products. In addition, as in Africa, most countries here specialize in the extraction of several types of minerals. This economic orientation is the result of the mainland's colonial past.

From the history of the states of South America

Since ancient times, South America has been inhabited by Indian tribes (Inca, Quechua, Aymara, etc.). Scientists believe that the first people on the mainland appeared 17 thousand years ago. They came here from the territory North America. In the first half of the fifteenth century Here the country of the Incas was formed. By the time the Europeans discovered South America, they had created a strong state with developed agriculture. Other tribes at that time were still at the primitive level of development. With the discovery of South America, mainly Spaniards and Portuguese settled here. They founded first trading posts, and then colonies. The states of South America became independent in early XIX V. They freed themselves from colonial oppression earlier than African countries, therefore they have a higher level of development.

States of South America today

Today there are 12 independent states in South America. Most of them are republics in their structure. There are also 3 dependent territories on the mainland. On this moment All South American states are considered developing countries. The largest are located in the flat east. These are Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela. They are distinguished by large territories and diverse natural resources (Chile, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador). Argentina, Brazil and Chile are characterized by a fairly high level of economic development. Other countries are agro-industrial in nature.

Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America. By its structure it is a federal republic. Until 1822, Brazil was a colony of Portugal. The country ranks first on the mainland in terms of the development of the extractive industry. Significant reserves of iron ore, gold, bauxite, manganese and other ore minerals are concentrated here. Well-developed textile, clothing, automotive and chemical industry. In addition, Brazil is famous for the production of coffee, cocoa and sugar cane.

Rio de Janeiro is considered the symbol of the country. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the largest tourist center in South America.

Argentina

Argentina is the second largest country in South America. According to its structure, it is considered a republic with its capital in Buenos Aires. Until 1816, Argentina was a colony of Spain. There are few Indians among the population of the country. In Argentina, there are many descendants of not only Spanish settlers, but also Italians, British, French. Most of the population lives in cities that are located on the coast.

Argentina is a developed country in South America. The machine-building and extractive industries are of great importance here. But the main wealth is the pampas, vast plains with fertile lands.

Peru

Peru is the third largest country on the mainland. Half of its population are Spanish-speaking Peruvians, and the second part are Indian peoples (Quechua, Aymara). In the extractive industry. Processing industries are represented by ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy. Coffee and cocoa are grown in Peru. There are many enterprises on the coast where sardines, anchovies and other seafood are processed.

Suriname

Suriname is the most small state South America. By its structure it is a republic. Suriname gained independence in 1975, before that the country was poorly developed industry. However, oil production is of great importance for the economy of Suriname.

One of the Earth's continents South America. The location corresponds to the name - most of it is located mainly in the Southern Hemisphere, and a very small piece - in the Northern. It is washed by the waters of two world oceans - the Pacific and the Atlantic.

The area of ​​the continent is approximately equal to 17.8 million square kilometers. km, and the population is 386 million people.

The continent itself is very interesting for its unusual, vibrant and unexplored nature. First of all, you should pay attention to the interesting landscape. The mountain range immediately comes to mind - the Andes, which is a world landmark as the longest (the length is approximately 9 thousand km). Surprisingly, at present, the mountains continue to grow and amaze the inhabitants with their activity. There are regular volcanic eruptions and quite strong earthquakes.

Near the highlands stretches the abundant and wide Amazon River, famous for its swampy jungle. In the neighborhood of such a beautiful oasis, the most arid places on the planet are located - deserts, steppes of Argentina and Uruguay, where heat, drought and dust reign. Not far from such lifeless places are deep lakes with the highest waterfalls in the world that beat against the rocks. The North is washed by the hot waters of the Caribbean Sea, and the South attracts with Tierra del Fuego and the frosty fresh Atlantic, which is adjacent to the beautiful glaciers of Antarctica, its icebergs and penguins frolicking on them. Any person, regardless of their preferences and interests, will find a corner to their liking on this continent.

How many countries are in South America?

The continent consists of 12 independent countries:

And also there are 3 territories that have not acquired sovereignty and depend on large European countries:

• French Guiana (belongs to the possessions of France)
• Falkland (or Malvinas) Islands
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (both islands belong to the UK).

All states of South America are unique in their own way.

Argentina and Brazil

The largest countries, called Latin (because of the language), which literally catch the eye because of their size. Argentina covers an area of ​​more than 2500 sq. km. State capital - Buenos Aires. Many tourists consider it the most beautiful in the world. Here, on January 16, a famous carnival is held, which attracts guests from all over the world.

Brazil is probably the most famous of all South American countries and the most attractive for tourists. The owner of the largest territory, population and unusual nature. The most popular center for tourists is a vibrant southern city Rio de Janeiro, which has an abundance of beaches and many carnivals are held annually.

A small state with no access to the ocean. The most famous and largest city - Santa Cruz, however, the capital is Sucre, whose population is 370 thousand people. The government of the country, surprisingly, is located in a completely different city - La Paz, also known for its species.

Venezuela

A place with a pleasant, warm climate, which can be found on the map in the northern part of the continent. In the capital of the country - the city Caracas- guests relax on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, and then embark on excursions to the tropics untouched by people.

Guyana, Paraguay and Suriname

Small countries, interesting only for their nature. They are hard to find on the map due to their small size. There are no skyscrapers or other modern monuments here. In architecture, primitiveness is preserved as much as possible, most of the jungle has remained virgin, untouched. The climate is humid, but the vegetation is very diverse.

Colombia and Ecuador

The state named after the discoverer of America. Tourist wealth consists of a huge number of museums, where the entire cultural heritage is revealed - from the native Indian atmosphere to the European one acquired in the course of history. The capital of the country is little known - the city of Bogota, where the population is just over 7 million people. Such sights of Colombia as the river have gained worldwide popularity. Canyo Cristales where the water is so clear that you can see the bottom with all the colorful algae and mosses.

Compared to Colombia, it is less popular, and the territory is several times smaller, but it is also located here. a large number of cultural monuments and museums, which is of great interest to guests.

Peru

The territory of ancient civilizations, rich unsolved mysteries. State capital - city Lima located on the ocean. natural conditions so unusual and diverse that they have become home to the most amazing animals and birds on the planet. For example, a condor whose wingspan is 3 meters. When visiting a country, tourists first go to the city Machu Picchu famous for the sacred valley of the Inca civilization.

Uruguay and Chile

It is quite easy to find them on the map: small countries on the coasts of the southern part Latin America. Chile, according to one poet, is the most beautiful country in the world, where the Andes stretch on one side, and the Pacific coast on the other. The capital - Santiago - is constantly filled with tourists who love an unusual vacation.

Uruguay boasts of its hospitality. Although it is small, it is full of all kinds of recreational entertainment - from architectural monuments to active sports(surfing).

The rest of the territories, which are rather colonies of other large European states, are interesting as beach holiday, however, here you can find historical and cultural monuments of past times. South America is an amazing place with unique nature, where everyone will find something to do and relax to their liking.

South America is the fourth largest continent belonging to the group of southern continents: the map shows that most of it is located in the Southern Hemisphere, and only a small region of it is in the Northern Hemisphere. On a total area of ​​17,800 sq. km there are 12 countries of South America, as well as 3 independent territories, and each of the countries has its own official language, flag, currency, culture and customs. Let us consider in more detail which states are part of South America.

general characteristics

South America is characterized by an amazing diversity and indescribable flavor of absolutely all countries located on the continent.

Before the conquest of the mainland in the 16th century by the Spanish conquerors, Indians lived here. After a while, the Portuguese and Spaniards brought Africans to the continent as a labor force. Subsequently, many regions of South America were settled by immigrants from Western and of Eastern Europe. Despite the great differences in culture, religion and general way of life different nations live on common territory surprisingly calm, without serious conflicts.

Rice. 1. The population of South America

On a racial basis, the entire population of the mainland can be divided into three main types:

• Indians;
• Europeans;
• black people.

In Colombia, Venezuela, Paraguay and Ecuador, the local population is mostly represented by mestizos - descendants of Indians and Europeans. In Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia, there are quite a lot of representatives of the Negroid race, and in Chile, Uruguay and Argentina - the advantage is for the Europeans. And only in Peru and Bolivia do indigenous peoples of South America form the majority.

The most widely spoken languages ​​are Spanish and Portuguese. However, the population of South America is so diverse and many-sided that here you can hear English, French, German, Italian speech - these foreign languages are the most popular and are taught in school. Russian is spoken only by tourists and immigrants from the countries of the former Soviet Union. Often on the streets you can hear the colorful speech of the native Indians: Aymara, Quechua, Guara, Araucan.

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Rice. 2. South America on the map

Table “List of South American countries and their capitals”

Brief overview of the countries of South America

Each country of the continent has its own characteristics.

• Brazil It is the largest country in terms of area and population. Known throughout the world for its first-class beaches and carnivals in Rio de Janeiro.

Rice. 3. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

• Argentina - notable for its capital Buenos Aires, which annually hosts the famous carnival procession.
• Bolivia - Sucre is officially considered the capital of the country, but the local government prefers the largest and beautiful city in Bolivia, La Paz.
• Venezuela - a country in which the north comes into its possession. On the outskirts of Caracas, there is a National Park with untouched tropical nature.
• Guyana - This is a country of constantly wet jungle. Up to 90% of the territory of Guyana is occupied by dense forests.
• Guiana - despite the fact that this is the territory of South America, however, it is impossible to get into this French region without a visa.
• Colombia - is distinguished by a large number of museums, which contain the richest cultural and historical heritage. This country is a symbiosis of two cultures - Indian and European.
• Paraguay - a country that does not have its own access to the sea. In the capital - Asuncion - there are many original architectural monuments.
• Peru – Mountain country located in the Andes West Coast. She is full of mysteries and amazing stories, because it was here that the Inca civilization once developed.
• Suriname - the smallest state in South America, which has preserved a unique colonial style.
• Uruguay - the country is famous, first of all, thanks to its traditional carnival, which in its significance and scope is in no way inferior to the Argentinean.
• Chile - the country is located in a very picturesque place, along the Pacific coast, partly in highlands Andes.
• Ecuador - an equatorial country in which monuments have been preserved ancient culture, museums.

Uruguay. The area of ​​Brazil is 8512 thousand km2, according to this indicator, the country ranks 5th in the world after Russia, and. The population is 159.7 million people, according to the form of government it is a republic, the capital is (1.5 million inhabitants).

The basis of the relief of Brazil is the Amazonian lowland - a huge swampy plain covered with dense jungle and indented by rivers.

In the north and south, respectively, are the Guiana and Brazilian plateaus - plains with a pronounced dry period, located high above sea level. Most of the country's territory is located between the equator and the southern tropic, equatorial and subequatorial are noted here, only tropical on the southeast coast. The temperature here is constantly high, rarely drops below +20 °C. In the western part of Brazil, up to 2500 mm of precipitation falls throughout the year, in the rest of the territory the main precipitation falls in the summer.

The population of the country is quite diverse in its ethnic and racial composition. Until the middle of the 19th century, Brazil was, therefore, the descendants of the Portuguese colonists make up a large part of the population. Together with other immigrants from them, they make up the majority of the population - 55%. Representatives of the Negroid and mulattos also live in Brazil. In the depths of the jungle, tribes that are at a fairly low level of development have survived. The level of urbanization in the country is very high -78%, the largest cities are Sao Paulo (16.5 million inhabitants), (10.2 million), Belo Horizonte (3.8 million).

Most of the country is covered with forests, which makes logging one of the specialization industries for the country. There are huge reserves of valuable timber in the jungle, but unregulated logging destroys unique forests. The country's government is forced to take measures to preserve the selva. Brazil is also rich in: manganese, nickel, there are deposits of bauxite, gold.

Brazil is the most significant of the countries in South America, its economic development goes fast. Agriculture is at a high level, corn, rice, sugar cane, citrus fruits, coffee, cocoa beans are grown. In addition, the industry is also developing: mining,.

Venezuela

Venezuela is a country in the northern part of South America. It has access to the Caribbean Sea (Atlantic Ocean), borders on Guyana in the east, in the south and Colombia in the west. The area is 912 thousand km2, the population is 21.6 million people. According to the form of government, it is a republic, the capital is (3 million inhabitants).

Most of the country is located on, in the east is the Guiana Plateau, in the west - the Andes ranges. The climate is mostly subequatorial, in the north of the country - tropical. Throughout the year it is warm here, precipitation falls from 4000 mm in the foothills of the Andes to 700 mm on the plateau. From south to north, the country is crossed by the Orinoco River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. On its tributary - the Churun ​​River, which originates in the Guiana Plateau, is the highest in the world.

Until 1630, Venezuela was a colony, so most of the country is of Spanish origin. The basis of the population are mestizos and mulattoes, the share of the indigenous population is insignificant. Very high level urbanization -93%, but Venezuela, like many other Latin American cities, is characterized by a "false" . The largest cities are Caracas, Maracaibo (1.6 million people), Valencia (1.4 million people).

The most important element of the Venezuelan economy is the extraction and refining of oil, Venezuela is one of the member countries of OPEC. In general, it is a developing country with an average level of economic development. Other important industries industries in addition to oil - metallurgical, textile, food. A large one is being bred cattle, rice, corn, coffee, citrus fruits are grown, fishing is developed.

Argentina

Argentina is the second largest country in the world, located in the southern part of the mainland. It borders Chile in the west, Bolivia and Paraguay in the north, and Uruguay in the northeast, and has access to the Atlantic Ocean. The area is 2763 thousand km2, the population is 34.6 million people. According to the form of government, it is a republic, the capital is Buenos Aires (11.8 million inhabitants).

More than 7 thousand km long and about 5 thousand wide, it has a total area of ​​17,800 square kilometers. The map of South America clearly shows us that it did not fit entirely in this continent, part of it is located in the North. The population of the mainland is more than 385 million people. The cities of South America are delightful, they stun with the fusion of completely different, seemingly incompatible cultures: ancient and modern, European and Indian, and skyscrapers.

Characteristics

South America is a huge, completely unexplored world, extremely bright and extremely interesting. Imagination is struck primarily by the diversity of landscapes. The Andes (the ridge of South America and the longest mountain range in the world at 9000 km) have not yet calmed down: earthquakes and volcanic eruptions often occur here. The famous impenetrable swampy jungle in its selva spread its tributaries - the lungs of our planet. And nearby is one of the driest places on Earth - the Chilean deserts, the Argentinean and Uruguayan steppes - hot, waterless, dusty. And nearby are huge lakes, the highest waterfalls and vast islands full of rocks. In the north - the almost hot Caribbean Sea, in the south - Tierra del Fuego and the cold storms of the Atlantic, the proximity of Antarctica with its penguins and icebergs. South America is so diverse that anyone can be interested, everyone will discover this continent.

Brazil

It is the largest state in terms of area and population. The capital is Brasilia. The most vibrant city is Rio de Janeiro, full of tourists, carnivals and first-class beaches.

Argentina

It's also a big country. The capital is Buenos Aires, the city of the famous carnival (January 16), and for many inhabitants of the planet - the most beautiful in the world.

Bolivia

The government of this "middle" state prefers the city of La Paz, but Sucre is listed as the capital. La Paz is very beautiful.

Venezuela

This is the place where South America ends, its north, warm climes. The capital of the country is Caracas, located on the Caribbean coast, and on its outskirts begins the National Park with delightfully virgin tropical nature.

Guyana

Northeast coast, capital - Georgetown. Country of wet jungle - up to 90% of the territory is occupied by them.

Guiana

Although this is South America, but here the French overseas region is not allowed without a visa. The administrative center is the city of Cayenne.

Colombia

Northwest, capital - Bogota. The country is named after Columbus. There are many museums that demonstrate the richest historical and cultural heritage, as well as an extremely interesting fusion of two cultures - European and Indian.

Paraguay

The capital is Asuncion, a beautiful and original city, with many architectural monuments.

Peru

The Andes of the west coast, the state is still not unraveled by the Incas. The capital is Lima, an amazingly beautiful city on a high ocean coast.

Suriname

Tropical country in the northeast of the mainland. Paramaribo is its capital, a city without skyscrapers, original, retaining style.

Uruguay

This is the southeast of the continent. The capital - Montevideo - was glorified by the carnival, known no less than the Argentinean. Colonial architecture is not offended by eclecticism.

Chile

A long strip along the Pacific coast, breathtaking and As the poet said: "There is no country more beautiful than Chile." The capital is Santiago, a city famous for coups, balneological tourism and beautiful views of the highlands.

Ecuador

An equatorial country in the northwest where the most important monuments of ancient culture, museums of the colonial and pre-colonial eras are concentrated.