South America -- Geography

Very brief summary notes for South American countries:

South America. Notice Central and North America to the north,
Antarctica to the south and Africa to the east. Can you identify the countries?

This map was made by putting together many photos. Notice the mountain range on the west coast.

Countries in South America (CIA map)

Paraguay is a landlocked country (smaller than Bolivia). Paraguay is the only country in South America where the original language of the local people (Guaraní) is an official language. In all other countries, either Spanish or Portuguese (in Brazil) is the only official language.

Venezuela produces oil (petroleum) in Lake Maracaibo.

Uruguay is a small, prosperous country of people from Europe (almost NO Indians). Uruguay used to be part of Argentina.

Panama used to be part of Colombia. The United States helped Panama become independent. Panama allowed the US to build the Panama Canal. Colombia is famous for producing coffee and (unfortunately) cocaine.

Peru was the center of the Inca Empire. The Inca Empire ran along the Andes.

Argentina is the second biggest country in South America. The people come from Spain, Italy, Germany and other European countries. 

Brazil is the biggest country in South America. It’s on the East Coast. The Amazon Jungle is the biggest tropical rain forest in the world. The Amazon River cuts through northern Brazil.

Bolivia is a landlocked country in SA (larger than Paraguay)

Ecuador is the Spanish word for “Equator” (the line between the northern and southern half of the world).

Chile looks like a shoelace. It is a very long, thin country (like Vietnam).

[the first two maps are from Wikimedia]