About South America Map
This South America political map provides a clear illustration of the countries of South America, international boundaries, major cities, and other characteristics. The countries of South America are conveniently labeled with different colors to clearly distinguish one country from another. Ranging from the very largest to the very smallest, the countries of South America listed on this map are: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Uruguay, Paraguay, Guyana, Suriname, Ecuador.
This map of South America shows the capital cities of the South American countries with icons of capital symbols. Many major cities and other interesting locations are also marked.
Additional features of the South America map include International boundaries and area outlines, in addition to Equator and Tropic of Capricorn lines. Surrounding the map are the Atlantic Ocean on the east side and the Pacific Ocean on the west side. The map provides a wealth of details including country boundaries and coastal features, such as bays, as well as important island groups like the Galápagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador and the Falkland Islands, off the coast of the UK.
In addition to the maps of continental France, this detailed overview also includes French overseas territories including French Guiana (an overseas region of France) and other distant island groups in the South Atlantic Ocean. This South America map is shown on a conventional world projection for maximum clarity and accuracy.
About South America
South America is the world’s fourth-smallest continent. It has an area of approximately 17.84 million square kilometers (6,890,000 sq mi), about 12% of the world’s total land area and much smaller than other continents. As the smallest of the continents, it is only about half as wide as South America is long. It is also much shorter than North America. South America is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The continent includes twelve internationally recognized countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. South America occupies an area slightly less than three-fifths of Australia and contains almost 440 million people. The two largest countries in South America by area and by population are Brazil and Argentina. Together, they hold 74% of the continent’s area and 70% of its population. The continent boasts tremendous cultural and biological diversity with such biodiversity hotspots as much of the Amazon rainforest as well as abundant mineral deposits including iron, copper, silver, gold and oil.
Geographic Location and Physical Features
South America is sometimes, partially, considered a part of North America. Geographically, it is bounded in the east by the Caribbean Sea, in the west and south by the Pacific Ocean, in the northwest by the Darien Gap, a part of Panama with no ocean between and in the north-east by the Panama Canal and the Pacific Ocean, connecting it to North America via the Isthmus of Panama. The continent's main backbone is the Andes Mountains, the longest mountain range on the continent and the world’s longest continental mountain range at 7,000 kilometres (4,350 miles) long. The Amazon Basin, a large drainage basin in central and northern South America, is the world’s largest tropical rainforest, covering much of the continent and including parts of several South American countries. Much of the southern part of the continent is composed of high plains interrupted by several mountain ranges.
Climate and Natural Environment
South America covers a vast area of ground and its climate varies dramatically from region to region. Some places, like the Amazon rainforest, have an equatorial climate all year round. This means they are hot and never experience any change in temperature. Conversely, the Atacama desert in Chile has experienced periods of time where no rainfall has occurred at all. The southern parts of Argentina and Chile are known to have a temperate or even subpolar climate. Given the diversity of the climate there is also a vast diversity of ecosystems. In fact, South America is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet with an enormous number of endemic species of plants and animals.
Countries and Political Divisions
South America makes up a land mass of 42,00,000 km2 and comprises of 12 countries and territories. 12 countries/ territories in total, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela. These 12 countries create the South America continent, where Brazil is the largest at 3,286,000 km2 with almost half of the combined area of the South America. Guyana is the smallest country at just 82,000 km2. The two major languages in South America are Spanish and Portuguese. Almost 100% of the Brazilian population speaks Portuguese whereas rest of the South American countries mostly speak Spanish.
Population, Culture, and Languages
South America is home to a diverse and large population consisting of a variety of cultures and ethnicities including many indigenous, European, African, and Asian descents. The many languages, traditions, music, cultures, and customs are often expressed through various festivals and celebrations throughout the continent. Many indigenous cultures continue to play a role in South American identity. A large percentage of the population is Christian, most being Roman Catholic. Other religions and a variety of native spiritual practices are also practiced. Each country has its own unique culture and corresponding music. This includes Brazilian samba, Argentine tango, Peruvian folk music, Bolivian musical drama, and Chilean norteño.
Economy and Natural Resources
South America is home to many of the world’s mineral, oil, and natural gas reserves, as well as to rich arable land and forests. Its agricultural products, particularly those grown in Brazil and Argentina, such as soybeans, beef, and corn, are shipped globally. Chile and Peru’s mining industries have profited from copper, silver, and other valuable minerals and ores. The Amazon Rainforest is vital to the health of Earth’s environment and climate system. With so many natural resources in South America, there are also many economic and political problems, like a huge disparity between the rich and the poor, political instability in some countries, and issues like deforestation, because extracting resources from the environment can have severe negative consequences.
Major Rivers and Water Systems
The Amazon River is the largest river in the world by average discharge greater than the Zaire River, and it flows through much of northern South America. Other substantial rivers include the Paraná and the Orinoco, and they provide agriculture and transportation, as well as hydroelectric power for tens of millions of people. South American rivers, therefore, occupy significant roles in the ecosystem and environment of the continent.
Tourism and Global Significance
Tourism in South America has increased dramatically over the years. Travelers flock to see the Andes, Amazon Rainforest, famous Pre-Columbian ruins, bustling cities, and the world’s most incredible cultural sights – Machu Picchu in Peru and Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina are some of the main attractions to South America. With millions of travelers visiting South America every year, there’s no denying that the continent is important to the tourism industry. However, South America also holds tremendous significance for global environmental sustainability. The Amazon forest is a significant portion of the continent and conservation efforts must continue to protect the delicate ecosystem of the world’s largest forest.