South American states list. List of South America Landmarks by List

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

From the history of the states of South America

From ancient times, South America was inhabited by Indian tribes (Incas, Quechua, Aymara, etc.). Scientists believe that the first people on the mainland appeared 17 thousand years ago. They came here from the territory of North America. In the first half of the 15th century Here the country of the Incas was formed. By the time Europeans discovered South America, they had created a strong state with developed agriculture. Other tribes at that time were still at a 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 at the beginning of the 19th century. They freed themselves from colonial oppression earlier than African countries, and therefore have a higher level of development.

South American states today

Today in South America there are 12 independent states. Most of their structure are republics. Also on the mainland there are 3 dependent territories. At the moment, all the states of South America are considered developing. The largest are located in the flat east. These are Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela. Large territories and diverse natural wealth differ (Chile, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador). Argentina, Brazil and Chile are characterized by a fairly high level of economic development. Other countries by their nature are agro-industrial.

Brazil

Brazil is the largest state in South America. In 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 extractive industries. Significant reserves of iron ore, gold, bauxite, manganese and other ore minerals are concentrated here. Textile, sewing, automobile and chemical industries are well developed. In addition, Brazil is famous for the production of coffee, cocoa and sugarcane.

The symbol of the country is Rio de Janeiro. 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. In its structure, it is considered a republic with a capital in Buenos Aires. Until 1816, Argentina was a colony of Spain. Among the population of the country there are few Indians. In Argentina, there are many descendants of not only Spanish immigrants, but also Italians, English, and French. Most of the population lives in cities that are located on the coast.

Argentina is a developed state of South America. Here, engineering and mining industries are of great importance. But the main wealth is the pampa, huge plains with fertile lands.

Peru

Peru is the third largest country in the continent. Half of its population are Hispanic Peruvians, and the second part is Indian peoples (Quechua, Aymara). In the mining industry. Processing industries are represented by ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy. In Peru, coffee and cocoa are grown. On the coast there are many enterprises where they process sardines, anchovies and other seafood.

Suriname

Suriname is the smallest state in South America. In its structure, it is a republic. Suriname gained independence in 1975, before that the country was an underdeveloped industry. However, oil production is of great importance for the economy of Suriname.

South America is the fourth largest continent on Earth. Its length from north to south is more than 7000 km, from west to east - about 5000, and the total area reaches 17.8 km². Most of the mainland is in the southern hemisphere. The total number of inhabitants is more than 385 million people: according to this indicator, South America takes the fourth place among the continents. But if we discard the dry facts, we can say one thing: it is a whole world, unknown, bright, alluring and frightening at the same time. Each country on this continent deserves the closest study, the most curious tourists and the most enthusiastic reviews.

Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo

How to get there

The cost of air travel to South America varies significantly on regular days and during the sales period. If an ordinary ticket on average can cost 1700-2000 USD, then sale and promotional tickets can be bought at a discount of up to 50%. It is most profitable for Russians to buy a ticket to Venezuela (the cheapest can be bought for 500-810 USD during the days of maximum discounts). Or fly to the relatively massive countries of the Caribbean, such as Cuba and the Dominican Republic, from where it is already taking domestic flights to the mainland.

If you have the time and money, you can arrange an unforgettable ocean trip: the journey by boat to Buenos Aires will cost 1500-2000 EUR. Such a voyage will take much more time than a flight, because most often it is not just sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, but a full-fledged cruise with calls to the ports of Europe and Central America.

Transportation in South America

Inside the continent, quite expensive flights, but cruise travel by sea is widespread (the cost depends on the class of the liner). Railways are used primarily for freight - extremely few passenger trains, but bus service is very common. Traveling by bus, of course, is less comfortable, but very economical (prices vary depending on the country and directions - tourist or domestic). In addition, there is a very cheap car rental.

Weather

In different parts of South America, the climate is different. In the north - the equatorial zone with the highest temperatures in January, in the south - the frosty polar zone. It is here that you can celebrate the New Year in a bikini under the scorching sun, and then go to a more familiar climatic zone to a ski resort in the highlands of the Andes. In the south of the mainland, plump king penguins roam with might and main - Antarctica is close!

Hotels

If you are in South America for the first time and are used to an international class of service, choose large hotel chains (preferably international). Rooms in them cost from 50-90 USD per day. Students and lovers of exotic often settle in small hotels or in private apartments - the cost can start from 15-20 USD per day. The appearance and convenience of housing will depend on the country, proximity to popular resorts and personal luck. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Iguazu Falls

South American countries

Venezuela - A state in the north of South America, washed by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The capital is the city of Caracas. Here there are conditions for a beach holiday - the magnificent beaches of the Caribbean coast, a luxurious secluded holiday on the Margarita island, and for the active: Avila National Park near Caracas, the Amazonian jungle, the highest waterfall on the planet - Angel, the longest cable car in the world with a length of 12, 6 km and the highest mountain peak in the country - Pico Bolivar (4981 m).

Guyana - A state on the northeast coast of South America. The capital is Georgetown. Almost 90% of the country is in the humid jungle. Due to the unfavorable conditions for tourism in the traditional sense, Guyana is visited primarily by ecotourists. They were chosen by the falls of the Guiana Highlands, Pakaraima Mountains, Kayetur and Ivokrama National Parks, where visitors learn the wisdom of rafting, as well as hiking and horseback riding along the Rupununi savannas.

Guiana (or French Guiana) - the largest overseas region of France, located in the north-east of South America. A French visa is required to enter Guiana. The administrative center is the city of Cayenne. 96% of the country's territory is occupied by tropical forests - this region is one of the most forested and environmentally friendly in the world. Tourist centers and villages of local residents are concentrated in the coastal strip, the central areas are practically deserted.

Colombia - A state in the northwest of South America, named after the great traveler. The capital is Bogotá. For Russians, visa-free entry to Colombia is allowed for up to 90 days. This country is famous for its historical heritage, many museums and the amazing merger of European culture, brought by Spanish conquistadors in the 15th century, and Native American, still carefully preserved in some parts of the country. Colombia has stunning nature: national parks, Sierra Nevada peaks, the Amazon River basin, palm valleys and coffee plantations.

Paraguay called the heart of America, because this country has no access to the sea. Its population has retained its originality: the Guarani Native American dialect is the official language here along with Spanish. The capital is Asuncion. “Guiana” is translated from Guaran as “great river” - meaning Rio Paraguay (the third largest river in terms of fullness and length), dividing the country into the arid plain of Gran Chaco and the humid areas between the Rio Paraguay and Rio Alta Parana rivers. The country was chosen by ecotourists and connoisseurs of beautifully preserved architectural monuments of the period of the Jesuit state.

Peru - A state on the west coast of South America. The capital is Lima. Peru lovers of antiquities are known as the Inca settlement - the Incan state of Tauantinsuyu was the largest empire of pre-Columbian America and still remains a mystery to ethnographers and archaeologists. Here is the famous Machu Picchu, which has become one of the new wonders of the world, and landscapes with mysterious lines of Nazca, the origin of which scientists still can not explain. There are more than 180 museums and many archaeological parks lost in the Andes valleys in Peru.

Visa-free entry to Peru for up to 90 days is open for Russian tourists.

Suriname - A state in the northeast of South America. The capital is Paramaribo. People come here in search of ecotourism in unusual places: rainforests, Atabru, Kau, Wonotobo waterfalls, Galibi nature reserve, Sipalivini area, which occupies most of the territory, reservations of the Trio, Akurio and Wayana Indians.

Uruguay - a state in the southeast of South America. The capital is Montevideo. If you want to relax on the beach, come to Uruguay from January to April. Connoisseurs of colonial architecture will surely enjoy the sights of Colony and Montevideo. Every year, one and a half months before Easter, two days before Lent, a colorful carnival takes place among Catholics in Uruguay.

Visa-free entry to Uruguay for up to 90 days is open for Russian tourists.

Chile - A state in the south-west of South America, occupying a long strip from the Pacific coast to the highlands of the Andes. The capital is Santiago. Balneological tourism (33 sanatorium bases with water and mud therapy), beach vacations (areas of Arica, Iquique, Valparaiso), as well as trips to the national parks of La Campana, Torres del Paine, to Lake San Rafael, to places Altiplano and San Pedro and, of course, on the famous Easter island. For lovers of skiing - 15 resorts with slopes from the most extreme to simple.

Ecuador It is located in the northwest of the mainland and got its name from the Spanish "equator". The capital is Quito. The Galapagos Islands, the Oriente National Park and the Amazon trip, the El Cajas region with 200 lakes and lagoons, the Ingapirka ancient culture monument and the museums of the colonial and pre-colonial epochs in Quito deserve special attention not only for their fauna, but also for their fantastic beaches.

A visa-free regime for visiting Ecuador for a period of up to 90 days has been introduced for Russian tourists.

In addition, the disputed island territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, as well as the Fokland Islands (Malvinas), which Britain and Argentina still argue about, belong to South America. Tourists arrive on the islands as part of cruise tours. The most common activities are mountaineering, trekking and kayaking. Fokland (Malvinas) islands - places almost forgotten by tourists. By climate, their territory is close to Iceland: it is cold, strong winds, and not only seagulls scurry along the coast, but also plump king penguins.

Nature of south america

After the collapse of the mainland of Gondwana at the end of the Cretaceous to Africa, Australia, Antarctica and South America, the latter remained a separate continent. Connecting the current North and South America, the Isthmus of Panama appeared about three million years ago, significantly affecting the flora and fauna of the continent.

A variety of landscapes and climatic zones amazes the tourist. The Andes, the longest mountain range in the world, are also called the "ridge" of South America, stretching almost over its entire length for 9 thousand km. The highest peaks - Aconcagua (6960 m) in Argentina and Ojos del Salado (6908 m) are covered with snow all year round. The ongoing movement of the earth's crust in this region causes earthquakes and eruptions of active volcanoes.

The famous Amazon River flows here, the second largest river on the planet, always full-flowing thanks to numerous tributaries. Endless Amazonian jungle towers on its banks, so dense that some of their sites remain unexplored to this day.

The Amazonian jungle is called the "lungs of the planet."

In contrast to the Amazonian rainforests on the mainland, there is one of the driest places on the planet - the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. In Argentina and Uruguay, the hot and dusty steppes of the pampa extend.

There are vast lakes, high waterfalls, and rocky islands in South America. From the north, the mainland is washed by the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, while its southernmost point - the island of Tierra del Fuego - is subject to frequent storms of the cold Atlantic Ocean.

South America is the fourth largest continent that belongs 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. On a total area of \u200b\u200b17,800 square meters. km there are 12 countries of South America, as well as 3 independent territories, and each country has its own state 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 amazing diversity and indescribable color of absolutely all countries located on the continent.

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

Fig. 1. The population of South America

By race, the entire population of the mainland can be divided into three main types:

  • indians
  • europeans
  • negros.

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 a lot of representatives of the black race, and in Chile, Uruguay and Argentina, Europeans have an advantage. And only in Peru and Bolivia do the indigenous people of South America form the majority.

The most common languages \u200b\u200bare Spanish and Portuguese. However, the population of South America is so diverse and diverse that you can hear English, French, German, Italian speech - these foreign languages \u200b\u200bare the most popular, and they are taught at school. Only tourists and immigrants from the countries of the former Soviet Union speak Russian. Often on the streets you can hear the colorful speech of the native Indians: Aymara, Quechua, Guara, Araucan language.

TOP 4 articleswho read along with this

Fig. 2. South America on the map

Table “List of South American countries and their capital”

The name of the country Capital Tongue Currency Squares of South America, apt. Km
Argentina Buenos Aires Spanish Argentine Peso 2 766 890
Bolivia La Paz, Sucre Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guarani and 33 more languages Boliviano 1 098 581
Brazil Brasilia Portuguese Brazilian real 8 514 877
Venezuela Caracas Spanish Venezuelan Bolivar 916 445
Guyana Georgetown English Guyanese dollar 214 970
Colombia Santa Fe De Bogota Spanish Colombian Peso 1 138 910
Paraguay Asuncion Spanish, guarani Paraguayan Guarani 406 752
Peru Lima Spanish, Quechua New salt 1 285 220
Suriname Paramaribo Dutch Surinamese Dollar 163 270
Uruguay Montevideo Spanish Uruguay Peso 176 220
Chile Santiago Spanish Chilean peso 756 950
Ecuador Quito Spanish U.S. dollar 283 560
Dependent Territories
French guiana Cayenne French Euro 86 504
Falkland Islands Stanley English Falkland Islands Pound 12,173
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Grytviken English GBP 3 093

Overview of South America

Each country of the continent has its own characteristics.

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

Fig. 3. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

  • Argentina - Buenos Aires, notable for its capital, in which the famous carnival procession is held annually.
  • Bolivia - Sucre is officially considered the capital of the country, but the local government prefers the largest and most beautiful city in Bolivia - La Paz.
  • Venezuela - a country in which the north takes over. On the outskirts of Caracas is a National Park with unspoilt tropical nature.
  • Guyana Is a country of constantly humid 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 - It is distinguished by a large number of museums in which the richest cultural and historical heritage is collected. This country is a symbiosis of two cultures - Native American 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 - A mountainous country located in the Andes of the west coast. It is full of mysteries and amazing stories, because it was here that the Inca civilization developed at one time.
  • Suriname - The smallest state in South America, which preserved the unique colonial style.
  • Uruguay - the country is famous, first of all, due 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 the highlands of the Andes.
  • Ecuador - An equatorial country in which monuments of ancient culture, museums have been preserved.

All South American states emerged as a result of war of liberation and revolutions against former colonialists such as Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom. The history of the formation of Latin American countries is no less interesting than the European one, and much more expressive.

South American States

The current political map of South America has thirteen states and two dependent territories, one of which - the Falkland Islands - still can not be divided between Great Britain and Argentina. Because of this dispute, there was even a war in 1982, as a result of which control over the islands was finally established for Great Britain. Argentina, however, did not recognize this fact and continues to call the islands Malvinas, which should emphasize their belonging to the South American republic.

Brazil is the largest state in South America both in terms of area and population. The territory of Brazil was colonized by the Portuguese, who ruled these lands until 1822, when the country's independence from the mother country was proclaimed.

However, the new state inherited the Portuguese form of government - the monarchy, and the new country became known as the Brazilian Empire, which was headed by the son of the previous monarch. However, the monarchy ended in Brazil in 1889, when Emperor Pedro l was overthrown as a result of a military coup. Since then, Brazil has been a republic.

List of South American countries

Each state that exists today in South America is a republic in the form of government, and in many countries this is fixed in the official name. In the name of some states, even the national composition is fixed, as, for example, in Bolivia.

Here is a list of all the states of South America and the territory that traditionally belong to it:

  • Argentine Republic
  • Plurinational State of Bolivia;
  • Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela;
  • Guyana;
  • Republic of Colombia;
  • Republic of Paraguay;
  • Republic of Peru;
  • Republic of Suriname;
  • Eastern Republic of Uruguay;
  • The Falkland Islands, owned by Britain, but disputed by Argentina;
  • Guiana - French overseas territory;
  • Chile;
  • Republic of Ecuador.

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands undoubtedly belong to the United Kingdom, but do not have a permanent population, or the population does not exceed twenty people.

North America

Both American continents are connected, albeit by a thin, but very important isthmus, which in the pre-colonial period ensured the coherence of the various cultures that existed on the two continents.

Some scholars believe that it was on this isthmus that the Indians who belonged to the ancient cultures of South America and eventually ended up in Mexico made the transition.

In addition to common ancient roots, the states of North and South America have another, more similar present, common origin: all of them are the fruits of European colonization, aggressive and merciless towards the local population, which killed many millions of people and destroyed entire cultures and civilizations such as the Incas and the Aztecs.

Rich North and Poor South

However, there are many differences between countries such as the USA and Canada and the states of Central and South America.

All Spanish-speaking countries and former Portuguese colonies today belong to the category of countries with developing economies. In them, frequent political and economic crises are observed, and there are also difficulties with public administration and an excessive level of corruption in the state apparatus.

In addition, cocaine is produced on an industrial scale in South America, which is then transported to the United States through Mexico. All this creates an environment for all kinds of abuses by the authorities and the most comfortable conditions for conducting a criminal business, the victims of which are thousands of people annually.

Additional tension between the states of South America and the United States is created due to illegal migration caused by the natural desire of people from the south to improve living conditions.

    North America is the mainland, together with South America, part of the world America. In North America, there are 23 states and 20 dependent territories. Ten states of North America are located in the continental part, the rest ... ... Wikipedia

    Oceania Political Map ... Wikipedia

    Contents 1 List of UN Member States 2 Complete list of countries and territories ... Wikipedia

    Colonization of the world 1492 modernity This article contains a list of the largest empires in world history, as well as large mono-ethnic states with a monarchical form of government until 1945. Countries with other forms of government, ... ... Wikipedia

    Enumeration of state and national anthems. The names of states with limited international recognition, dependent territories, regions are given in italics. Contents: Beginning 0–9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N ... Wikipedia

    Below is an alphabetical list of countries in the world, which includes 260 countries, including: 194 independent states (193 UN member states and the Vatican (see also List of states)) States with undefined status (12) ... Wikipedia

    United States of America - (USA, USA) The United States of America is a country in North America. The United States of America (USA) is one of the largest world powers. Content \u003e\u003e\u003e\u003e\u003e\u003e\u003e\u003e\u003e\u003e\u003e\u003e\u003e\u003e\u003e\u003e\u003e ... Encyclopedia of the investor

    American territories colonized or annexed by European powers in 1750. Contents 1 History of the discovery of America by Europeans ... Wikipedia

    The request "US" is redirected here; see also other values. The United States request is redirected here; see also other values. United States of America ... Wikipedia

    American territories colonized or annexed by European powers by 1750. Contents ... Wikipedia

Books

  • Atlas of the world. Political and physical maps, Sharonov A. (ed.). The detailed color illustrated encyclopedia contains physical and political maps of all countries of the world with an indication of their administrative division into regions, provinces and regions .. Edition ...