Chapter 13Chapter 13Countries of South Countries of South America America

Countries of South Countries of South AmericaAmerica

They are grouped into 3 regions:They are grouped into 3 regions: The Northern TropicsThe Northern Tropics

SurnameSurname GuyanaGuyana French Guiana French Guiana Venezuela Venezuela Columbia Columbia

The Andean Countries The Andean Countries EcuadorEcuador Peru Peru Bolivia Bolivia Chile Chile

The Southern Grassland Countries The Southern Grassland Countries ParaguayParaguay Uruguay Uruguay Argentina Argentina

The Northern Tropics – The Northern Tropics – The GuianasThe Guianas

Made up of Guyana, Suriname, and French Made up of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana Guiana

Tropical wet climate Tropical wet climate They share rain forest and narrow coastal plain They share rain forest and narrow coastal plain Different human geography then the rest of Different human geography then the rest of

South America South America Guyana – official language is English Guyana – official language is English Suriname – official language is DutchSuriname – official language is Dutch French Guiana – official language is French French Guiana – official language is French

The Guianas The Guianas The ethnic composition varies between the three countries The ethnic composition varies between the three countries Guyana – Guyana –

The two major ethnic groups are African (descendent from slavery) The two major ethnic groups are African (descendent from slavery) and Asian (descendent from workers coming from China, India and and Asian (descendent from workers coming from China, India and Southeast Asia to work on plantations). Southeast Asia to work on plantations).

Suriname –Suriname – Over 50 percent of the population is descendent from Asian workers. Over 50 percent of the population is descendent from Asian workers.

10% from African descent, and 30% are mulattoes (mixed African and 10% from African descent, and 30% are mulattoes (mixed African and other ancestry). The remaining population are indigenous other ancestry). The remaining population are indigenous

French Guiana – French Guiana – Similar population to Suriname, but mulattoes are the larges ethnic Similar population to Suriname, but mulattoes are the larges ethnic

group. There is also a higher population of European in French group. There is also a higher population of European in French Guiana Guiana

The economies of the three countries are similarThe economies of the three countries are similar Share natural resourcesShare natural resources Fishing for shrimp and other fish Fishing for shrimp and other fish Farmers grow sugar cane and rice Farmers grow sugar cane and rice Miners extract bauxite – Guyana is one of the world’s larges exporters Miners extract bauxite – Guyana is one of the world’s larges exporters

of bauxite of bauxite

Venezuela Venezuela Official language is Spanish Official language is Spanish Ethnicity is mestizo or European descent Ethnicity is mestizo or European descent The northwest corner of Venezuela has the Andes mountainsThe northwest corner of Venezuela has the Andes mountains

A lower range of mountains stretch across the rest of northern A lower range of mountains stretch across the rest of northern Venezuela Venezuela

Most of the people live in fertile mountain valleys Most of the people live in fertile mountain valleys Venezuela’s large cities have ranchos (small shacks) where almost Venezuela’s large cities have ranchos (small shacks) where almost

1/3 of the people live1/3 of the people live The southeastern part of Venezuela is the Guiana Highlands The southeastern part of Venezuela is the Guiana Highlands

It covers nearly half of the country It covers nearly half of the country Here is where the world's highest waterfall (Angel Falls) is located Here is where the world's highest waterfall (Angel Falls) is located

(3200 feet)(3200 feet) Between the two highland regions there is a large river called the Between the two highland regions there is a large river called the

Orinoco Orinoco Along both sides of the river are wide tropical grasslands called the Along both sides of the river are wide tropical grasslands called the

Llanos Llanos During the rainy season there is flooding and the rest of the year it is During the rainy season there is flooding and the rest of the year it is

hot and dry hot and dry

Venezuela Venezuela

The climate in Venezuela varies depending on the The climate in Venezuela varies depending on the elevation (even though it is close to the equator)elevation (even though it is close to the equator)

Farmers grow different crops at different elevations Farmers grow different crops at different elevations Coffee trees are suited for growing in the tierra templada Coffee trees are suited for growing in the tierra templada

climate zone (page 250)climate zone (page 250) Oil is what brings Venezuela its wealth Oil is what brings Venezuela its wealth

Four beds of “liquid gold” Four beds of “liquid gold” Each year they pump about 700 million barrels of oil out of the Each year they pump about 700 million barrels of oil out of the

ground (in the top 10 oil producers in the world)ground (in the top 10 oil producers in the world) Because Venezuela’s oil reserves are finite (won’t last Because Venezuela’s oil reserves are finite (won’t last

forever), they have invested in a large share of its oil profits in forever), they have invested in a large share of its oil profits in other industries other industries Developing bauxite and iron minesDeveloping bauxite and iron mines Building power plants Building power plants Setting up factories Setting up factories This is all set up so there are jobs when the oil wells run dry This is all set up so there are jobs when the oil wells run dry

Colombia Colombia Borders the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean SeaBorders the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea Has three physical regions: lowlands, mountains, and Has three physical regions: lowlands, mountains, and

Llanos (grassy plains)Llanos (grassy plains) 75% of the population live between the cordilleras of 75% of the population live between the cordilleras of

the Andesthe Andes Bogota, the capital, is on a high plateau of the Andes Bogota, the capital, is on a high plateau of the Andes Colombia’s largest crop is coffee Colombia’s largest crop is coffee The farmland is mostly owned by wealthy families who The farmland is mostly owned by wealthy families who

rent the land to tenant farmers rent the land to tenant farmers Small farmers (campesinos) are barely able to grow Small farmers (campesinos) are barely able to grow

enough food for their families because they try to grow enough food for their families because they try to grow coffee coffee

The country is at risk if the demand for coffee drops or The country is at risk if the demand for coffee drops or if the coffee trees are destroyed if the coffee trees are destroyed

Officials have encouraged the export of other products Officials have encouraged the export of other products

Colombia Colombia Drug Trade Drug Trade

Coffee is the major legal cropCoffee is the major legal crop Marijuana and cocaine are made from the leaves of the coca Marijuana and cocaine are made from the leaves of the coca

plantplant It is illegally exported from Colombia It is illegally exported from Colombia It is estimated that smuggling illegal drugs brings twice as It is estimated that smuggling illegal drugs brings twice as

much money into Colombia a coffee does much money into Colombia a coffee does Those who control the drug trade have lots of powerThose who control the drug trade have lots of power The government of Colombia and the U.S. are working The government of Colombia and the U.S. are working

together to stop the drug trade and the violence associated together to stop the drug trade and the violence associated with it. with it.

Social Challenges Social Challenges Rough political history Rough political history Gained independence from Spain in 1824Gained independence from Spain in 1824 Disputes between the two major political parties has had Disputes between the two major political parties has had

violent results violent results In the 1950’s about 200,000 people ere killed in a civil war In the 1950’s about 200,000 people ere killed in a civil war Since 1958 the two parties have attempted to work together to Since 1958 the two parties have attempted to work together to

develop the economy develop the economy

The Andean Countries The Andean Countries The Andes stretch for 4500 miles, from the Caribbean Sea to the The Andes stretch for 4500 miles, from the Caribbean Sea to the

southern tip of South America southern tip of South America In some places the mountain range is nearly 500 miles wide In some places the mountain range is nearly 500 miles wide The Andes have three distinct environmentsThe Andes have three distinct environments

Coastal PlainCoastal Plain Stretches the entire Pacific coast Stretches the entire Pacific coast As thin as a foot and as thick as 100 miles wide As thin as a foot and as thick as 100 miles wide Some areas are so dry, but it perfectly preserves things like textiles woven Some areas are so dry, but it perfectly preserves things like textiles woven

100’s of years ago or even human mummies 100’s of years ago or even human mummies HighlandsHighlands

The plateaus reach as high as 6500-16000 feet - they are called altiplano The plateaus reach as high as 6500-16000 feet - they are called altiplano or paramos depending on the country you are in or paramos depending on the country you are in

At the highest the climate and vegetation is known as the Alpine Tundra At the highest the climate and vegetation is known as the Alpine Tundra Tropical Forests Tropical Forests

Inland, on the eastern slopes are the tropical forestsInland, on the eastern slopes are the tropical forests These forested regions are called the selva These forested regions are called the selva The Amazon River basin begins in the selva The Amazon River basin begins in the selva Not many people live in this area Not many people live in this area

The Andean Countries The Andean Countries The Andes offer areas of rich natural resources, the The Andes offer areas of rich natural resources, the

soil is suited for growing a variety of crops depending soil is suited for growing a variety of crops depending on the elevation on the elevation

Vertical Trade: people in the area live by vertical trade. Vertical Trade: people in the area live by vertical trade. People from villages at different elevations meet to People from villages at different elevations meet to trade their crops. Because people grow crops suited for trade their crops. Because people grow crops suited for their climate zone, at the market they can trade “up” or their climate zone, at the market they can trade “up” or “down” “down”

The population of the area still has between 25-55% of The population of the area still has between 25-55% of the original Natives the original Natives

Some of these groups lived for centuries as high has Some of these groups lived for centuries as high has 17000 feet17000 feet These people have developed larger hearts and lungs These people have developed larger hearts and lungs This allows them to work and live on thin oxygen This allows them to work and live on thin oxygen

Ecuador Ecuador Name comes from Equator, because the Equator cuts Name comes from Equator, because the Equator cuts

across the country across the country About ¼ of the population is Indigenous and speak About ¼ of the population is Indigenous and speak

Quechua Quechua These people subsistence farm These people subsistence farm

10% of the population are European decent – but have 10% of the population are European decent – but have the most influence and wealth in the country the most influence and wealth in the country

About 50% of the population are mestizo, who speak About 50% of the population are mestizo, who speak Spanish and live in highland cities and towns Spanish and live in highland cities and towns

The population is evenly distributed between the The population is evenly distributed between the highlands and the coastal lowlands = but the tropical highlands and the coastal lowlands = but the tropical forest region to the east of the mountains is sparsely forest region to the east of the mountains is sparsely populated populated

In the 60’s they discovered oil in the selva lowlandsIn the 60’s they discovered oil in the selva lowlands Petroleum is Ecuador's chief exportPetroleum is Ecuador's chief export ¾ of the production is controlled by a state-owned oil company ¾ of the production is controlled by a state-owned oil company

Peru Peru Peru was the heart of the huge Inca Empire – that fell to the Peru was the heart of the huge Inca Empire – that fell to the

Spanish in the early 1500’s Spanish in the early 1500’s About 45% of the population is indigenous and speak Quechua or About 45% of the population is indigenous and speak Quechua or

Aymara Aymara Most live by subsistence farming or herding llamas and Most live by subsistence farming or herding llamas and

alpacas alpacas There are many native ruins left from the Inca Empire There are many native ruins left from the Inca Empire

Most other Peruvians are mestizo and live in urban areas Most other Peruvians are mestizo and live in urban areas Most work in low wage jobs for factories that produce fish meal Most work in low wage jobs for factories that produce fish meal

for animal feed or on plantationsfor animal feed or on plantations Poverty is widespread in Peru Poverty is widespread in Peru

There is a small portion of the population that are European There is a small portion of the population that are European descent, but control most of the country's wealth and are the descent, but control most of the country's wealth and are the leaders in the government leaders in the government

There are many Asian immigrants that moved to Peru There are many Asian immigrants that moved to Peru In the 90’s the President was a Peruvian of Japanese ancestry In the 90’s the President was a Peruvian of Japanese ancestry

(Alberto Fujimori )(Alberto Fujimori )

Bolivia Bolivia Bolivia is landlocked, and does not have any coastal portsBolivia is landlocked, and does not have any coastal ports Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake

Recently, a large temple was discovered submerged in the lake, Recently, a large temple was discovered submerged in the lake, adding to its mystery and fascination.adding to its mystery and fascination.

According to Incan history, after a great flood, the god Viracocha According to Incan history, after a great flood, the god Viracocha arose from Lake Titicaca to arose from Lake Titicaca to create the worldcreate the world. He commanded the . He commanded the sun (Inti), moon (Mama Kilya) and stars to rise, then went to sun (Inti), moon (Mama Kilya) and stars to rise, then went to Tiahuanaco to create the first human beings, Mallku Kapac and Tiahuanaco to create the first human beings, Mallku Kapac and Mama Ocllo. These first humans, the "Inca Adam and Eve," were Mama Ocllo. These first humans, the "Inca Adam and Eve," were formed from stone and brought to life by Viracocha, who commanded formed from stone and brought to life by Viracocha, who commanded them to go out and populate the world. Thus Lake Titicaca is the them to go out and populate the world. Thus Lake Titicaca is the birthplace of the Incas, whose spirits return to their origin in the lake birthplace of the Incas, whose spirits return to their origin in the lake upon death.upon death.

Bolivia has many minerals including tin, they are the have Bolivia has many minerals including tin, they are the have Western Hemisphere's largest tin reserveWestern Hemisphere's largest tin reserve The best ores have been removed The best ores have been removed

Most of the people are indigenous and subsistence farm in the Most of the people are indigenous and subsistence farm in the highlands highlands

Bolivia’s climate varies with the altitude from humid and tropical to Bolivia’s climate varies with the altitude from humid and tropical to cold and semiarid cold and semiarid

ChileChile Chile means “end of the land” Chile means “end of the land” The country is about 2700 miles long, but only about 100 miles The country is about 2700 miles long, but only about 100 miles

wide wide 2/3 of the people are mestizo2/3 of the people are mestizo Nearly ¼ of the people are European descent (mostly Spanish, Nearly ¼ of the people are European descent (mostly Spanish,

British and German)British and German) Very few indigenous peopleVery few indigenous people The Atacama Desert is in the north and uninhabited The Atacama Desert is in the north and uninhabited ¾ of the people in the area live in the Central Valley ¾ of the people in the area live in the Central Valley

It is a region of fertile river basins – between the Andes and the It is a region of fertile river basins – between the Andes and the coastal ranges coastal ranges

Chile’s summer season comes during the Northern Hemisphere’s Chile’s summer season comes during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter – the products find good markets in the U.S. and Europe winter – the products find good markets in the U.S. and Europe during this timeduring this time

Santiago – the capital – has a very high unemployment and many Santiago – the capital – has a very high unemployment and many crowded communities crowded communities

Many people in Chile live below the poverty line Many people in Chile live below the poverty line

Southern Grassland Southern Grassland Countries Countries

The countries boundaries in this area are formed by the Rio de la Plata The countries boundaries in this area are formed by the Rio de la Plata systemsystem

The Plata is an Estuary – a broad river mouth formed where a flooded The Plata is an Estuary – a broad river mouth formed where a flooded river valley meets the sea river valley meets the sea The four rivers in the system are: the Uruguay, the Pilcomayo, the Paraguay, The four rivers in the system are: the Uruguay, the Pilcomayo, the Paraguay,

and the Paranaand the Parana This system allows an inexpensive way for people to ship goods This system allows an inexpensive way for people to ship goods

The Andes are in the western part of Argentina The Andes are in the western part of Argentina They include the four highest mountains in the Western Hemisphere on of They include the four highest mountains in the Western Hemisphere on of

which is Mount Aconcagua (22831 feet)which is Mount Aconcagua (22831 feet) Gradually they give way to the piedmont (or foothills) regionGradually they give way to the piedmont (or foothills) region

The tropical lowlands is called the Gran Chaco is a hot interior lowland The tropical lowlands is called the Gran Chaco is a hot interior lowland region of savanna and dense shrub that covers part of Paraguay and region of savanna and dense shrub that covers part of Paraguay and Argentina Argentina

The pampas of Argentina Uruguay stretch for hundreds of miles. This The pampas of Argentina Uruguay stretch for hundreds of miles. This area used to be a grazing area for cows, now it produces 80% of area used to be a grazing area for cows, now it produces 80% of Argentina’s grain and 70% of the meat Argentina’s grain and 70% of the meat

The Patagonia area is desolate, dry, cold and foggy. The Patagonia area is desolate, dry, cold and foggy. It is well suited for raising sheep and has rich deposits of oil and bauxite It is well suited for raising sheep and has rich deposits of oil and bauxite

ParaguayParaguay Paraguay is landlocked, but the Plata river system Paraguay is landlocked, but the Plata river system

provides an outlet to the seaprovides an outlet to the sea Almost all of the population lives in the highlands Almost all of the population lives in the highlands Half of the people live in urban areasHalf of the people live in urban areas Most are mestizos who speak Guarani (local Most are mestizos who speak Guarani (local

Indigenous language) as well as Spanish Indigenous language) as well as Spanish The economy is based on agriculture The economy is based on agriculture Paraguay was ruled by military dictator until 1989Paraguay was ruled by military dictator until 1989 He was replaced by a new military leader who tried to He was replaced by a new military leader who tried to

be more responsive to peoples needsbe more responsive to peoples needs In the 1990’s the people held their first democratic In the 1990’s the people held their first democratic

electionselections

Uruguay Uruguay From the Indian word “river of painted bird”From the Indian word “river of painted bird”

The name comes from the tropical birds in the area The name comes from the tropical birds in the area Much of the area is rolling grasslands the country’s economy is Much of the area is rolling grasslands the country’s economy is

based on raising livestock, processing meat, and making products based on raising livestock, processing meat, and making products such as wool and leather such as wool and leather

75% of the land is devoted to livestock grazing and 10% to raising 75% of the land is devoted to livestock grazing and 10% to raising grains to feed cattle and sheepgrains to feed cattle and sheep

Uruguay does not produce fuel and very little consumer goods Uruguay does not produce fuel and very little consumer goods They have to import all of those items, which is very expensiveThey have to import all of those items, which is very expensive

Most are European descent a (Italian and Spanish)Most are European descent a (Italian and Spanish) There is a large middle class in the country and there are very few There is a large middle class in the country and there are very few

slumsslums Uruguay has a unstable political history Uruguay has a unstable political history

In 1973, the military took power for 12 yearsIn 1973, the military took power for 12 years Since 1985 there has been free elections Since 1985 there has been free elections People have demonstrations to show their desire for freedom of press People have demonstrations to show their desire for freedom of press

and other rights and other rights

Argentina Argentina

Most of Argentina’s population is European descent (Italian and Spanish)Most of Argentina’s population is European descent (Italian and Spanish) More than 80% of the people live in cities More than 80% of the people live in cities Buenos Aires is Latin America’s wealthiest city and Argentina is the wealthiest Buenos Aires is Latin America’s wealthiest city and Argentina is the wealthiest

nation nation The wealth is unevenly distributed The wealth is unevenly distributed Because the city is busy and filled with many factories and business, the air pollution is Because the city is busy and filled with many factories and business, the air pollution is

very badvery bad The city has many poor people The city has many poor people

Argentina from the 1940’s-1983 was rule by military dictators Argentina from the 1940’s-1983 was rule by military dictators Best known was Juan Domingo Peron – president from 1946-1955Best known was Juan Domingo Peron – president from 1946-1955

He wanted to develop Argentina’s industry and distribute the wealth more evenly He wanted to develop Argentina’s industry and distribute the wealth more evenly His wife was seen as a heroine for the poor (Eva)His wife was seen as a heroine for the poor (Eva)

Most of the other dictators used the government power to help the wealthy Most of the other dictators used the government power to help the wealthy All censored the newspapers and closed universities and even imprisoned All censored the newspapers and closed universities and even imprisoned

opponents opponents Conditions were very bad in the 1970’s – people were kidnapped by the military Conditions were very bad in the 1970’s – people were kidnapped by the military

and never seen again – this period was called “the dirty wars”and never seen again – this period was called “the dirty wars” Every Thursday a group of women would march in front of the presidential palace and Every Thursday a group of women would march in front of the presidential palace and

carry picture of missing family members carry picture of missing family members In 1981 Argentina lost a war with Great Britain over the Falkland IslandIn 1981 Argentina lost a war with Great Britain over the Falkland Island

The military agreed to allow open elections The military agreed to allow open elections Since then the government has tried to cut spending and improve the country Since then the government has tried to cut spending and improve the country

Practice Counties in Practice Counties in South America …South America …

http://http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/South_Amerwww.sheppardsoftware.com/South_America_Geography.htmica_Geography.htm

Places to know for the Places to know for the test….test….

Andes Mountain RangeAndes Mountain Range Straight of MagellanStraight of Magellan Rio de la Plata Rio de la Plata Guiana HighlandsGuiana Highlands LlanosLlanos Atlantic Ocean Atlantic Ocean Pacific Ocean Pacific Ocean