All countries of South America list. Geography. States of South America

All South American states emerged as a result of wars of liberation and revolutions against former colonialists such as Spain, Portugal and Great Britain. History of the formation of countries Latin America no less interesting than the European one, and much more expressive.

States of South America

The modern political map of South America includes thirteen states and two dependent territories, one of which - the Falkland Islands - still cannot be divided by Great Britain and Argentina. Because of this dispute, a war even broke out in 1982, as a result of which control over the islands was finally established with Great Britain. Argentina, however, has never recognized this fact and continues to call the islands the Malvinas, which should emphasize their belonging to the South American republic.

Brazil is the largest country 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 declared.

However, the new state inherited the Portuguese form of government - the monarchy, and the new country began to be called 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 by a military coup. Since then, Brazil has been a republic.

List of South American countries

Every state existing today in South America is a republic in form of government, and in many countries this is enshrined in official name. The names of some states even include National composition, as, for example, in Bolivia.

Here is a list of all the states of South America and the territories 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 is a French overseas territory;
• Chile;
• Republic of Ecuador.

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

North America

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

Some scientists believe that it was along this isthmus that the Indians who belonged to the ancient cultures of South America crossed and ultimately ended up in Mexico.

In addition to common ancient roots, the states of North and South America have something else that is closer to modern times. common origin: All of them are the fruits of European colonization, aggressive and merciless towards the local population, as a result of which many millions of people died and entire cultures and civilizations were destroyed, such as the Incas and Aztecs.

Rich North and poor South

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

All Spanish-speaking countries and former Portuguese colonies are today classified as developing economies. They exhibit frequent political and economic crises, and there are also difficulties with public administration and excessive levels of corruption in the government 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 on the part of the authorities and maximum comfortable conditions to conduct a criminal business, the victims of which are thousands of people every year.

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 their living conditions.

Today, the states of South America are among the world's most significant producers of mineral raw materials and products Agriculture. 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 continent's colonial past.

From the history of the states of South America

Since ancient times, South America was inhabited by Indian tribes (Inca, Quechua, Aymara, etc.). Scientists believe that the first people appeared on the mainland 17 thousand years ago. They came here from North America. In the first half of the 15th century. the country of the Incas was formed here. 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 in early XIX V. They freed themselves from colonial oppression earlier than African countries, therefore they have more high level development.

South American states today

Today there are 12 independent states in South America. Most are republics in structure. There are also 3 dependent territories on the mainland. On this moment All countries in South America are considered developing. 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 agrarian-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 development of the mining 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. By 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 country's population. In Argentina there are many descendants of not only Spanish settlers, but also Italians, English, and French. Most of the population lives in cities that are located on the coast.

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

Peru

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

Suriname

Suriname is the smallest country in South America. By its structure it is a republic. Suriname gained independence in 1975, before which the country was underdeveloped. However, oil production is of great importance to the Suriname economy.

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

general characteristics

South America is characterized by 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. Over time, the Portuguese and Spaniards brought people from Africa to the continent as labor. 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 peoples They live in a common territory surprisingly calmly, without serious conflicts.

Rice. 1. Population of South America

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

• Indians;
• Europeans;
• black people.

In Colombia, Venezuela, Paraguay and Ecuador local population 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, Europeans have an advantage. And only in Peru and Bolivia do the indigenous people of South America form a majority.

The most common languages ​​are Spanish and Portuguese. However, the population of South America is so diverse and diverse 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 former countries Soviet Union. You can often hear the colorful speech of the indigenous Indians on the streets: Aymara, Quechua, Guara, Araucanian.

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Rice. 2. South America on the map

Table “List of South American countries and their capitals”

Brief overview of South American countries

Each country on the continent has its own characteristics.

• Brazil 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 most beautiful city in Bolivia – La Paz.
• Venezuela - the country in which the north comes into its possession. Located on the outskirts of Caracas National Park with untouched tropical nature.
• Guyana - This is a country of constantly humid jungle. Up to 90% of Guyana's territory is occupied by dense forests.
• Guiana – despite the fact that this is the territory of South America, it is impossible to enter 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. The capital, Asunción, has 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 developed at one time.
• Suriname - the smallest state in South America, which has preserved a unique colonial style.
• Uruguay – the country is famous, first of all, for its traditional carnival, which in its significance and scope is in no way inferior to the Argentinean one.
• Chile – the country is located in a very picturesque place, along the Pacific coast, partly in the Andes mountains.
• Ecuador - an equatorial country in which monuments have been preserved ancient culture, museums.

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

The continent's area is approximately 17.8 million square meters. 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 Andes mountain range immediately comes to mind, which is a world landmark as the longest (length approximately 9 thousand km). Surprisingly, the mountains continue to grow and amaze residents with their activity. Volcanic eruptions occur here regularly and quite strong earthquakes.

Near the highlands lies the abundant and wide Amazon River, famous for its swampy jungle. Next to such a beautiful oasis are the driest places on the planet - deserts, steppes of Argentina and Uruguay, where heat, drought and dust reign. Not far from such lifeless places lie deep lakes with the world's tallest waterfalls crashing against the rocks. The north is washed by hot waters 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. Anyone, regardless of their preferences and interests, will find a corner to their liking on this continent.

How many countries are there in South America?

The continent consists of 12 independent countries:

There are also 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 are part of Great Britain).

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

Argentina and Brazil

The largest countries are called Latin (because of the language), which literally catches your eye due to their size. Argentina covers an area of ​​more than 2500 square meters. km. The capital of the state is Buenos Aires. Many tourists consider it the most beautiful in the world. A famous carnival is held here on January 16, which attracts guests from all over the world.

Brazil is probably the most famous of all the countries in South America and the most attractive for tourists. The owner of the largest territory, population and unusual nature. The most popular center for tourists - bright Southern City Rio de Janeiro, which has an abundance of beaches and hosts many carnivals every year.

A small state with no access to the ocean. The most famous and Big 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 through the untouched tropics.

Guyana, Paraguay and Suriname

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

Colombia and Ecuador

A state named after the discoverer of America. Tourist wealth consists of a huge number of museums where everything is revealed cultural heritage- from the native Indian atmosphere to the European one acquired during history. The country's capital is little known - the city of Bogota, where the population is just over 7 million people. Colombian attractions such as the river Caño 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 are of great interest to guests.

Peru

Territory of ancient civilizations, rich unsolved mysteries. The capital of the state is a 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, the 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

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

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

The remaining territories, which are rather colonies of other European large states, interesting in quality beach holiday however, here you can find historical and cultural monuments past tenses. South America - amazing place With unique nature, where everyone can find something to do and relax to their liking.