South America, the fourth largest continent, is mostly in the Southern Hemisphere. Its western shore is the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic its eastern. In the north it borders North America, its southern tip ends in the sea. Its western Andes are the longest mountain chain in the world. Mostly tropical, the climate ranges to temperate.
European culture and people now dominate South America though Native culture survives. The formidable Andes and Amazon Basin jungles confine most of the population to the continent's rim. Though South America is rich in natural resources, overpopulation, with its attendant illiteracy and poverty are problems.
The huge and unique ecosystem of the Amazon Basin is a premier ecotourist attraction. Skiing, incredible scenery and impressive Inca ruins bring visitors to the high, rugged Andes. Argentina and Chile's trout fishing is among the best. Gracious Buenos Aires and Carnival in Rio De Janiero are world famous. |
