South America is a continent located in the Western Hemisphere of our Planet. It is crossed by the Equator line and divides this continent into two parts. One part (the largest) belongs to the Southern Hemisphere, and the second (the smallest) belongs to the Northern Hemisphere.

The mainland ranks 4th among the continents in terms of its area - 17,840,000 km². On its territory, including adjacent islands, there are 15 states, three of which are dependent. By clicking on the link, you can see a detailed list of countries South America in a table with capitals and characteristics. The population is approximately 400 million people.

In the west, the continent is washed by the Pacific Ocean, in the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and in the north by the Caribbean Sea, which is the border between North America and South America.

Extreme points of the continent of South America

Northern point - Cape Gallinas is located in Colombia on the Caribbean Sea.

Southern (mainland) point - Cape Froward is located in Chile on the Brunswick Peninsula on the shores of the Strait of Magellan.

Southern (island) point – Diego Ramirez – is the southernmost point of America and Chile, which consists of a group of islands covering an area of ​​just over one square kilometer.

The western point, Cape Parinhas, is located in Peru.

The eastern point is Cape Cabo Branco, located in Brazil.

Relief of South America

The continent of South America is divided by relief into the Mountain West and the Plain East.

The Atacama Desert is located in Chile and is the driest place on our Earth. There are places in the desert where rain falls once in several decades. The air humidity is the lowest here. The only vegetation found is cacti and acacias.

The western part of the continent consists of the Andes mountain system, stretching across seven countries of South America, and the eastern part of the plains. In the North there is the Guiana Plateau, 1930 km long and 300–1000 m high.

In the east of the mainland is the Brazilian Highlands, whose area is about 4 million km2. 95% of Brazil's population lives here. The highest point of this highland is Mount Bandeira. Its height is 2897 meters. Due to the enormous natural diversity, the Brazilian Highlands are divided into three parts: the Atlantic, Central and Southern Plateaus.

To the south of the Brazilian Highlands is the Laplata Lowland, on the territory of which states such as Paraguay and Uruguay, the northern part of Argentina, the southern part of Brazil and the southeast of Bolivia are located. The area of ​​the lowland is more than 3 million km2.

The Amazonian lowland is a lowland covering an area of ​​over 5 million km2. It is the largest lowland on our Planet.

South American climate

There are 6 climatic zones in South America: Northern and Southern subequatorial zones, Equatorial, Tropical, Subtropical and Temperate zones.

The climate of South America in most of its parts is subequatorial and tropical, with clearly defined dry and wet seasons. The equatorial humid climate is characteristic only of the Amazonian lowland. In the south of the continent, a subtropical and temperate climate prevails. In the northern plains the temperature is 20-28 degrees all year round. In the Andes, temperatures decrease with altitude. Even frosts are possible. On the Brazilian plateau, temperatures in winter can drop to 10 degrees, and on the Patagonian plateau to zero degrees.

River systems of South America.

The following river systems are located on the mainland: Parana, Orinoco, Amazon, Paraguay, Uruguay.

The Amazon is the world's largest river in terms of basin area (7,180 thousand km²), formed by the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañon rivers. Considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Brazil owns most of the basin. It flows mainly through the Amazonian lowland and flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Paraná is the second longest river on this continent, flowing in the southern part of the continent. It flows through the territory of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Just like the Amazon flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

Paraguay is a river that is a right tributary of the Paraná. It divides the Republic of Paraguay into Northern and Southern Paraguay, and in its southern part it is the state border between Paraguay and Argentina.

Uruguay is a river originating in Brazil and formed by the confluence of the Canoas and Pelotas rivers. Is the border between Brazil and Uruguay. Its river system is the country's main source of water supply. The country's largest hydroelectric power station is also located here.

The Orinoco is a river that flows through Venezuela and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Its peculiarity is the bifurcation of the river. The Casichiare River separates from it, which flows into the Rio Negro River. This river is home to the white river dolphin or Amazonian and one of the largest - the Orinoco crocodile.

Lakes of South America

Maracaibo (translated as “Land of Mary”) is a large lake with brackish water located in Venezuela. The depth of this lake differs significantly in its southern and northern parts. The northern one is shallow, and the southern one reaches (according to various sources) from 50 to 250 meters. This lake is also one of the oldest lakes.

Titicaca (titi - puma, kaka - rock) is the largest lake in terms of fresh water reserves and the second in area after Maracaibo. More than three hundred rivers flow into this lake. It is navigable. Archaeological research shows that the city of Wanaku is located at the bottom of the lake.

Patos is a lake located on the coast of Brazil. Its length is 280 km and its width is 70 km. It is separated from the ocean by a sand spit 8 km wide. Large hydroelectric power stations are located on it. Salt, fish and oil are mined here.

Flora of South America

Thanks to the warm climate and huge amounts of rainfall, the plant world in South America is very diverse. Each climate zone has its own flora. A large area is occupied by jungles, which are located in the tropical zone. Here grow: chocolate and melon trees - papaya, rubber trees, various palm trees, orchids.

To the south of the jungle, deciduous and evergreen plants grow in equatorial forests. Here grows a tree called quebracho, which has very durable wood. In the subtropical zone you can find vines and cacti. Further, moving south, there is a steppe zone where feather grass and various grasses grow. Beyond this zone, deserts and semi-deserts begin, where dry shrubs grow.

Fauna of South America

The fauna of the mainland is as diverse as the flora. The tropics are home to monkeys, sloths, jaguars, anteaters, parrots, hummingbirds, toucans and many other animals. The Amazon jungle is home to crocodiles, anacondas, piranhas, the rodent copybara, and river dolphins. Only here you can meet a wild cat - an ocelot, similar to a leopard. The savanna is inhabited by armadillos, peccary pigs, spectacled bears, ostriches, pumas, foxes and maned wolves. The plains area is home to: deer, llamas, and pampas cats. Only in South America can you find deer - pudú, only 30-40 cm high. Huge tortoises live on the Galapagos Islands, which belong to South America.

South America: geographical location. Two continents - South and North America - form a single part of the world under the common name America. These continents are connected to each other by the Isthmus of Panama, through which the navigable Panama Canal was dug in 1920, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. South America is located in the Western Hemisphere and is washed by the Pacific (in the west) and Atlantic (in the north and east) oceans. The area of ​​the continent is approximately 18 million sq. km. South America is shaped like a triangle, tapering towards the south. Extent of South America from north to south along 70 degrees west longitude. — 7350 km, and from west to east along the 10th degree north latitude. — 4655 km.

Extreme points of South America:

• Northern - Cape Galinas 12°25′ N, 71°39′ W
• Western - Cape Parinhas 4°40′ S, 81°20′ W
• Eastern - Cape Cabo Branco 7°10′ S, 34°47′ W
• South - Cape Froward 53°54′ S, 71°18′ W

In the east the continent is washed by waters Pacific Ocean , in the north and west - Atlantic. The coastline is very slightly indented. Only in the southeast there are several not very large bays: La Plata, San Matias, San Jorge and Bahia Grande. To the north is the only Caribbean Sea.

Relief and geological structure.

The relief of South America is represented by plains and plateaus in the east and mountain ranges in the west of the continent. The relief of the eastern part is based on the ancient South American platform. Large low-lying plains formed on it - Amazonian, Orinoco, La Plata, composed of layers of marine and continental sediments. The shields (elevated sections of the platform) are associated with the Brazilian and Guiana highlands with a height of 500 to 2500 m. Faults in the earth's crust divided the highlands into separate massifs, cut by gorges.

In the west of the mainland, the Andes, or Andean Cordillera, stretch for 9,000 km from north to south, separating the rest of the continent from the Pacific Ocean. This is a folded region of Alpine age; is a continuation of the North American Cordillera and consists of parallel ridges. Between the ranges are the Central Andean highlands and plateaus. Mountain-building processes in the Andes have not been completed, so earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are frequent here.

Largest peaks : Aconcagua – 6960m(Argentina), Ojos Del Salado— 6880m (Chile), Tupungato- 6800m (Argentina-Chile), Huascaran - 6768m (Peru), Ankouma - 6550m (Bolivia), Illimani - 6402m (Bolivia).
Largest volcanoes : Llullaillaco – 6723m(Argentina-Chile), Sahama— 6520m (Bolivia), Coropuna- 6425m (Peru), San Pedro - 5974m (Chile).

Climate.

The geographical location and configuration of the continent determines how much heat it receives throughout the year. South America - wettest continent on the ground. A lot of moisture comes from the Atlantic Ocean trade winds. The road to air masses from the Pacific Ocean is blocked by the Andes.

South America is located in equatorial, subequatorial, tropical, subtropical And moderate climatic zones.

Most of the Amazonian lowland and the northeastern coast of the mainland are located in equatorial belt. Air temperature throughout the year is +25-28 °C. The amount of precipitation is from 1500 to 3500 mm, in the foothills of the Andes - up to 7000 mm.

Subequatorial belt The Northern and Southern hemispheres connect on the east coast, bordering the equatorial climate zone. There is seasonality in the distribution of precipitation here. A large amount of them – 2000 mm – falls in the summer. The rainy season in the Northern Hemisphere is from May to December, in the Southern Hemisphere - from December to May. Air temperature +25 °C. Winter comes with the arrival of tropical continental air. There is practically no precipitation; air temperature +20 °C.

Tropical climate zone.

Located only in the Southern Hemisphere. Air temperature +20 °C. It is divided into two types of climate. Humid tropical climate is formed in the east and southeast of the Brazilian Highlands under the influence of trade winds bringing moisture. There is less precipitation than in the subequatorial belt. Towards the west, the amount of precipitation decreases and forms dry tropical climate. The cold Peruvian Current has a great influence here. A temperature inversion occurs: the air is saturated with moisture, but very cool, resulting in no precipitation. This is the coastal desert Atacama.

Subtropical zone located south of 30°S. sh., within its borders three types of climate are formed. On the West Coast subtropical Mediterranean climate with dry, cool summers (+20 °C) and humid, warm winters (+10 °C, cloudy and rainy weather prevails). As you move deeper into the continent, the climate becomes continental subtropical. There is only 500 mm of precipitation. Forming on the east coast subtropical humid climate: summer temperature in January is +25 °C, and winter temperature in July is +10 °C, precipitation falls up to 2000 mm per year.

Temperate climate zone located south of 40º S. Forming on the West Coast marine temperate type climate: warm, humid winter (+5 °C), humid, cool summer (+15 °C); precipitation – up to 2000 mm or more. In the eastern part of the belt - temperate continental type climate: colder winters (0 °C), warm summers (+20 °C). Precipitation – 300 mm.

Formed in the Andes alpine type climate. Here, climatic zones replace each other according to the law of vertical zonation. At the foot of the mountains the climate is no different from the surrounding areas. As you rise, the temperature and precipitation patterns change.

Sushi waters.

South America is rich in inland waters. Most rivers are fed by rain; some receive water from melting snow and ice in the mountains. The largest river flows through the continent river Earth Amazon(6400 km). The area of ​​its river basin is equal to 7 million km2– this is almost 40% of the continent’s territory. Being in a zone of high humidity, the river is full of water all year round. The river floods twice a year: in May during rains in the Southern Hemisphere and in October-November in the Northern Hemisphere.

Unlike the Amazon River Orinoco(2730 km) and Parana(4380 km) have a pronounced seasonality of flow. The period of river flooding occurs during the summer wet season. Flowing from the Andes, the rivers in the upper reaches form waterfalls. On one of the tributaries of the Orinoco there is the highest waterfall in the world - Angel (1054 m); Iguazu Falls is located on one of the tributaries of the Parana.

Of the large lakes in South America, the most famous are: Lake Maracaibo, which is a desalinated lagoon, near the Caribbean Sea. Lake Titicaca located in the Andes at an altitude of 3800 m - the largest alpine lake in the world.

Minerals of South America

On the plateaus East There are deposits of iron, manganese ores, nickel, and deposits of bauxite containing aluminum. Oil, natural gas, and coal were found in the depressions and troughs of the platform.

Andes especially rich in non-ferrous and rare metals. The introduction of magma into sedimentary rocks led to the formation of the world's largest deposits of copper ores, as well as molybdenum, tin, silver, etc. The name of the mountains comes from the word “anta”, in the Inca language - “copper”.

Lesson summary "". Next topic:

In ancient times, South America was an integral part of other landmasses. After their split and drift to the southwest, the continent existed for a very long time in isolation from the other continents. Until the beginning of the 20th century, two continents in the Western Hemisphere were connected by the Isthmus of Panama. Then a shipping canal of the same name was built through it. To a large extent, the modern appearance is determined not only by the geographical location of South America (SA) and its geological structure, but also by the activities of the population.

General information about the continent of South America. Size of territory

The territory of the continent (including adjacent islands) is 18 million km 2 (the fourth largest by area). In ancient times, strong tectonic shocks caused the splitting of the land and the drift of the South American plate far to the west - towards the Nazca plate. The result of this oncoming movement was a powerful collision of lithospheric massifs, the formation of folded mountains (Andes). The climate became warmer, the flow of the Amazon changed, severe swamping and overgrowing of wet impenetrable forests occurred in its valley in the middle and lower reaches. Due to its remote location in organic world South America has preserved endemic and relict species of plants and animals. A description of the geographical location of South America will help to understand what factors are decisive for the formation of modern climate and natural areas, population activities.

Geographical location of South America. Plan

The shape of the continent is similar to a drop, the tip of which faces the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Pole. The wide base is located north of the equator, and the narrow part is in the subtropics. Characteristics of the mainland GP include a listing of the main elements of its placement on the globe and map, and neighboring geographical objects. There are a number of steps you need to take:

1. Study the position relative to the equator, the prime meridian.
2. Determine the coordinates of the furthest northern, southern, western and eastern points.
3. Briefly describe the coastline, the oceans washing the continent, largest seas, straits and bays.

Description of the geographical location of South America

The main mass of the continent is located south of parallel 0° (equator), and in the northern latitudes there is a small territory. The 0° meridian does not pass through this continent.

Geographical position of South America by latitude:

• 12° N. w. - Gallinas metro station in the north;
• 54° S w. - Cape Froward on the southern edge of the mainland;
• 56° S w. - island point - Cape Diego Ramirez in the south.

The geographical position of South America in longitude is the coordinates of the two extreme points in the east and west:

• 35° W d. - m. Cabo Branco;
• 81° W d. - m. Pariñas.

At the 10° parallel, the distance on the mainland reaches 4655 km, and 5150 km is the largest latitudinal extent of the continent of South America. The position relative to the equator of this territory is 5° south. w.

Character of the coastline

The western edge of the continent is washed by the Pacific Ocean and its cold Peruvian Current. This is a slightly indented part of the coast. The highest and longest mountain ranges of the Andes are located here. South America and Antarctica are separated by a strait that was named after the medieval pirate Francis Drake. The water surface stretches for 460 km from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. The width of the strait is from 818 to 1120 km, its depth is from 276 to 5249 m. The geographical position of the South American continent near Antarctica has led to harsh conditions in the south of the continent, in and on the islands of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. The nature of the Falklands is also influenced by the south polar region. In the east the shores are washed by the Atlantic, in the north by the Caribbean Sea.

Voyages of Columbus

Continents in the Western Hemisphere are not shown on ancient Greek maps and Ptolemy's drawings. There are a number of legends and hypotheses based on evidence of the voyage to the islands and coast of America by the ancient peoples of Eurasia (Phoenicians, Egyptians, Vikings) and inhabitants of Oceania. Scientists and travelers of the time assumed that there was a Western route to the rich states of the East. The physical and geographical position of South America determined the long-term isolation of this continent from the Old World and its poor study until the 15th century. During this period, Europeans began to populate and develop America. The navigator and merchant Christopher Columbus visited the New World four times under the flag of the Spanish crown (1492-1504). For the first time he went far to the west at the head of a small sailing squadron - to look for the shortest route to India. During the expedition, he discovered one of the Antilles islands. In August 1498, Columbus's ships entered the mouth of the Orinoco, marking the beginning of the European conquest of the mainland. The navigator, landing on uncharted shores, was sure that he had reached India. With the light hand of Columbus, the aborigines began to be called Indians.

Brief information about the colonization of the mainland by Europeans

Amerigo Vespucci was the first to guess that Columbus had discovered an unknown land. In honor of the navigator’s brilliant idea, the southern continent was named America (1507). Vespucci visited America several times during his life. He made maps and described them. Over two centuries, the Spaniards and Portuguese mastered the spaces in the central and southern parts. They turned into ruins the ancient Indian cities built by the civilizations of the Incas, Aztecs and Mayans. The French, English and Dutch joined the large-scale colonization of South America by immigrants from the Iberian Peninsula in the 16th century. Sailors skirted the continent, delved into the impenetrable jungle of the central part in search of the treasures of Eldorado, as well as a source of water that bestows eternal youth. Expeditions climbed to the peaks of the Andes, went up and down the Amazon, Parana, and other rivers. The legendary Spanish conqueror F. Orellana crossed the continent (1542), sailing along the Amazon from its sources in the Andes to the delta on the Atlantic coast.

Explorations of South America (XVII-XX)

The German geographer A. Humboldt, during his scientific expeditions, compiled detailed map continent, ocean currents off its western shores. He was the first to find out the importance of cold streams for the formation of the climate of the Andes, described the altitudinal zone and vegetation of the mountains (together with the Frenchman E. Bonpland). The famous British naturalist Charles Darwin studied the nature of South America in the 19th century. Observations of unusual animals on the Galapagos volcanic islands led the researcher to the idea of ​​the evolution of organisms. Russian scientists G. Langsdorf and N. Rubtsov explored the interior regions of the Brazilian Plateau in the 19th century. Expeditions led by A. Voeikov and N. Vavilov studied the centers of origin and distribution of the most important agricultural crops (1932-1933).

Diversity of the continent's nature

Within the South American continent there are significant differences in nature due to a number of factors. The most important among them is the intake of solar radiation, which depends on geographic latitude. The nature of the continent is influenced by:

• features of the geographical location of South America;
• size of the territory;
• atmospheric circulation;
• the surrounding oceans;
• warm and cold currents;
• (mountains, plains, deserts).

South America does not have as dry a climate as Africa. Let us list the main zones (from north to south): equatorial, tropical and temperate, transitional - subequatorial and subtropical.

Conclusion

Characterizing the geographical location of South America is an important element in studying the continent. In ancient times, the continent was not in the part of the Earth that it occupies now. It has gone through a long development path - from being part of Pangea and Gondwana to the modern geological era.

The continent is located in the Western Hemisphere, mainly south of the equator. In the west there is a mountain belt - the Andes. A deep-sea trench runs near the coast, resulting from the collision of two lithosphere blocks. There are active volcanoes in this region, and destructive earthquakes occur, complicating the life and activities of the population.

Modern inhabitants of the mainland are descendants of Indians, Spanish and Portuguese conquerors, and slaves brought to work on plantations. The total population 12 exceeds 380 million people. The mainland is rich in attractions, including the highest mountain peaks, waterfalls, remains of ancient cities, and many other sites of domestic and international tourism.

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Report about South America

South America geographical location

South America together with North America form one of the parts of the world called America. These continents are connected by the Isthmus of Panama. South America is the fourth largest continent on Earth.

The continent's area is 18 million km2. The length of South America from north to south is 7000 km, and from west to east about 5000 km.

The continent is washed by two oceans: from the west by the Pacific Ocean, from the east by the Atlantic Ocean. There are quite a few islands near the mainland. The coastline is slightly indented. The northern shores of South America are washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea.

South America climate

South America is the rainiest continent, because a significant part of it is located in equatorial latitudes. Moist, sea air enters this area from the oceans. The continent is home to the wettest place on the planet. On the western part of the slope of the Andes mountain system, near their northern end, so much water falls in rains per year that, if it flowed, it could cover the ground with a water layer of 15 meters. Near this place is the Atacama Desert - the driest place on Earth, where not a single drop of rain falls for years.

South America is located in the following climatic zones: subequatorial, equatorial, subtropical, tropical and temperate.

South America natural areas

Many natural areas have formed in South America. The largest areas are occupied by humid equatorial forests, savannas and woodlands, steppes and semi-deserts.

The equatorial rainforests are rich in flora and fauna. Savannas and woodlands of South America are poorer in species composition plants and animals than the savannas of Africa.

Relief and minerals

At the base of the continent lies the South American Plate. There are no earthquakes or active volcanoes on its territory. As a result of the processes of platform uplift, the Guiana and Brazilian plateaus, the Amazonian, La Plata and Orinoco lowlands appeared.

On the western coast of the continent are the Andes, they belong to the Pacific Ring of Fire. The highest peaks of South America are Mount Aconcagua, Chimborazo, and the Cotopaxi volcano.

Among the mineral resources on the mainland there are deposits of sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks - oil, ore, uranium, diamonds, tungsten, platinum, gold, non-ferrous metals and natural gas.

South America population

The population of the mainland is about 422,5 million people and every day there is more of it. The indigenous population are Indians who belong to the Mongoloid race. But after the discovery of the continent by Europeans, the Spaniards and Portuguese began to quickly populate it. Later, blacks were brought in as labor force. Today the population of South America is diverse.

South America animals

It is rare to see large animals on the continent. Armadillos, sloths, exotic birds, anteaters, snakes, insects, crocodiles, predatory fish, piranhas, rhea ostriches, pumas, jaguars, and deer live here.

South America countries

There are 13 independent states in South America. Of these, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile stand out by area and level of economic development.

Sights of South America

The most popular attractions of South America are the Machu Picchu complex, the vast tropical Amazon, Lake Titicaca, Angel Falls and Iguazu in Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, the Perito Moreno Glacier, Easter Island and the Nazca Desert.

We hope that the report on the topic of South America helped you in preparing for classes, and you learned a lot of useful things about this country. You can leave your message about South America using the comment form.

Countries of South America: features of the continent

The countries of South America attract many tourists with their pristine nature and special flavor. From childhood, everyone knows about the wilds of the Amazon, colorful carnivals, fiery dances, and exotica. Of course, civilization has significantly changed the map of South America, and there are practically no unexplored places on it. But the legendary attitude towards the exoticism of this distant land remains, and people strive to visit there. Those wishing to visit these countries need to know at least a little about them. Wikipedia about South America provides the much-needed minimum set information.

Continent Information

The geographical position of South America can be imagined: the mainland is located mostly in the Southern Hemisphere of the globe, and only a small part of it is in the Northern Hemisphere. The location of the continent on the planet is fixed by the following extreme points of South America and their coordinates: north - Cape Gallinas (12°27'N, 71°39'W);

continental south - Cape Froward (53°54'S, 71°18'W); island south – Diego Ramirez (56°30′ S, 68°43’ W); west - Cape Parinhas (4°40' S, 81°20' W); east - Cape Cabo Branco (7°10' S, 34°47' W). South America has a territory of 17.9 million square meters. km, and the total population is about 387.5 million people.

The history of the development of the continent is divided into 3 characteristic periods:

• Autochthonous civilizations: the stage of formation, flourishing and complete collapse of local civilizations (Indian ethnic groups, including the Incas).
• Colonization (XVI-XVIII centuries): almost the entire continent had the status of Spanish and Portuguese colonies. The period of the birth of statehood.
• Independent stage. It is characterized by extremely unstable political and economic development, but the final formation of state borders.

Geological and climatic features

If you look at the extreme points of South America, you can see that the continent stretches for a long distance from north to south, which causes a variety of geological forms and climatic zones. In general terms, the geological structure can be assessed as the existence of a mountainous western part and a flat east. The average height of mainland South America is about 580 m above sea level, but mountain ranges with fairly high peaks predominate in the west. Almost along the entire western coast of the ocean stretches a mountain range - the Andes.

In the northern part there is the elevated Guiana Highlands, and in the eastern part there is the Brazilian Plateau. Between these two hills, a large area is occupied by the Amazonian Lowland, formed by the river of the same name. The mountain system is a young geological formation and is characterized by volcanic activity, as well as fairly frequent earthquakes.

A significant area in the southwest of the continent was captured by the lifeless Atacama Desert. In addition to the Amazon, the lowland plains are formed by 2 more large rivers - the Orinoco (Orinoco Lowland) and the Parana (La Plata Lowland).

The natural zones of South America change with distance from the equator - from the very hot equatorial zone in the north of the continent to the cold polar zone in the extreme south (in areas approaching Antarctica). The main climatic zones are the equatorial zone, the subequatorial zone (on both sides of the equator), tropical, subtropical and temperate zones.

The tropical and subequatorial zones cover most of South America, causing a characteristic alternation of very wet and extremely dry periods. The Amazonian lowland is dominated by an equatorial climate with constant humid heat, and closer to the south of the continent, first a subtropical and then a temperate climate appears. In flat areas, i.e. over a large area of ​​the northern part of the continent, the air warms up to 21-27°C all year round, but in the south, temperatures of 11-12°C can be observed even in summer.

Taking into account the geographical location, the winter season in South America is June-August, and the summer season is December-February. Seasonality clearly manifests itself only with distance from the tropics. In winter in the south of the continent, temperatures often drop to frost. The high humidity of South America should be highlighted - it is considered the wettest continent. At the same time, the Atacama Desert is one of the places where any precipitation is very rare.

Natural features of the continent

The diversity of climatic zones also leads to a diversity of natural manifestations. Peculiar business card are the Amazonian jungle, which occupies a vast territory. In many places of impenetrable forests no human has yet set foot. Given the area they occupy, these jungles are called “the lungs of the planet.”

The Amazon forest and other plains of the equatorial and tropical zones amaze with the abundance of flora species. The vegetation is so dense that it is almost impossible to pass. Everything grows upward, towards the sun - as a result, the height of vegetation exceeds 100 m, and tiered life occurs at different heights. Vegetation can be distributed at 11-12 levels. The most characteristic jungle plant is the ceiba. There are a large number different types palm trees, melon tree and many other varieties of flora.

The most famous animals of South America live in the Amazon region. Here you can see the rarest representative of the fauna - the sloth. Selva becomes a haven for the smallest bird in the world - the hummingbird, and a large number of amphibians (including the poisonous frog). Huge anacondas are amazing, the record holder among rodents is calibara, tapirs, freshwater dolphins, jaguars. Only here there is a wild cat - the ocelot. Crocodiles live in large numbers in the Amazon itself and its tributaries. The predator, the piranha fish, has become legendary.

After the Amazonian jungle, it’s the savannahs’ turn. Only here can you find the quebracho tree with very hard wood. Small savannah forests give way to steppe. The fauna of savannahs is also capable of striking with its inhabitants. South Americans are especially proud of their armadillos. In the savannas there are anteaters, rheas (ostriches), pumas, kinkajous, and spectacled bears. Llamas and deer graze in the steppe areas. In mountainous areas you can find mountain llamas and alpacas.

Natural attractions

The natural attractions of South America can safely include entire areas that amaze with their originality and pristine nature. Unique in all respects is the southern tip of the continent - the island of Tierra del Fuego, blown by Antarctic winds and storms. The entire mountain range (Andes) with its frozen and active volcanoes and pointed peaks can also be called unique. The highest peak is very beautiful - Aconcagua Peak (6960 m).

The continent's river system is represented by large rivers. It is in South America that there is the highest waterfall - Angel, as well as the most powerful waterfall - Iguazu. The South American lakes are very beautiful - Titicaca, Maracaibo, Patus.

Statehood on the continent

As they liberated themselves from the colonialists, states formed on the continent. TO XXI century The list of countries in South America that have independence includes 12 states. This list also includes 3 territories administered by other countries.

The list of countries is as follows:

• Brazil. The largest state - with an area of ​​more than 8.5 million square meters. km and with a population of 192 million people. The capital is Brasilia, and the largest city is Rio de Janeiro. The official language is Portuguese. The most spectacular and tourist-attracting event is the carnival. This is where the main beauties of the Amazon, Iguazu Falls, and beautiful Atlantic beaches are located.
• Argentina. The second largest country in terms of size and population (area - more than 2.7 million sq. km, population - about 40.7 million people). The official language is Spanish. The capital is Buenos Aires. The main tourist attractions are the Museum of the End of the World in Ushuaia (in the very south of the continent), silver mines, Patagonia with Indian exotica, and a nature reserve with waterfalls.
• Bolivia. A state in the central part of the continent without access to the ocean. The area is almost 1.1 million square meters. km, and the population is 8.9 million people. The official capital is Sucre, but in fact its role is played by La Paz. Main attractions: Lake Titicaca, eastern slopes of the Andes, Indian national events.
• Venezuela. The northern part of the continent with access to the Caribbean Sea. Area – slightly more than 0.9 million square meters. km, population – 26.4 million people. The capital is Caracas. Here is Angel Falls, Avila National Park, and the longest cable car.
• Guyana. Located in the northeast and washed by the ocean. Area – 0.2 million square meters. km, population - 770 thousand people. The capital is Georgetown. Almost everything is covered with jungle, which attracts eco-tourists. Attractions: waterfalls, national parks, savannah.
• Colombia. Country in the northwest, with an area of ​​1.1 million square meters. km and a population of 45 million people. The capital is Bogota. It has a visa-free regime with Russia. Famous for its historical museums, beaches, national parks.
• Paraguay. It occupies almost the center of South America, but has no access to the ocean. Territory – 0.4 million square meters. km, population – 6.4 million people. The capital is Asuncion. Monuments from the Jesuit period are well preserved.
• Peru. Located in the west of the mainland, on the Pacific coast. Area – slightly less than 1.3 million square meters. km, and the population is 28 million people. The capital is Lima. The main monuments of the Inca state are located here - Machu Picchu, the mystical Nazca Lines, and more than 150 museums.
• Suriname. The northeastern part of the continent, with a territory of about 160 thousand square meters. km and a population of 440 thousand people. The capital is Paramaribo. Routes to the Atabru, Kau, Uanotobo waterfalls, the Galibi Nature Reserve, and Indian settlements are open for tourists.
• Uruguay. A country in the southeastern part of the mainland with its capital in Montevideo. Area – 176 thousand square meters. km, population – 3.5 million people. Famous for its colorful carnival. Tourists are attracted by the beautiful beaches and architectural attractions.
• Chile. The state stretches along the Pacific coast and is limited by the high ridge of the Andes. Area – 757 thousand square meters. km, population – 16.5 million people. The capital is Santiago. The country has developed balneological treatment and ski centers. There are beautiful beaches and national parks.
• Ecuador. A country in the northeastern part with a territory of slightly more than 280 thousand square meters. km and a population of almost 14 million people, with the capital Quito. The most attractive places are the Galapagos Islands, national park, lakes, Ingapirku monuments, museums.

In addition to independent states, South America contains territories governed by other states: Guiana (an overseas territory of France); The South Sandwich Islands and South Georgia (administered by Great Britain), as well as the Falkland or Malvinas Islands, which have been long disputed between Great Britain and Argentina.

South American countries are considered quite attractive for tourists different countries peace. Here you can enjoy pristine nature, historical monuments, and relax on beautiful beaches.