From YourTravelGuide

South America is located completely in the western hemisphere and most of it is in the southern hemisphere. With a landmass of 17,840,00 sq km, it covers nearly 3.5% of the Earth’s land surface. It is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atlantic Ocean and North America to the north and east, and the Caribbean Sea to the northwest, making it the fourth largest continent by area. As of 2005 the population was 371 million, making it the fifth largest continent by population.

Contents 1 Introduction 1.1 Current Events 1.2 History 1.3 Culture 1.4 Languages 1.5 Religion 1.6 Natural resources 2 Geography 2.1 Regions 2.2 Countries 3 Transport 3.1 Get There 3.2 Get Around 3.3 The Panama Canal 4 See 4.1 Highlights 4.2 Itineraries 5 Stay Safe 5.1 Health 5.2 Political unrest 5.3 Trouble Spots

[edit] Introduction

From sexy salsa rythums, the largest ecosystem on earth and ancient civilisations to thunderous crashes from glaciers, South America has it all. This spectacular continent rears 12 unique contries that each exhibit their own original flavours. Where the dangerous hide and the humble strive, from opposite ends of every scale South America is sure to electrify anyones' holiday.

[edit] Current Events

[edit] History

[edit] Culture

[edit] Languages

Although 51% of the population speaks Portuguese, Spanish is the official language in most of South American countries. Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, Dutch in Suriname, English in Guyana and French in French Guiana.

[edit] Religion

Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion of the masses, however there is a steady growth of Protestants. The largest sector of Judaism is found in Sao Paulo, Brazil and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hindu and Muslim communities reside mostly in Guyana and Suriname.

[edit] Natural resources

The many resources South America produces has been the main source of the continent’s income. This is particularly true during times of war, or when other industrialized countries experience an economic boom. The resources, however, are not as varied as they would wish, and this has caused the lack of diversified economies throughout the continent, which, in turn, has caused political instability and unrest.

[edit] Geography

The seismically edgy Andes mountain range runs along the western border of South America. To the east of the Andes lies a vast tropical rainforest and the Amazon River basin. The Amazon Rainforest is home to a major portion of the world’s animal species, including: llamas, anacondas, piranhas, tapirs and jaguars.

The continent also includes much drier and arid areas, including the Atacama desert. With these things in mind, consider these important facts about South America:

• The world’s tallest waterfall - Angel Falls, Venezuela
• Largest river by volume - Amazon River]].
• Longest mountain range - Andes.
• Driest desert - Atacama desert.
• Largest rainforest - Amazon Rainforest.
• Highest railroad - Ticlio, Peru.
• Highest capital city - La Paz, Bolivia.
• Highest navigable lake - Lake Titicaca.
• World’s most southern town - Puerto Toro, Chile.

[edit] Regions

• Amazonia
• The Pantanal
• The Andes
• Tierra del Fuego

[edit] Countries

• Argentina
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Chile
• Ecuador
• Falkland Islands
• French Guiana
• Guyana
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Suriname
• Uruguay
• Venezuela

[edit] Transport

[edit] Get There

[edit] Get Around

[edit] The Panama Canal

About three million years ago, the Isthmus of Panama was formed by the eruption of an undersea volcano. The formation of this land fused the North American continent and the South American continent.

The idea of building a canal to separate the continents, and make a connection for trade routes between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans originated in the early sixteenth century. Actual building of the canal, however, did not start until the French made an unsuccessful attempt in 1880. The work was finally completed by the United States and the canal opened in 1914.

[edit] See

South America can be an adventurer’s dream come true if the right precautions are taken. There are many valuable companies throughout the continent, who specialize in classes to prepare the South American tourist on what to expect, and how to deal with a situation if one should arise. Take advantage!

[edit] Highlights

Machu Picchu is located high in the Andes of Peru. these Incan ruins are a well preserved and a sight to behold.

Rio de Janeiro is best known for Carnival, an annual Brazilian event that goes on for forty days before Easter. Besides the many white, sandy beaches, Rio also boasts the giant statue of Jesus that looks out across the city atop of Corcovado mountain, and Maracana stadium, the largest football stadium in the world.

Tierra del Fuego is the island that makes up the southern most tip of the continent. It is rich in natural wonders like penguin colonies, and barren lake terrains.

[edit] Itineraries

[edit] Stay Safe

Beautiful as it is, there are many civil and natural disasters that could occur for someone traveling throughout South America. The key to a successful trip is preparation. Consideration should first be given to the travel destination, and then research about the dangers of that specific area should be initiated.

[edit] Health

Hiking the rainforest is a great adventure, but be prepared on how to deal with the deadly snakes and bugs. Don’t drink the water without first boiling out contaminants. Be careful where and what is eaten, even in the 5 star restaurants. Don’t be a conspicuous tourist.

[edit] Political unrest

South America has been a political hotbed. Military dictatorships overthrew governments in the 1960s and 1970s. In order to retain control, these governments imprisoned tens of thousands of political prisoners, many of whom were tortured or killed.

These military dictatorships have been commonplace in South America, but since the 1980s democracy has been moving quickly throughout the continent and is very prevalent today. Even with this newfound approach, allegations of corruption still remain and many presidential resignations have been forced.

[edit] Trouble Spots

In certain areas, thieves stalk tourists, particularly in bus stations, then mug and sometimes brutally beat them. Learn how to hide valuables.