Geography of South America by: Kristine Hirschmann

Introduction Today, geography of South America made patterns of early settlement that continue to influence countries, cities, cultures, and trade. To understand South America, you must turn to geography. Geography is the study of Earth’s physical features and the effects of the landscape on life in an area.

Physical Geography of South America South America is the world’s fourth largest country. Part of this landmass lies north of the equator. South America lies just below the continent of North America.

The Andes and The Highlands The Andes Mountain range is one of South America’s key features. The highlands are another key feature. They both have features that make tourist want to visit South America.

The Amazon Basin At about 4,000 miles in length, the Amazon River is the world’s second longest river. This waterway flows from west to east through a low area known as the Amazon River Basin. The Amazon contains more water than any on earth.

The Plains and The Atacama Desert South America has plains as well as mountains and rivers. The biggest plain is the Pampas in the southeast. Another dry place is the Atacama desert. This cold desert is roughly 600 miles long and 100 miles wide.

Human Geography of South America South America is divided into twelve countries. People from a wide range of cultural backgrounds live in South America. They celebrate different holidays and ways of life.

Major Cities Many South Americans live in big cities. The continent’s largest city is São Paulo, Brazil, with about nineteen million residents. In all, South America has more than one million residents.

Farmers in South America Since early times, people have farmed and raised live stalk in the Andes. Today, farmers still plant crops on flat strips carved out of steep hillsides. Farmers, shepherds, and miners scrape out a living in harsh, cold Patagonia.

Moving to the Cities South America’s population patterns have changed a great deal in the past 100 years. People want to live in towns because country life is so hard. Today, about three- fourths of the continent’s people live towns.

Moving to the Cities South America’s population patterns have changed a great deal in the past 100 years. People want to live in towns because country life is so hard. Today, about three- fourths of the continent’s people live in towns.

Geography and the Economy South America is rich in natural resources. Mines, farms, woods, and waterways help to drive the economies of many nations. South American farms grows many crops.

Trade Barriers Long ago, very little trading went on inside South America. Traders could not cross natural barriers like mountains, rivers, and vast plains. Since it was difficult to move goods around, most resources stayed wherever they were found or grown.

Major Exports South America’s natural riches play a big role in world trade Brazil exports more beef than any other country. South America does not export all of its products.

As the population of South America grows, more and more resources are needed. As South America’s known resources are used, people will look for more. Some resources, are livestock and crops, can be replaced as fast as they are used.