What Makes South America Special?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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South America is a of extremes. It is

home to the world's largest river (the Amazon)

as well as the world's driest place (the Atacama Desert). … With an unparalleled number of plant and animal species, South America's rich biodiversity is unique among the world's continents.

What is South America most known for?

  • #1 The world's second-largest swimming pool.
  • #2 No doorbells in Paraguay.
  • #3 The world's longest mountain range.
  • #4 The world's largest salt flat.
  • #5 12 countries but hundreds of languages.

What is special about South America?


Atacama desert

is the driest place in South America. Angel Falls are the world's highest waterfalls. Amazon River Basin is the world's largest river basin. The Andes are the world's longest mountain range.

What are 3 interesting facts about South America?

  • Total Population: 428 million people.
  • Largest city: Sao Paulo (Brazil)
  • Life expectancy: 72 (males) 79 (females)
  • Highest Mountain: Aconcagua (6962 meters above the sea)
  • Land area: 17,840,000 square kilometers (6,890,000 square miles)
  • Largest Lake: Lake Titicaca.
  • Longest River: Amazon River.

What makes the South America unique from other culture?

The culture of South America today stems from a

diverse set of cultural traditions

, dating back to those of pre-Columbian civilisations and indigenous tribes, which have mixed with those of African slaves as well as Asian and European immigrants. This vibrant and unique cultural mix is reflected… More…

Who is famous from South America?

  • Paulo Coelho. …
  • Frida Kahlo. …
  • 3. Gabriel García Márquez. …
  • Julio Cortázar. …
  • Jorge Luis Borges. …
  • Pablo Neruda. …
  • Che Guevara. …
  • David Fischman.

What are 5 facts about Latin America?

Latin America is the

most urbanized continent in the world

with almost 80% of its citizens living in cities. Mambo, salsa, cha-cha-cha, rumba and tango dances all come from Latin America. It has the shortest coastline, compared to its size, of any continent. The official name of for Mexico is the United Mexican States.

Why is it called South America?

Those portions of the New World landmass that widen out north of the narrow land bridge of the Isthmus of Panama became known as North America, and those

that broaden to the south

became known as South America. … They call the region between those two points Central America.

What food is South America known for?

  • Ceviche (Peru) …
  • Arepas (Venezuela) …
  • Empanadas (Argentina) …
  • Pisco Sour (Chile, Peru) …
  • Yerba Maté (Argentina) …
  • Pastel (Brazil) …
  • Dulce de Leche (Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil) …
  • Brigadeiros (Brazil)

Who found South America?

Explorer

Christopher Columbus

sets foot on the American mainland for the first time, at the Paria Peninsula in present-day Venezuela. Thinking it an island, he christened it Isla Santa and claimed it for Spain. Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451.

How old is South America?

South America is thought to have been first inhabited by humans when people were crossing the Bering Land Bridge (now the Bering Strait)

at least 15,000 years ago

from the territory that is present-day Russia. They migrated south through North America, and eventually reached South America through the Isthmus of Panama.

What is South America known as?

South America, fourth largest of the world's continents. It is the southern portion of the landmass generally referred to as the New World, the Western Hemisphere, or simply

the Americas

.

Where is the center of South America?

Geographic Center of South America –

Cuiabá, Brazil

– Atlas Obscura.

What is the main culture of South America?

Religious practices remain the backbone of many South American cultures. While

Catholicism

dominates the continent, other spiritual beliefs have influenced both spiritual and secular activities.

What are some traditions of South America?

  • Regionwide: Nativity scenes on display.
  • Colombia: La Alborada & Día de las Velitas.
  • Chile: A unique Christmas feast for warm weather.
  • Argentina: Hanukkah celebrations in Buenos Aires and beyond.
  • Perú: Santuranticuy Christmas Market in Cusco.

What was the biggest influence on South American culture?

South America's major cultural and culinary influences have been

European, African (through slavery)

, and Asian, the latter most noticeably from Japan and China and most pronounced in Peru and Brazil.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.