Geography of

South America
Physical and Cultural Characteristics

Group - I

Course Name: World Regional Geography

Course Code: GEO - 3102
Group – I
Group Member

Student ID

B200602065

B200602067

B200602068

B200602069

B200602070

B200602071
 Introduction
▪ It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the
east
▪ The Pacific Ocean to the west

▪ North America and the Caribbean Sea above

▪ Both South America and Central America can

be broadly described as Latin America.
Countries of South America

• Guyana
• Argentina
• Paraguay
• Bolivia
• Peru
• Brazil
• Suriname
• Chile
• Uruguay
• Colombia
• Venezuela
• Ecuador,
• French Guiana.
Mountain and
Highlands
The Andes
The defining feature of South America's
western edge, the Andes mountains form a
continuous chain stretching over 7,000
kilometers (4,350 miles) from Venezuela to
Chile. This young and geologically active
mountain range is home to some of the
highest peaks in the Americas, including
Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside
of Asia.
The Brazilian
Highlands
Located in eastern and
southeastern Brazil, this ancient
plateau features rolling hills,
mesas, and isolated mountain
ranges. The average elevation is
around 1,000 meters (3,300 feet)
The Guiana
Highlands
Situated north of the Amazon basin, this
shield region encompasses parts of
Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French
Guiana, and northern Brazil. It's
characterized by a mix of plateaus, tepuis
(tabletop mountains), and rolling hills.
Coastal
Plains
The Pacific
Coastal Plain
This narrow strip of land runs along the
western edge of South America, bordered
by the Andes mountains and the Pacific
Ocean. The terrain here is generally flat
and arid, with the exception of a few fertile
valleys.
The Atlantic
Coastal Plain
Stretching along the eastern
coast of South America, the
Atlantic coastal plain is wider
and more diverse than its Pacific
counterpart. It encompasses
various landscapes, including
beaches, wetlands, and rolling
hills.
 Water Bodies
Of South America

● Amazon River ● Rio de la Plata

● Orinoco River ● Lake Titicaca
● Paraná River ● Iguazu Falls
Amazon River
• The Amazon River is the second-longest river in
the world, spanning approximately 6,575
kilometers (4,086 miles).
• It is the largest river by discharge volume of water,
accounting for about one-fifth of the world's total
river flow.
• The Amazon River Basin is home to the Amazon
Rainforest, the largest tropical rainforest in the
world, which plays a vital role in regulating global
climate and biodiversity.
Lake Titicaca
• Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South
America by volume and the highest navigable
lake in the world, located on the border of Peru
and Bolivia.
• It covers an area of approximately 8,372 square
kilometers (3,232 square miles) and reaches
depths of up to 281 meters (922 feet).
• Lake Titicaca is revered by indigenous cultures,
with numerous archaeological sites and islands,
including the famous Uros floating islands.
Orinoco River
• The Orinoco River is one of the longest rivers in

South America, running through Venezuela and

Colombia.

• It flows approximately 2,140 kilometers (1,330 miles)

before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.

• The Orinoco Basin is rich in biodiversity, hosting

numerous unique species of flora and fauna,

including the Orinoco crocodile and the Orinoco

dolphin.
Paraná River
• The Orinoco River is one of the longest rivers in
South America, running through Venezuela
and Colombia.
• It flows approximately 2,140 kilometers (1,330
miles) before emptying into the Atlantic
Ocean.
• The Orinoco Basin is rich in biodiversity, hosting
numerous unique species of flora and fauna,
including the Orinoco crocodile and the
Orinoco dolphin.
Rio de la Plata
• The Rio de la Plata is a large estuary formed by
the confluence of the Paraná and Uruguay rivers,
serving as a natural border between Argentina
and Uruguay.
• It is one of the world's widest estuaries, spanning
about 220 kilometers (137 miles) at its widest
point.
• The Rio de la Plata estuary supports rich fisheries
and plays a crucial role in the economies of both
Argentina and Uruguay.
The Diverse Climate of
South America
● Equatorial Climate: The north, including
the Amazon Rainforest, experiences high
temperatures and consistent rainfall,
fostering incredible biodiversity.

● Tropical Climate: Moving southward,

areas like the Caribbean coasts and
northeastern Brazil feature warm
temperatures year-round, shaping vibrant
cultures and ecosystems.

● Desert Climate: The western regions, such

as parts of Peru and Chile, showcase arid
and semi-arid deserts with unique
adaptations to scarce water resources.
The Diverse Climate of
South America ● Temperate Climate: Further south in
countries like Argentina and Chile, a
temperate climate prevails with distinct
seasons, fostering ideal conditions for
agriculture and vineyards.

● Mountainous Climate: The Andes

Mountains bring diverse climates, from
alpine to tundra conditions, supporting
unique ecosystems and indigenous
communities.

● Polar Climate: At the southern tip, regions

in Chile and Argentina experience a polar
climate, marked by cold temperatures,
strong winds, and rugged landscapes, such
as Tierra del Fuego.
South America's Diverse Vegetation
South America's Diverse Vegetation

● Amazon Rainforest: The lush, equatorial

Amazon Rainforest in the north teems with
an unparalleled variety of plant life, from
towering trees to exotic orchids.

● Tropical Savannahs: Moving southward,

the Brazilian Cerrado showcases expansive
tropical savannahs, fostering unique flora
and supporting diverse wildlife.

● Andean Highlands: The Andes present a

range of vegetation at different altitudes,
from high-altitude grasslands to resilient
alpine plants adapted to mountainous
conditions.
South America's Diverse Vegetation

● Atacama Desert Flora: The arid Atacama

Desert in Chile features hardy desert flora,
including cacti and succulents, uniquely
adapted to its harsh, dry environment.

● Patagonian Steppe: In the southern

reaches, the Patagonian steppe of Argentina
and Chile reveals vast grasslands and low
shrubs shaped by temperate climates and
strong winds.

● Unique Endemic Species: South America

hosts a wealth of endemic plant species,
such as quinoa in the Andes and vibrant
bromeliads in the Atlantic Forest, contributing
to the continent's ecological significance.
Soil Distribution of
South America
Soil is the top layer of the earth's surface that is composed of
disintegrated rock particles, organic matter, water, air and
living organisms.
South America has a wide variety of
soil types due to its diverse
geography, climate and vegetation.
The main soil types include-

1. Oxisols,
2. Ultisols,
3. Entisols,
4. Inceptisols,
5. Mollisols, and
6. Vertisols.
Oxisols
Oxisols are the most extensive soil type, covering
around 1/3 of the continent. They are heavily
weathered, acidic, infertile soils found in tropical
rainforest regions like the Amazon Basin.

Ultisols
Ultisols are also quite common and are moderately
to highly weathered soils found in drier tropical and
subtropical regions. They tend to be acidic and low in
nutrients
Mollisol
Mollisols are fertile, dark-colored soils found in
temperate grassland regions like the Pampas in
Argentina. They are ideal for agriculture

Vertisols
Vertisols are clayey soils that shrink and crack
when dry and swell when wet. They are found in
small pockets across South America.
Cultural
Diversity
Argentina
A blend of European influences (notably Italian and
Spanish) creates a cosmopolitan society with a
passion for tango, football (soccer), and delectable
cuisine with superb beef and wine.

Brazil
A vibrant mix of African, Portuguese, and indigenous
roots produces a unique culture celebrated through
samba music, Carnival festivities, and a relaxed
approach to life, all alongside diverse regional
identities.

Columbia
Home to diverse Afro-Colombian, indigenous, and
European heritage, Colombia's culture bursts with
energy, celebrating salsa, cumbia, literary talent like
Gabriel García Márquez, and a love for coffee.
Peru

Home to the ancient Incan Empire, Peru's culture

remains deeply rooted in its indigenous
heritage, with traditional Andean textiles and
archaeological marvels like Machu Picchu,
alongside more recent waves of Spanish and
Asian influences

Suriname

A melting pot of Dutch, African, Indian,

Javanese, and Chinese cultures makes
Suriname one of the most diverse nations in
South America, reflected in its multilingual
society and variety of cuisines and religions.
Language
Spanish
Spanish is the first and most widely spoken language of South America. Currently, more than 214
million people use Spanish as their native or second language.

Quechua
With eight million speakers, Quechua is the third main language of South America, and it is one
of the indigenous languages of Latin America. During the Inca civilization (2,600 B.C), the use of
the Quechua language spread in South America. That is why it is still spoken in multiple
geographical areas such as Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.

Portuguese

After Spanish, Portuguese is the most popular language in South America. But unlike Spanish,
Portuguese is not that widely spoken. It’s common in Brazil.

English
As a universal language, English has spread its roots in South America as well. It was first
brought to these regions by explorers and invaders in the late 15th and 16th centuries. Now, a
total of 7 million South Americans are fluent in English.
Indigenous People
The Indigenous peoples of South

America or South American

Indigenous peoples, are

the pre-Columbian peoples of South

America and their descendants.

These peoples contrast with South

Americans of European ancestry and

those of African descent. Some of

the tribes name are Tupi, Macro,

Carbie etc.
Religion
South America is characterized by a rich tapestry of religious beliefs and
practices, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of its people.

Christianity Dominance: Predominantly Christian, with a significant majority

identifying as Catholic. The influence of Catholicism is deeply ingrained in the
region's history and culture.

Rise of Protestantism: Over the years, there has been a notable rise in
Protestantism, with various denominations gaining followers. Evangelical and
Pentecostal movements have seen substantial growth.

Indigenous Spirituality: Indigenous communities maintain their traditional

spiritual practices, blending elements of animism and nature worship with
influences from Catholicism in a syncretic fashion.

African Diaspora Religions: In countries like Brazil and Cuba, African diaspora
religions, such as Candomblé and Santería, have a significant presence. These
syncretic faiths combine African traditions with Catholicism.

Judaism and Other Minor Religions: Small Jewish communities exist in South
America, particularly in countries like Argentina. Additionally, there are
adherents to other minority religions, adding to the region's religious diversity.

Secularism and Atheism: In urban areas, there is a growing trend toward

secularism and atheism, reflecting modernization and changing societal
values.
Dance &
Festival
The rich and vibrant traditions in South America have cemented its reputation as one
of the world’s cultural hotspots. This melting pot of European, Carribean and
Indigenous influences has resulted in the creation of some of the world’s best
literature, music and art.
Top 5 South American Dance Top 5 Festivals in South America

Dance Name Country Festival Name Country

Samba Brazil Carnival in Rio de Janeiro Brazil

Tango Argentina Inti Raymi Peru

American Renaissance and Bolivia

Los Caporales Bolivia
Baroque Music
Cueca Chile Tapati Festival in Easter Island Chile

Salsa Columbia San Antonio de Areco Argentina

Population
The population of South America is estimated to be 441,786,110. This represents about 5.47% of the
world's total population.(2023)
Rank: South America is the fifth most populous continent in the world, after Asia, Africa, Europe, and
North America.
Density: The population density in South America is approximately 25 people per square kilometer.
Distribution: Brazil is the most populous country in South America, with nearly half of the continent's
population. Other populous countries include Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, and Peru.

Country Population (Millions) Percentage of South American Population

Brazil 216.4 49.20%
Colombia 52.1 11.80%
Argentina 45.8 10.40%
Peru 34.4 7.80%
Venezuela 28.8 6.60%
Chile 19.6 4.50%
Ecuador 18.2 4.10%
Bolivia 12.4 2.80%
Paraguay 6.9 1.60%
Guyana 0.8 0.20%
Suriname 0.6 0.10%
Uruguay 3.5 0.80%
Economy
The economy of South America comprises
approximately 434 million people living in the
12 nations and three territories of South
America, which encompasses 6 percent of
the world's population.

Brazil is the largest economy in South

America, followed by Argentina, Chile,
Colombia, and Peru. These five together hold a
huge 90% share of the South American
economy.
Economy
List of the Richest Countries in
South America [GDP, 2023]
Brazil – $ 2080 billion.
Argentina – $ 641.1 billion.
Chile – $ 358.56 billion.
Colombia – $ 334.69 billion.
Peru – $268.24 billion.
Ecuador – $121.29 billion.
Venezuela – $96.63 billion.
Uruguay – $ 77.31 billion.
Politics
The first European countries to begin colonizing the Americas were
Spain and Portugal. Spain claimed and settled Mexico, most of
Central and South America, several islands in the Caribbean, and
what are now Florida, California, and the Southwest region of the
United States. Portugal gained control of Brazil. Today, the region
encompassing Mexico, Central and South America, and the
Caribbean islands is known as Latin America. Because of its colonial
history, most of its people speak Spanish or Portuguese

South America, in particular, never seems to stop moving from one

extreme to the other, shifting from the political left to the right and
back again, without addressing the social and economic demands
responsible for moving the pendulum.

Such instability has made it difficult for the continent to form an

influential bloc, despite estimates that it collectively represents the
fifth-largest global economy.
Thank You!