South America

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South America

• Notes, Notes and
• More Notes!

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General Information

• 4th largest continent with an area of almost 7
  million sq. miles
• Population of over 350 million
• Discovered and mapped by explores such as
  Christopher Columbia and Pedro Alvares
• Divided politically into 12 independent
  countries-Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile,
  Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru,
  Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela and oversea
  French Guiana

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General Information 2

• Except for its tiny border with Panama in Central
  America is completely surrounded by water
• In the north by the Caribbean Sea, on the east by
  the Atlantic Ocean, and on the west by the
  Pacific Ocean to the south is the icy Drake
  Passage
• Divided into 3 sections- The Andes cordillera,
  the interior lowlands and the continental shield

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General Information 3

• The Andes Mountains extend the entire length of
  South America. This region includes snow-capped
  volcanic peaks, gleaming glaciers, rich mountain
  valleys and wide plateaus.
• Interior lowlands extend down the middle of the
  continent. Lowlands run down southward from the
  plains of the north and through the dense forests
  of the Great Amazon Basin. This Region is drained
  by the 3 large river systems Amazon, the
  Orinoco, and the Rio de la Plata
• Continental shield in the east is separated into
  tow unequal sections the Guiana Highlands and
  the Brazilian Highland by the Amazon River. The
  Amazon flows eastward into the Atlantic.

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Regional languages

• Native dialect often with strong elements of
  Spanish and Portuguese
• Mestizo, speaking mostly Spanish although the
  larger urban areas have primarily European
  populations

• People in Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Paraguay
• Elsewhere in South America (the general
  population)

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Religion(s)

• Roman Catholic Religion
• Few people attend church regularly
• Some of the Indian Catholics still worship Inca
  gods.
• Other religious groups in Peru include
  Protestants, Jews, and Buddhists

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Arts and Leisure 1

• Peruvians have been known for beautiful sculpture
  and architecture
• Many have been destroyed by earthquakes and few
  have been rebuilt
• Dancing and music are extremely popular
• Most popular sport in Peru is futbol or soccer in
  America

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Arts and Leisure 2

• Traditional Brazilian art includes handicraft
  items such as baskets, pottery and jewelry
• Brazilian folk music includes jazz, rock, bossa
  nova classical
• Their love for visual and performing arts
• They are also avid outdoorsman-fishing, skin
  diving, swimming and boating, futbol, car racing,
  horse racing and basketball

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Famous Attractions 1

• Lake Titicaca
• Located on Perus southern border with Bolivia
• One of worlds highest navigable lakes
• Prominently in Inca creation myths

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Famous Attractions 2

• Copacabana Beach
• One of the most famous beaches in the world
• Surrounded by shops, restaurants and luxury
  hotels. Also home of the Copacabana Palace Hotel

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Foods
Most foods found in South America are spicy or
very sweet. Fruits are one of many deserts loved.
Seafood is a favorite dish as well. Feijoada is
black beans in a pork stew which is a favorite
traditional recipe. Caipirinha is a lime drink
that is a favorite at carnivals and parties.
Barbecues are also a favorite at parties.
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Festivals

• Cinco de Mayo ( 5th of May) is a celebration of
  Mexicos Independence.
• Mexican victory over French army at the Battle of
  Puebla.
• Celebration of Mexican pride, independence and
  freedom

• traditional celebrations include parades with
  bands and marchers
• Marchers are dressed in French and Mexican
  uniforms
• There is dancing, food, entertainment, children
  activities, piñatas, and games to celebrate Cinco
  de Mayo