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South America

Adapted from Wikipedia · Explorer experience

A stunning view of the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru, surrounded by beautiful mountains and lush greenery.

Hello, South America!

South America is a wonderful continent in the western part of the world. It is mostly found below the equator, but a small part is above it. The continent is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. It is part of the larger area called the Americas.

Countries and Places

South America is home to twelve countries where people live and govern themselves. These include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. There are also special areas like the Falkland Islands and French Guiana.

Natural Wonders

South America has many amazing places! The Andes mountains are the longest mountain range in the world, stretching along the western edge. The Amazon River is the largest river by water volume, winding through the rainforest. You can also find beautiful waterfalls like Angel Falls, deserts such as the Atacama Desert, and the icy lands of Tierra del Fuego.

Animals and Plants

The continent is full of fascinating wildlife. You might spot a fluffy llama in the mountains or a slippery anaconda in the rainforest. The rivers are home to scary-looking but fascinating piranha fish. The forests have many colorful birds and unique plants.

People and Culture

People in South America come from many different backgrounds. Most speak Spanish or Portuguese. Many celebrate traditions from their ancestors, including Indigenous, European, and African influences. The continent is known for its lively music like samba and tango, and delicious foods such as coffee and quinoa.

Fun Facts

  • Brazil is the largest country in South America and even in the whole world!
  • The Amazon rainforest is so big that it plays a big role in giving oxygen to the entire planet.
  • Many South American countries love playing football (soccer), and some of the best teams come from here.

South America is a place full of adventure, amazing nature, and friendly people!

Images

A colorful satellite view of the continent of South America from space.
Ancient hand stencils painted inside a cave in Argentina, showing early human art from thousands of years ago.
Historical painting showing the arrival of Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral in Brazil in 1500, an important moment in history.
Historical painting showing the coronation of Emperor Pedro I of Brazil in 1822.
Historical painting showing the swearing-in of the Thirty-Three Orientals, a key moment in Uruguayan history.
A colorful map showing the physical features of South America, including mountains, rivers, and plains.
Map showing the member states of the South American Community of Nations.

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on South America, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Images from Wikimedia Commons. Tap any image to view credits and license.