List of states and dependent territories of south america. South America

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When the ships of Christopher Columbus reached Cuba and Haiti in 1492, the Portuguese were sure they had landed in the West Indies. However, in fact, they opened to the world previously unknown lands, which later became known as South America and North America.

South America was once also called "Spanish America", but the times when the Spaniards and the Portuguese ruled on this continent are long gone. Now in South America there are 12 completely independent states, each of which is of great interest to inquisitive travelers.

Most of the continent of South America is located in the southern hemisphere of the Earth. In the west, South America is washed by the waters Pacific Ocean, and in the east of the continent - the Atlantic Ocean. To the north, the Isthmus of Panama and the Caribbean Sea separate South America from North America.

There are many islands in South America - Tierra del Fuego, the Falkland Islands, Chiloe, the Galapagos Islands, Wellington, etc. The total area of ​​South America is exactly 17.757 million square meters. km. This is approximately 12% of the Earth's land mass.

The climate, in most of the South American continent, is equatorial, subequatorial and tropical. In the south, the climate is subtropical and temperate. have a huge impact on the climate of South America ocean currents and mountain systems.

The longest river in South America is the Amazon (6,280 km), which flows through Peru and Brazil. The largest South American rivers also include: Parana, Sao Francisco, Tocantins, Orinoco and Uruguay.

There are several very beautiful lakes in South America - Maracaibo (Venezuela), Titicaca (Peru and Bolivia), and Poopo (Bolivia).

On the territory of the equatorial belt of South America there are dense moist equatorial forests - selva, and in the depths of the continent there are tropical and subtropical steppes - campos.

The Andes mountain range (Southern Cordillera) runs through almost the entire territory of South America, the length of which is about 9 thousand kilometers.

The most high mountain of this continent - Aconcagua (6,959 meters).

On the this moment the population of South America reaches 390 million people. This is the fifth place among all continents in terms of population (Asia is in first place, then Africa, Europe and North America).

Representatives of all three major races live on the territory of the South American continent - Caucasians, Mongoloids and Negroids. Since the mixing of races in South America went without any problems, now there are many representatives of mixed racial groups (mestizos, mulattoes, sambos) on this continent. South American natives (Indians) belong to the Mongoloid race. The largest Indian peoples are the Quechua, Araucans, Aymara and Chibcha.

In the countries of South America, the population speaks mainly Spanish and Portuguese. Indian peoples speak their own local languages ​​(for example, Araucan).

At the moment, there are 12 fully independent states in South America (Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Bolivia, Paraguay, Guyana, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Chile, Suriname and Uruguay), as well as 3 dependent so-called. "territories" - French Guiana, the Falkland Islands and the Galapagos Islands.

The largest South African country is Brazil with an area of ​​8,511,970 square kilometers, and the smallest is Suriname (163,270 square kilometers).

South America is usually divided into 3 main regions:

1. Caribbean South America (Guyana, Colombia, Suriname, Venezuela, French Guiana).
2. Andean states (Chile, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia).
3. Southern Cone (Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Paraguay).

However, sometimes South America is divided into other regions:

1. Andean countries (Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Chile, Peru and Bolivia);
2. Laplat countries (Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay);
3. Brazil.

Cities in South America began to appear during the empires of South American Indians - the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas. Perhaps the oldest South American city is the city of Caral in Peru, founded by the Indians, as archaeologists believe, about 5 thousand years ago.

Now the most populous South American city is Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, which is home to almost 13 million people. Other major cities in South America are Bogota, Sao Paulo, Lima, and Rio de Janeiro.

Today, the states of South America are among the most significant producers of mineral raw materials and products in the world. Agriculture. In addition, as in Africa, most countries here specialize in the extraction of several types of minerals. This economic orientation is the result of the mainland's colonial past.

From the history of the states of South America

Since ancient times, South America has been inhabited by Indian tribes (Inca, Quechua, Aymara, etc.). Scientists believe that the first people on the mainland appeared 17 thousand years ago. They came here from North America. In the first half of the fifteenth century Here the country of the Incas was formed. By the time the Europeans discovered South America, they had created a strong state with developed agriculture. Other tribes at that time were still at the primitive level of development. With the discovery of South America, mainly Spaniards and Portuguese settled here. They founded first trading posts, and then colonies. The states of South America became independent in early XIX in. They freed themselves from colonial oppression earlier than African countries, therefore they have more high level development.

States of South America today

Today there are 12 independent states in South America. Most of them are republics in their structure. There are also 3 dependent territories on the mainland. At the moment, all the states of South America are considered developing countries. The largest are located in the flat east. These are Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela. They are distinguished by large territories and diverse natural resources (Chile, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador). Argentina, Brazil and Chile are characterized by a fairly high level economic development. Other countries are agro-industrial in nature.

Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America. By its structure it is a federal republic. Until 1822, Brazil was a colony of Portugal. The country ranks first on the mainland in terms of the development of the extractive industry. There are significant reserves here. iron ore, gold, bauxite, manganese and other ore minerals. Well-developed textile, clothing, automotive and chemical industry. In addition, Brazil is famous for the production of coffee, cocoa and sugar cane.

Rio de Janeiro is considered the symbol of the country. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the largest tourist center in South America.

Argentina

Argentina is the second largest country in South America. According to its structure, it is considered a republic with its capital in Buenos Aires. Until 1816, Argentina was a colony of Spain. There are few Indians among the population of the country. In Argentina, there are many descendants of not only Spanish settlers, but also Italians, British, French. Most of the population lives in cities that are located on the coast.

Argentina is a developed country in South America. Here great importance have engineering and mining industries. But the main wealth is the pampas, vast plains with fertile lands.

Peru

Peru is the third largest country on the mainland. Half of its population are Spanish-speaking Peruvians, and the second part are Indian peoples (Quechua, Aymara). In the extractive industry. Processing industries are represented by ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy. Coffee and cocoa are grown in Peru. There are many enterprises on the coast where sardines, anchovies and other seafood are processed.

Suriname

Suriname is the smallest country in South America. By its structure it is a republic. Suriname gained independence in 1975, before that the country was poorly developed industry. However, oil production is of great importance for the economy of Suriname.

South America is the fourth largest continent on Earth. Its length from north to south is more than 7,000 km, from west to east - about 5,000, and the total area reaches 17.8 km². Most of the mainland is in the Southern Hemisphere. The total number of inhabitants is more than 385 million people: according to this indicator, South America ranks fourth among the continents. But if we discard the dry facts, one thing can be said: this is a whole world, unknown, bright, alluring and frightening at the same time. Each country of this continent deserves the closest study, the most curious tourists and the most enthusiastic reviews.

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How to get there

The cost of air travel to South American countries varies significantly on regular days and during sales periods. If a regular ticket can cost 1700-2000 USD on average, then sale and promotional tickets can be bought with a discount of up to 50%. It is most advantageous for Russians to purchase a ticket before Venezuela(the cheapest one can be bought for 500-810 USD on the days of maximum discounts). Or fly to the relatively massive countries of the Caribbean, such as Cuba and the Dominican Republic, from where you can already move to the mainland by domestic airlines.

If you have time and money, you can arrange an unforgettable ocean trip for yourself: a boat trip to Buenos Aires will cost 1500-2000 EUR. Such a voyage will take much more time than a flight, because most often it is not just sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, but a full-fledged cruise calling at the ports of Europe and Central America.

Transport in South America

Inside the continent, air travel is quite expensive, but cruise travel by sea is widespread (the cost depends on the class of the liner). Railways are used mainly for cargo transportation - there are very few passenger trains, but bus service is very common. Traveling by bus, of course, is less comfortable, but very economical (prices vary depending on the country and destinations - tourist or domestic). In addition, car rentals are very cheap here.

Weather

AT different parts South America has a different climate. In the north - the equatorial zone with the highest temperatures in January, in the south - the frosty polar zone. This is where you can meet New Year in a bikini under the scorching sun, and then go to a more familiar climate zone for ski resort in the Andean highlands. In the south of the mainland, plump king penguins roam with might and main - Antarctica is close!

Hotels

If you find yourself in South America for the first time and are accustomed to the international class of service, choose large hotel chains (preferably international ones). Rooms in them cost from 50-90 USD per day. Students and exotic lovers often settle in small hotels or private apartments - the cost can start from 15-20 USD per day. Appearance and amenities of housing will depend on the country, proximity to popular resorts and personal luck. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Iguazu Falls

South American countries

Venezuela - a state in the north of South America, washed by the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Capital - city Caracas. Here there are conditions for a beach holiday - the luxurious beaches of the Caribbean coast, a luxurious secluded vacation on the island margarita, and for active: national park Avila near Caracas, Amazonian jungle, the highest waterfall on the planet - Angel, the world's longest cable car with a length of 12.6 km and the country's highest mountain peak - Pico Bolívar (4981 m).

Guyana- a state on the northeast coast of South America. The capital is Georgetown. Almost 90% of the country is occupied by wet jungles. Precisely by virtue of adverse conditions for tourism in the traditional sense, Guyana is visited primarily by ecotourists. They love the waterfalls Guiana Highlands, Pacaraima mountains, National parks Kaieteur and Ivokrama, where visitors learn the wisdom of rafting, as well as hiking and horseback riding through the Rupununi savannas.

Guiana (or French Guiana) - the largest overseas region of France, located in the northeast of South America. A French visa is required to enter Guiana. The administrative center is the city of Cayenne. 96% of the country's territory is occupied by tropical forests - this region is one of the most forested and environmentally friendly in the world. Tourist centers and villages of local residents are concentrated in coastal strip, the central regions are practically deserted.

Colombia - a state in the north-west of South America, named after the great traveler. Capital - Bogota. Russians are allowed visa-free entry to the territory of Colombia for up to 90 days. This country is famous for its historical heritage, many museums and amazing confluence European culture, brought by the Spanish conquistadors in the 15th century, and Indian, still carefully preserved in some parts of the country. Colombia has amazing nature: national parks, the peaks of the Sierra Nevada, the Amazon River basin, palm valleys and coffee plantations.

Paraguay called the heart of America, because this country has no access to the sea. Its population has retained its identity: the Indian dialect of Guarani is here official language on par with Spanish. Capital - Asuncion. "Guiana" is translated from Guaran as " great river”- refers to the Rio Paraguay (the third longest and deepest river of the continent), dividing the country into the arid Gran Chaco plain and the humid regions of the interfluve of the Rio Paraguay and Rio Alta Parana. The country was chosen by ecotourists and connoisseurs of superbly preserved architectural monuments from the period of the Jesuit state.

Peru a country on the west coast of South America. Capital - Lima. Lovers of antiquities know Peru as the place of the Inca settlement - the Inca state of Tahuantinsuyu was the largest empire of pre-Columbian America and still remains a mystery to ethnographers and archaeologists. Here is the famous Machu Picchu, which has become one of the new wonders of the world, and landscapes with mysterious Nazca lines, the origin of which scientists still cannot explain. In total, there are more than 180 museums in Peru and many archaeological parks lost in the Andes valleys.

Visa-free entry to Peru is open for Russian tourists for up to 90 days.

Suriname- a state in the northeast of South America. The capital is Paramaribo. People come here in search of ecotourism in unusual places: tropical forests, Atabru waterfalls, Kau, Uonotobo, Galibi reserve, Sipaliwini area, which occupies most territories, trio, acurio and wayana reservations.

Uruguay- a state in the southeast of South America. The capital is Montevideo. If you want to relax on the beach, come to Uruguay between January and April. Connoisseurs of colonial architecture will surely enjoy the sights of Cologna and Montevideo. Every year, a month and a half before Easter, two days before Lent, Catholics in Uruguay host a colorful carnival.

Visa-free entry to Uruguay is open for Russian tourists for up to 90 days.

Chile - a state in the southwest of South America, occupying a long strip from the Pacific coast to the Andes highlands. Capital - Santiago. In Chile, balneological tourism is widespread (33 sanatorium bases with water and mud treatment), beach holidays (the areas of Arica, Iquique, Valparaiso), as well as trips to the national parks of La Campana, Torres del Paine, to Lake San Rafael, to places Altiplano and San Pedro and, of course, the famous Easter Island. For lovers skiing- 15 resorts with slopes from the most extreme to the easiest.

Ecuador located in the northwest of the mainland and got its name from the Spanish "equator". Capital - Quito. special attention deserve famous not only for their fauna, but also for fantastic beaches Galapagos Islands, Oriente National Park and Amazon Journey, El Qayas region with 200 lakes and lagoons, monument ancient culture Ingapirca and museums of the colonial and pre-colonial eras in Quito.

A visa-free regime for visiting Ecuador has been introduced for Russian tourists for up to 90 days.

In addition, South America includes the disputed island territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, as well as the Falkland (Malvinas) Islands, which are still disputed by Great Britain and Argentina. Tourists arrive on the islands as part of cruise tours. The most common activities are mountain climbing, hiking and rafting in kayaks and kayaks. The Falkland (Malvinas) Islands are places almost forgotten by tourists. In terms of climate, their territory is close Iceland: cold, strong winds, and not only seagulls, but also plump king penguins scurry along the coast.

Nature of South America

After the breakup of the Gondwana mainland at the end of the Cretaceous into Africa, Australia, Antarctica and South America, the latter remained a separate continent. Connecting the current North and South America, the Isthmus of Panama appeared about three million years ago, significantly affecting the flora and fauna of the continent.

variety of landscapes and climatic zones strikes the tourist's imagination. Andes, the world's longest mountain range, is also called the "ridge" of South America, stretching almost its entire length for 9 thousand km. The highest peaks - Aconcagua (6960 m) in Argentina and Ojos del Salado (6908 m) are covered with snow all year round. A movement that continues to this day earth's crust in this region causes earthquakes and eruptions of active volcanoes.

Here flows the famous Amazon, the second largest river on the planet, always full-flowing due to its numerous tributaries. On its shores, the endless Amazonian jungle rises, so dense that some of their areas remain unexplored to this day.

The Amazonian jungle is called the "lungs of the planet."

In contrast to the Amazonian rainforests, the mainland is one of the driest places on the planet - the desert. Atacama in northern Chile. In Argentina and Uruguay, the pampas are hot and dusty.

There are vast lakes in South America, and high waterfalls, and rocky islands. From the north, the mainland is washed by warm waters caribbean, while its southernmost point is an island Tierra del Fuego- prone to frequent storms from the cold Atlantic Ocean.