What oceans and seas wash South America. mainland south america

About South America. General information

South America - southern mainland Western Hemisphere between 12.28"N and 53.54"S. 34.47"W and 81.20"W e. In the North, the mainland is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, in the East - by the Atlantic Ocean, in the South - by the Strait of Magellan (the strait separating continental South America and the Tierra del Fuego archipelago) and in the West - by the Pacific Ocean. The narrow Isthmus of Panama connects South America with Central and North America.

The area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe mainland is 17.65 million km 2, with islands 18.28 million km 2.

South America includes the Leeward Islands (South Antilles (Dutch. Benedenwindse Eilanden, Spanish. Islas de Sotavento), a group of a large part of the volcanic islands that form the southern part of the Lesser Antilles off the coast of Venezuela. The name of the Leeward Islands is explained by the leeward (compared to the Windward islands) the position of the islands in relation to the northeast trade winds) and Trinidad, the Falklands and the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego.

From the 1530s, the local population of South America was enslaved by European colonizers, first from Spain, later from Portugal, who divided it into colonies. During the 19th century, these colonies gained independence.

South America also includes various islands, most of which belong to the countries of the continent. Caribbean territories belong to North America. The South American countries that border the Caribbean - including Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana - are known as Caribbean South America.

Political division of South America

Argentina

Bolivia

Brazil

Venezuela

Guyana

Colombia

Paraguay

Falkland Islands (disputed between Britain and Argentina)

French Guiana (France)

Chile

Ecuador

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands have no permanent population)

In this paper, we will consider the flat part of South America, namely the countries of Brazil (Amazon lowland), Venezuela (Orinoc lowland), Suriname, Uruguay, Paraguay.

Brazil

Geographical position. Brazil is the largest country in Latin America, occupying almost half of the continent. The capital is Brasilia.

In the north it borders with Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, in the south - with Uruguay, in the west - with Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Peru, in the northwest - with Colombia. In the north and east it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Territory - 8.514.215.3 km², which is 5.7% of the total land area of ​​the world. Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world (after Russia, Canada, China and the United States of America).

Relierf. In the north of the country is the Amazonian lowland (Amazonia) - a vast valley of one of the largest rivers in the world. In the north, it gradually passes into the hilly plains of the northern part of the Guiana Plateau (height 150-700 m, individual peaks up to 1200 m), surrounded by steep cliffs along the state border (Mount Roraima - 2772 m). Almost the entire remaining territory of the country is occupied by the Brazilian Plateau, which rises to the south and north east and abruptly breaks off to the narrow edge of the Atlantic coastal lowland. The extreme mountain ranges reach a height of 2890 m (Mount Bandeira).

Together with the Russian Federation, the USA, Canada, China and Australia, Brazil is one of the countries with the largest mineral reserves. It is known that Brazil has the richest, although not yet well explored, mineral deposits. The reserves of iron ore in Brazil are estimated at 48 billion tons, of which 18 billion lie in the Carajas mountain range, in the east of the Amazon in the state of Para. The Carajas field has been in operation since 1985. The reserves of iron ore found in Brazil to date will be enough to satisfy the demands of the entire world community for this type of natural resource in the next 100 years (taking into account the current level and planned growth rates). In addition to iron ore, Brazil has found reserves of manganese ores (208 billion tons), 2 billion tons of bauxite, 53 million tons of nickel, the amount of which may increase to 400 million tons. Also of great importance is the recently confirmed presence of a large uranium ore deposit with a high uranium content (1.3%) in the states of Minas, Gerais and Goias. Brazil has reserves of potassium, phosphates, tungsten (which is used in the smelting of durable steels), cassiterite (tin ore), lead, graphite, chromium, gold, zirconium (a resistant refractory metal of great industrial value) and a rare radioactive mineral - thorium.

Brazil is one of the world's largest producers of gemstones such as diamonds, aquamarines, topazes, amethysts, tourmalines and emeralds.

Climate. Brazil has a hot climate. The average monthly temperature ranges from 16 to 29 °C; only on the high eastern massifs the average July temperature is from 12 to 14 °C; frost is possible. But the rainfall regime and climate types are different. In the west of the Amazon, the equatorial humid climate (precipitation is 2000-3000 mm per year, the amplitude of average monthly temperatures is 2-3 ° C), in the east of the Amazon and the adjacent gentle slopes of the Guiana and Brazilian plateaus - subequatorial with a dry period of up to 3-4 months (precipitation 1500 -2000 mm, on the coast about 3000 mm per year). In the center of the Brazilian Plateau and the Pantanal, there is a subequatorial humid climate (precipitation 1400-2000 mm per year) with large temperature ranges (especially extreme ones - up to 45-50 ° C). On the eastern border, the climate is tropical trade winds, hot and humid, with a short dry season. In the south of the plateau, there is a constantly humid climate, tropical on the Paraná plateau and subtropical in the elevated eastern regions to the south of 24 ° north latitude.

Inland waters. The river network is very dense.

The entire Amazon, the south of the Guiana and the northern part of the Brazilian plateau, is irrigated by the Amazon River system; the south of the Brazilian Plateau - by the systems of the Uruguay and Parana rivers, the west - by a tributary of the Parana - the Paraguay River, the east belongs to the San Francisco River basin, the northeastern and eastern borders of the plateau are irrigated by short rivers that flow directly into the Atlantic Ocean (the largest river is Parnaiba). Only the Amazon, with its western and eastern tributaries, is full of water throughout the year and navigable. All rivers of the Brazilian Plateau (except for the rivers of the far north) have sharp fluctuations in water flow with significant floods (usually in summer), have rapids and waterfalls (including the Iguazu on the Parana tributary of the same name), have large reserves of hydropower, but are navigable only in short sections, except for Parnaiba and San Francisco.

Soils and vegetation. Brazil is dominated by forests on red lateritic (ferralitic) soils. In terms of hardwood reserves, Brazil ranks first in the world. Dense humid equatorial evergreen forests - hylaea, or selva, with valuable species trees (over 4000 species) occupy the western part of the Amazon; podzolic lateritic soils are widespread under them. In the east are the lowlands. On the low hills that frame the Guiana and Brazilian plateaus, due to the presence of the dry season, deciduous-evergreen forests are widespread. Similar types of soils and vegetation, but with the manifestation of altitudinal zonality, are characteristic of the eastern, windward and high hills and massifs of the Brazilian Plateau; their western slopes are covered mainly with seasonally moist forests. The central part of the plateau is occupied by savannah (campos) on red lateritic soils, in places with bark - kango: the most common are shrubby small-tree savannas - campos serrados; gallery forests stretch along the rivers, in which the especially valuable carnauba wax palm grows. In the dry northern east of the plateau there is a semi-desert light forest (caatinga) of xerophytic and succulent trees and shrubs, on red-brown and red-brown soils. In the uniformly humid south, evergreen deciduous and mixed forests of coniferous Brazilian araucaria reappear with evergreen deciduous undergrowth (including from "Paraguayan tea" - yerba-mate) on red earth soils that occupy elevated plateaus south of 24 ° N. sh.; in the lowlands, on porous sedimentary rocks with reddish-black soils, treeless grassy savannas are common - campos limpos.

Animal world. Brazil is believed to have a larger number of both terrestrial vertebrates and invertebrates than any other country in the world. This high diversity of fauna can be explained by the considerable size of the country, as well as the great variation in the types of its ecosystems. Numbers regarding faunal diversity are highly dependent on the source, both because even taxonomists sometimes disagree on the classification of species, and because of lack of data and sometimes incomplete or outdated information. New species are constantly being discovered, while others, unfortunately, continue to die out.

Brazil has the largest number of primate species of all countries, about 77 species, the largest number of freshwater fish species (over 3,000 species). It ranks second in the number of amphibian species, third in the number of bird species, and fifth in the number of reptile species. Many of the species are threatened, especially those that live in ecosystems that are now largely destroyed, such as the Atlantic forest.

Population. Brazilians (port. Brasileiros) are one of the largest nations in the world, constituting the main population of Brazil.

They speak Portuguese (differs in some features - Portuguese in Brazil).

Religion - Catholicism.

The Brazilians were formed as a result of the mixing of the alien population of the 16th-20th centuries. (mainly Portuguese) with native Indians (groups of Tupi-Guarani tribes, etc.) and with exported in the 16-19 centuries. from Africa by slaves (Yoruba, Bantu, Ewe, Ashanti, Hausa, etc.). From the middle of the 19th century, groups of Italians, Spaniards, Poles, and others also moved to Brazil, and in the 20th century. - Japanese, Chinese, who are gradually assimilated. In the culture of modern Brazilians in the north of the country, many elements of Indian culture are preserved, in the northeast - African, in the south - European elements dominate. Anthropologically, Brazilians belong to diverse, largely mixed racial types: mestizos, mulattos, etc. Negroid elements predominate in the north, predominantly Caucasoid elements in the south.

years Number of us.

The current government of Brazil traditionally classifies the population of the country by skin color/race. In the census, the following racial groups are distinguished:

Whites (See White Brazilians) 49.7% (94 million people)

Within white Brazilians, there are largely mixed European ethnic groups in Brazil, formed as a result of mass immigration of Europeans to Brazil in the late nineteenth and early 19th centuries. XX centuries:

Portuguese - Portuguese in Brazil

Italians - Italians in Brazil

Germans - Germans in Brazil

Spaniards - Germans in Brazil

Poles - Poles in Brazil

Ukrainians - Ukrainians in Brazil, etc.

Blacks 6.7%

Colored (mestizo, mulatto) 42.3%

Asians with mostly Japanese ancestry 0.7%

Indians 0.6%

Age structure of the population:

0-14 years old - 26.1%

15-64 years old - 67.9%

over 65 years old - 6%

Lifespan:

Total - 71.69 years

Men - 67.74 years

Women - 75.85 years

culture. The culture of Brazil began to take shape and is being formed to this day as a mixture of various historical traditions of the peoples that make up the Brazilian nation.

Quite a few words in the modern language are of Indian origin. The influence of Indian culture is especially noticeable in the Amazon, and traces of African culture are more visible on the coast of Brazil, starting from Rio de Janeiro.

The African influence is noticeable in Brazilian popular music, especially in the rhythmic samba.

Modern Brazilian cuisine is a gastronomic synthesis, formed under the influence of European, primarily Portuguese, Indian and African culinary traditions.

In architecture, Brazil, also historically influenced by the culture of the colonizers, went through various phases in search of its identity. From baroque and rococo, mingling with Indian motifs and tropical themes, today Brazilian sculpture and architecture are recognized throughout the world thanks to the unique individual style and constant innovation of the authors.

Big cities. Brasilia (approx. 2 million people) was built (1957-1960) by order of the President of Brazil, Juscelino Kubitschek, specifically as a capital in the central part of Brazil.

The modern capital of Brazil is located in the central part of the country on the Central Plateau, at an altitude of 1050-1200 m above sea level near the rivers Preto and Descoberto. The location was chosen specifically away from the main political centers of the country - Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo - in the central part of Brazil, which was practically empty at that time. This position was considered more advantageous from a strategic and military point of view.

O. Niemeyer became the chief architect of administrative and public buildings. Among the outstanding creations of Niemeyer is the Cathedral in Brasilia, the main premises of which are located underground, while only its dome made of concrete and stained glass is visible from the street.

The layout of the city is very unusual: from a bird's eye view, it can be seen that the main highways of the city with the surrounding neighborhoods form a kind of jet passenger plane flying to the southeast. Lucio Costa, however, claimed that he designed the city like a giant butterfly.

At the same time, most of the institutions of urban and federal significance are located in the fuselage of this "airplane". The central part is reserved for the sectors of hotels, shops, banks, etc. In the "tail of the plane" there are city municipal institutions, and in the "cockpit" area - federal ones: the prosecutor's office, parliament (National Congress) and other institutions. The wings are residential quarters.

The most visited city in Brazil is Rio de Janeiro (6 million people) (in the January River lane). There is a huge statue of Jesus Christ on Mount Corcovado - the symbol of Rio, the Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Indians, the Historical and Art Museums, the Museum of the Republic, the Museum of Stones, the buildings of colonial architecture. The largest Maracanã stadium in the world. Also every year in February, the city hosts a carnival.

The Tijuca National Park, which includes the Corcovado Peak, is the largest urban forest in the world. Here you can meet monkeys and exotic birds. In one of the suburbs there is a zoological garden.

Sao Paulo (port. Sao Paulo) (11 million people) is the capital of the state of the same name in Brazil. Located in the South-East of Brazil, in the valley of the Tiete River, 70 km from the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

Sao Paulo is famous for its nightlife. Guidebooks include 12,500 restaurants, 15,000 bars and nightclubs in the city, decorated in a variety of styles, where local residents and visitors of the city of various nationalities spend their time.

Sao Paulo is perfect for both shopping and cultural activities. The city has the Museum of Painting, the State Art Gallery, the Impiranha Museum (founded by Emperor Pedro I), the Museum of Modern Art. Football fans usually do not bypass the Pakaembu stadium, where the famous Pele, the "king of Brazilian football", often performed.

Another attraction is the Butantan Reserve, where snakes and other reptiles are collected.

Salvador (port. Salvador - Savior) (2 million people) - the capital of the state of Bahia. It was founded in 1549.

The population is 2,892,625 (as of 2007). It occupies an area of ​​706.799 km².

Salvador, the first capital of Brazil, absorbed the folk forms of Afro-Brazilian culture like a sponge. Her colorful music, dancing and culinary arts are manifested here in the most direct way.

Pelourinho (a group of historical buildings and monuments in the historic center) - one of the most attractive points on the tourist map of Brazil - is included in the UNESCO list of cultural heritage of mankind.

The city is located on two levels. The "Lower City" is located at sea level, being the shopping center of Salvador, where saleswomen (mostly elderly women, Bahian women) in traditional white clothes sell a variety of coconut sweets.

The "Upper City" houses colonial-style government offices, museums, churches and buildings. modern architecture. Salvador is also one of the historical centers for the development of Capoeira Angola, a traditional Brazilian wrestling dance. The history and cultural heritage of the lyrics and spirituality of capoeira in general and of Capoeira Angola in particular are inherently linked to this cultural phenomenon.

Belo Horizonte (port. Belo Horizonte) ("beautiful horizon") (2 million people) is a city and municipality in the southeast of Brazil, the capital of the state of Minas Gerais. The name translates from Portuguese as "beautiful horizon". Belo Horizonte is considered to be the first Brazilian city built according to plan. This is the fourth largest city in Brazil, one of the largest industrial and commercial centers of the country.

The historical museum of Abilio Bareto, the Palace of Liberty, the Casino, the Brazilian religious center of Congonhas do Campo, 80 km from the city with the famous "cross road" of 78 statues, the Church of Our Lady and the Museum of Gold in Sabar (25 km from Belo Horizonte) are of interest here. , Museum City of San Juan del Rey, Tiradentes Museum Village.

Manaus (port. Manaus) is the capital of the state of Amazonas.

Population - 2 million people (as of 2007). A port on the Amazon River accessible to ships. International Airport. Shopping mall. Woodworking, oil refining, textile, food and flavor enterprises. State University, Institute of Geography and History of the Amazon.

Amazonian lowland, Amazonia

The region is extremely little explored by tourists. This is the land of "llanos" (savannas) and selva, endless forests and great rivers, an endless variety of plant and animal life, and most importantly - this is one of the few regions of the planet that has practically not fallen into the field of activity of modern civilization.

The Amazon gets its name naturally, as the entire hydrographic system feeds the majestic Amazon River.

The entire Amazon is essentially a plain, crossed from west to east by an innumerable number of various rivers and streams.

The climate of the Amazon is very humid and hot. The average temperature is +28 degrees, but because of the high humidity this temperature is difficult to bear.

The vegetation is stormy and impenetrable, varied and rich. In some places the trees are so tall and dense that the sunlight does not reach the earth's surface. The earth's crust is covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves, which, due to the lack of light, does not decompose. It is very easy to get lost in this abyss, even for an Amazonian who is unfamiliar with the peculiarities of this region. In a word - a real selva.

Life in the Amazon is very difficult because of the natural conditions. The number of colonizers who arrived from other places is very small. The population density in this region is the lowest in the country, only a few people per 10 km². Until now, despite the fact that it is already the 21st century, there are many places about which we know only approximately.

The development of the Amazon is carried out gradually, by far from civilized methods. Extremist groups that exist in the country have chosen these places, as well as Orinokia. Here they feel safe. That is why they are active here. At the same time, the number of coca crops "supervised" by extremists is quite large. The government is fighting crops by spraying chemicals from the air to destroy them. It is clear that these chemicals also destroy other vegetation and fauna.

The Amazon is rich in oil, gold, iron ore, uranium, and other minerals. However, the lack of communication infrastructure makes it impossible to extract them, only some work is being done, but in a limited way. And even those are often attacked by extremists.

The Amazon remains a unique and very attractive region for many people around the world. In recent years, the number of tourists wishing to get acquainted with untouched nature is constantly growing. In the main city of the Leticia region, located on the banks of the Amazon River, decent conditions have been created for receiving tourists, who are mostly foreigners.

Several National Nature Reserves have been formed in the Amazon, among which are the Katios National Park, the Amacayacu National Park and the Araracuara National Park. In the department of Caqueta, Serrania Chibiriquete is an amazing and very beautiful cluster of plateaus on mountains with vertical cut-off walls.

There are many Indian tribes living in the Amazon, among which are ingas, kamsеs, macaguajes, coreguajes, huitotos, sibundoyes, ticunas, yaunas, and probably also other, as yet unknown, tribes, although they are not numerous. A total of 56 tribal ethnic groups or families are known. They speak 50 of the 12 major languages language groups. Of the known ethnic groups, 41 have a population of less than 1,000; 33 of them are less than 500 people; and 20 groups of less than 200 people. There are also tribal families that have recently emigrated from other places, such as Piaroa, Saliva and Sikuani, who arrived from Orinocia. There are also some nomadic tribes, such as the Maku.

The Amazon River region is of global importance due to its unique ecosystem. The glory of the "lungs of the planet" imposes certain obligations on those countries in which it is located, especially since the significant world reserves of fresh water are produced by that web of rivers flowing to the Amazon. Many species of flora and fauna are endemic - they exist in the world only in this area.

City: Manus.

The sticky, blackish ball of a substance called rubber has been known to Europeans since the time of Columbus. Spanish soldiers had already seen how Indian children played with rubber balls. But it wasn't until Goodyear invented vulcanization in 1840 that the real hunt began for rubber.

At the end of the 19th century, the emerging era of the automobile demanded tires, the world craved rubber, and only the Amazon provided it. Thousands of adventurers rushed to the hitherto unknown tiny village of Manaus in a passionate desire to get rich quick. The former owners of the selva - the Indians, bought into cheap trinkets, some fabrics, whiskey, very quickly became dependent on white newcomers with no hope of ever getting out of debt. But there were not enough workers - the mortality rate among colored slaves was very high. Then the recruiters turned to the white beggars in the dry lands and hungry ports of the northeast. Money, alcohol and fabulous promises did their job - hundreds and thousands of hopeful seringueiros - rubber collectors began to arrive in Manaus. Most of them were destined to die in the selva from exhaustion, beriberi disease caused by a lack of vitamin B1, die at the hands of an Indian or fall into one of the traps of the "green hell".

And in Manaus, meanwhile, money flowed like a river. Millions of fortunes amassed. Here they launched the first tram in Latin America and built an opera for 1400 seats, ordered in England and delivered in parts to this wild land, all of marble, decorated with frescoes. Now it is the main attraction of Manaus. Its frescoes are made by Italian masters, all the furniture is French, the marble is from Italy, the cast iron decorations are made in England.

It all ended when, despite the ban, the Englishman Witham smuggled hevea seeds into Southeast Asia. The hevea of ​​Colombo and Singapura very soon began to produce rubber four times as much as their wild ancestors in the Amazon, and it cost three times less. Prices for rubber in the world market fell several times, putting an end to the rubber fever. The ensuing stagnation in the economic development of Manaus turned it into a "dead city".

The second wind of the city opened in 1967, after the announcement of a free trade zone in Manaus. Workshops for the collection of watches and electrical appliances, branches of jewelry firms in Sao Paulo quickly settled here, a shipyard and a metallurgical plant were built. Now Manaus is industrial and shopping mall vast territory of Western Amazonia, an important sea and river port.

If you do not see the jungle that surrounds Manaus from three sides, it may well be mistaken for a European city. Quiet shady streets, public gardens, dilapidated palaces, shoe shiners, on the streets there are many small handicraftsmen with unpretentious goods. But a ten-minute walk from the city center, on the banks of the Amazon, there are palm-lined huts on stilts, in which many Indian families live.

Venezuela

The Bolivamrian Republic of Venezuela (Spanish: Repъblica Bolivariana de Venezuela, "little Venice") is a state in northern South America. It is washed by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the north, borders with Guyana in the east, Brazil in the south and Colombia in the west.

Geography. Most of the territory of Venezuela is characterized by mountainous terrain, represented by the northeastern spurs of the Colombian Andes in the west, the ridges of the Caribbean Andes in the north, and the Guiana Highlands in the southwest. The central and northeastern parts of the country are occupied by the vast flat territory of the Llanos-Orinoco, in the northern and central parts represented by a stratified plain, dissected by river valleys into table elevated watersheds, and in the southwest, west and east - by a flat alluvial lowland. Geologically, the Llanos is a Subandian foredeep separating the young structures of the Andes from the ancient Guiana Shield of the Precambrian South American Platform. In the west of the country there is an intermountain depression of Maracaibo, occupied by the lagoon lake of the same name, surrounded by the Sierra de Perija mid-mountain ridge and the Cordillera de Merida alpine ridge with the country's highest point - Bolivar Peak (5007 m).

chief minerals Venezuela is oil, in terms of reserves of which it ranks 1st in Latin America. In 2009, proven hydrocarbon reserves were: gas - 4.3 trillion cubic meters. m; oil - 11.2 billion tons (7% of world reserves). The largest oil and gas basins are the Maracaibe and Orinok.

In addition to oil and gas, Venezuela has large deposits of iron ore (2nd place in Latin America), coal, bauxite, as well as nickel, copper, lead-zinc, manganese ores, gold, diamonds, sulfur, asbestos, phosphorites, talc.

In addition to oil, Venezuela exports coffee, coal, nickel, emeralds, bananas, and flowers.

Climate Most of the plains of Venezuela is subequatorial, seasonally humid, with an alternation of distinct rainy (April to October) and dry, hotter (November to March) seasons. For Llanos during the year, average monthly temperatures are 25-29ºС and 800-1200 mm of precipitation, for the lowland strip of the Caribbean coast, respectively, 28ºС and 240-400 mm of precipitation. In the basin of the upper reaches of the Orinoco and on the adjacent slopes of the Guiana Highlands, there is an equatorial, constantly humid climate with 2500-3000 mm of precipitation per year. In the mountains, average monthly temperatures decrease with altitude from 22°C at 800 m to less than 10°C at 3000 m. The windward slopes are more humid (3500 mm) than the leeward ones. In the Cordillera de Merida at an altitude of 4700 m - eternal snow (the area of ​​​​mountain glaciers is 2 km², is rapidly declining).

Dense river network Venezuela has an extremely uneven flow throughout the year and stormy summer floods. Most of the territory belongs to the Orinoco basin, which flows within Venezuela for almost its entire length and receives numerous tributaries. The left tributaries (Apura, Arauca, Kapanapara…) have a flat flow with the possibility of navigation. During the rainy season, they spread widely, flooding large areas. The right tributaries, originating in the Guiana Highlands (Caroni, Kaura, Ventuari ...), have many rapids and waterfalls, including the highest Angel Falls in the world. The hydropower potential of these rivers is used at large hydroelectric power plants: Guri (the third largest in the world in terms of power), Macagua and Caruachi. At the confluence with the Atlantic Ocean, the Orinoco forms a vast delta. In the south of the country, there is such a rare phenomenon as the bifurcation of rivers: the Casiquiare River branches off from the Orinoco in the upper reaches, carrying its waters to the Rio Negro, a tributary of the Amazon. Short rivers flowing from the northern slopes of the Andes flow directly into the Caribbean Sea or Lake Maracaibo.

Forests occupy 56% of the territory of Venezuela, decreasing by 2.2 thousand km² per year. Hylaea is common in the south and southwest of the country. The slopes of the Andes and the Guiana Highlands up to a height of 800-1200 m are covered mainly with deciduous evergreen forests with cashew and seiba; on the windward slopes in the belt of mountainous moist evergreen forests grow cinchona, cedar, wax palms, ferns and epiphytes. Above the forest line (from 2200 m), the Caribbean Andes are covered with dense meadows with sparse shrubs, in the highlands of the Cordillera de Merida, paramos communities with grass cover, cushion and rosette plants are common. Endemic low-growing shrubs grow on the plateaus and ridges of the Guiana Highlands. On the plains of the Llanos-Orinoco, vast tracts of savannas were formed with cereal vegetation on the plains flooded during the rainy season, and gallery forests along the valleys of large rivers. In the drier northern part of the plains, among the sparse grass cover, xeromorphic trees and shrubs are scattered, cacti are found in places, and thickets of the Mauritian palm tree are found along the rivers. On the Caribbean coast, thorny shrub communities with numerous cacti, acacias, curatella, and divi divi are typical. The Orinoco Delta and the southwestern part of the Maracaibo Basin are covered with periodically flooded evergreen forests and swamps, the coasts are fringed with mangroves.

Rich animal world represented by broad-nosed monkeys, armadillos, anteaters, capybaras, peccaries, opossums, deer, otters, cougars, jaguars. Of the birds, toucans, parrots, guajaro, harpy, herons, storks, ibis are characteristic. Numerous snakes (including the anaconda), lizards, crocodiles, turtles, electric eels.

Population. The population of Venezuela is 26.4 million (July 2008 estimate).

Annual growth - 1.5%;

Mortality - 5.1 per 1000;

Emigration from the country - 0.84 per 1000;

Average life expectancy - 70 years for men, 77 years for women;

Ethno-racial composition - mestizos 58%, whites 20%, mulattos 14%, blacks 4%, sambo 3%, Indians 1%.

Literacy - 93% (according to the 2001 census).

The Venezuelan nation was formed as a result of a mixture of various ethnic and racial groups: Spanish and Basque immigrants, Indians and blacks. The arrival in the post-war decade of hundreds of thousands of European immigrants (mainly from Spain, Italy and Portugal) undoubtedly led to some shifts in the ratio of various racial elements in the composition of the Venezuelan population.

Venezuelans are a "young" nation. More than half of the country's population is under the age of 19. There are slightly more men in the country than women (almost 51%).

Cities:

Caracas - (2.8 million people)

The city is located in a zone of high seismic activity. The strongest earthquakes were recorded in Caracas in 1812 and 1900, when the city was almost completely destroyed.

The official language is Spanish.

Most of the cultural and architectural attractions of Caracas are concentrated in the old part of the city, which is called El Centro here. There are also many interesting places around Caracas. First of all, this is the famous Avila National Park, spread along the spurs of the ridge of the same name just north of the city. The uninhabited emerald slopes of Ávila rise above the city like a huge green wave frozen in motion. And just 15 km to the north, behind the ridge, stretches the luxurious Caribbean coast - the focus of beaches and resort areas.

Merida.

The picturesque and bustling student city of Merida was founded in 1558 by the Spaniard Juan Rodriguez Suarez, who named it Santiago de Los Caballeros de Merida. It is now a university city (with about 40,000 students), widely known for the proverbial courtesy of its people and for its parks (there are 28 city parks, more than any other city in Venezuela).

And the hallmark of Merida is the longest and highest mountain cable car on the planet - Teleferico de Merida (1958). It stretches from the city center (altitude 1639 m above sea level) to the top of the second highest peak in Venezuela - Espejo (4765 m), forming a thread of three cables with a length of 12.6 km. Also noteworthy are the good theme parks of Los Aleros and Venezuela de Antje, the small historic town of Trujillo.

Maracaibo is a city in the northwest of Venezuela.

The largest oil refining center in Venezuela, an oil loading port. Production of building materials, textiles and food products.

Maracaibo is the largest lake in South America, its area is 13210 km², it is also one of the oldest lakes on Earth (according to some estimates, the second oldest). Almost a quarter of the population of Venezuela lives on the shores of the lake.

The basin of Lake Maracaibo has large oil reserves, as a result of which the lake serves as a source of wealth for Venezuela. A specially dug deep channel in the lake allows ocean-going ships to enter there.

Orinok Lowland

Orinomco - a river in South America, flows mainly through Venezuela and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Length 2736 kilometers (2410 km).

Orinoco originates from Mount Delgado Chalbaud in the Parima region, on the border with Brazil. From there it turns in a wide arc, from the Southwest to the West, then to the North, and finally to the Northeast, flowing into the Gulf of Paria of the Atlantic Ocean.

In the lower reaches of the Orinoco, it branches into hundreds of branches, forming a delta with an area of ​​​​41,000 km². During floods, the width of the river reaches 22 kilometers, and the depth is 100 meters. navigable. The dredging allows ocean-going vessels to sail as far as Ciudad Bolívar, 435 kilometers upstream from the Atlantic Ocean. Water consumption 33000 m/s

South America is one of the continents located in different hemispheres of the Earth. This continent is unique in its geographical features, because there are only two continents on Earth that are intersected by the equator.

General characteristics of the history of South America

Probably, South America in terms of history is one of the most unique (along with Africa) continents. Historians distinguish several clear periods of its development. First, the chronology of the life of South America can be divided into a stage before the expedition of Christopher Columbus and after it. When America was still unknown to Europeans, autochthonous nations, tribes were in a state of prosperity. One has only to remember the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, their rich culture. The arrival of European conquerors leads to the decline of local civilizations. The second period is the time of colonization. Chronologically, under the jurisdiction of Spain and Portugal, the countries of the continent of South America stayed for a relatively short time (from 1500 to 1800), but during this time life on the mainland has absolutely changed. Newly formed languages, new state formations, nationalities appeared. The way of economic life has changed. From the 1810s to the present, the third period of development of the continent has been observed. National liberation movements arose in many countries, the victory of which led to the emergence of independent states on the mainland.

Geography: South America

The geography of the continent is very diverse. In the west of the American southern continent is a long mountain range. The east, on the contrary, is absolutely flat. South America is one of two continents that the equator runs across. The territory of the mainland is huge. According to statistics, the length from south to north is approximately 7,600 kilometers, and from west to east, about 5,000 kilometers.

The climate is not uniform. The hottest weather is observed around the equator. There are areas with a temperate climate. In the mountains, frost is quite common. Temperature fluctuations often occur.

South America: countries of the continent

On modern map continent we observe 12 independent states. In terms of area and economic power, Brazil is the undisputed leader. The second largest state and, in principle, Brazil's main rival on the continent is Argentina, which is located in the south of the mainland. The narrowest and longest country in this region is Chile. Most of the territory of this state is the Andes mountain ranges. Venezuela is located in the north of the continent, as well as the small states of Guyana and Suriname. On the coast of the Atlantic Ocean is a small piece of the colonial past - the French territory of Guyana.

Colombia, Ecuador and Peru are located in the west and northwest of South America. The state of Uruguay, located in the southeast of the mainland, borders only on Brazil and Argentina. There are two countries on the continent that have absolutely no access to the ocean. These are Bolivia and Paraguay. Such is the geography of this absolutely unique and interesting piece of Earth!

South America is the fourth largest continent connected to North America by the Isthmus of Panama. Due to its relatively small size, most countries of the continent have access to ocean waters. The seas and oceans surrounding South America include the Pacific Ocean in the west, the Atlantic Ocean in the east, and the Caribbean Sea in the north.

Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean is the largest and oldest on the globe, its area is 178 million square meters. km. It occupies such an impressive territory that all the continents put together could easily fit on it.

The boundless Pacific Ocean owes its name to the great navigator Feranan Magellan, who was lucky to travel in calm and calm weather. However, this does not mean at all that the Pacific Ocean is distinguished by a meek disposition - in it, like other oceans, strong storms and storms are not uncommon.

Despite the fact that the first studies of the Pacific coast of South America were undertaken several centuries ago, this issue was taken seriously only in the 19th century, and continues to be dealt with to this day.

The weather off the coast of South America is most often calm, stable, with a slight breeze. Periodically, it gives way to strong warm showers.

Rice. 1. Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean plays a big role in the economy of South American countries. Most of them have been engaged in catching commercial fish, catching crabs, shellfish, edible species algae.

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Atlantic Ocean

If you look at the map, you can see that the eastern coast of South America is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. In terms of area, it is almost half the size of the Pacific Ocean and occupies 92 million square meters. km. His distinguishing feature in that it unites the polar zones of the planet.

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge runs along the very center of the ocean. Its highest peaks are visible on the surface of the water: various islands of volcanic nature, among which the most famous is Iceland.

Off the coast of South America is the deepest point of the Atlantic Ocean - the famous Puerto Rico depression, whose depth reaches 8742 m.

Rice. 2 Puerto Rico Trench

In the place where the waters of the Atlantic and the Amazon River merge, the water is characterized by low salinity and turbidity. For this reason, corals do not grow in this area of ​​the ocean, but there are a lot of other representatives of oceanic flora and fauna.

It is noteworthy that at the time of the great geographical discoveries, the Atlantic Ocean was the most important waterway to the coast of South America.

caribbean sea

The Caribbean Sea is of great value for the socio-economic development of many countries in South America. Its area is 2 million square meters. km, and on its seabed are rich oil deposits.

The Caribbean coast is also of interest as one of the most luxurious resort areas in the world. Washing the shores of Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua and many other countries, the Caribbean Sea is a popular destination for lovers of sea cruises. Local beaches are very picturesque and attract tourists from all over the world.

The underwater world is incredibly rich and diverse. There are many beautiful coral reefs, among which bright tropical fish and amazing marine animals scurry about. The coastal zone of the Caribbean Sea is very popular among divers.

Countries of South America: features of the continent

The countries of South America attract many tourists with their originality and special flavor. From childhood, anyone knows about the wilds of the Amazon, colorful carnivals, incendiary dances, exotics. Of course, civilization has significantly changed the map of South America, and there are practically no unexplored places on it. But the legendary attitude to the exotics of this distant land remains, and people are eager to visit there. Those wishing to visit these countries should at least know a little about them. Wikipedia about South America provides such a necessary minimum set of information.

Continent information

The geographical position of South America can be imagined: the mainland is located its main part in the Southern Hemisphere globe, and only a small part of it is in the Northern Hemisphere. The location of the continent on the planet is fixed by the following extreme points of South America and their coordinates: north - Cape Gallinas (12°27'N, 71°39'W);

continental south - Cape Froward (53°54'S, 71°18'W); insular south - Diego Ramirez (56°30'S, 68°43'W); west - Cape Parinas (4°40'S, 81°20'W); east - Cape Cabo Branco (7°10'S, 34°47'W). South America has a territory of 17.9 million square meters. km, and the total population is about 387.5 million people.

The history of the development of the continent is divided into 3 characteristic periods:

• Autochthonous civilizations: the stage of formation, flourishing and complete collapse of local civilizations (Indian ethnic groups, including the Incas).
• Colonization (XVI-XVIII centuries): almost the entire continent had the status of Spanish and Portuguese colonies. The period of the birth of statehood.
• independent stage. characterized by highly unstable political and economic development, but the final formation of state borders.

Geological and climatic features

If you look at the extreme points of South America, you can see that the continent stretched for a long distance from north to south, which causes a variety of geological forms and climatic zones. In general terms geological structure can be assessed as the existence of a mountainous western part and a flat east. The average height of the mainland of South America is about 580 m above sea level, but mountain ranges with fairly high peaks predominate in the west. Almost along the entire western coast of the ocean stretched a mountain range - the Andes.

In the northern part is the elevated Guiana, and in the eastern part - the Brazilian plateau. Between these two hills, a large area is occupied by the Amazonian lowland, formed by the river of the same name. The mountain system belongs to young geological formations and is distinguished by volcanic activity, as well as fairly frequent earthquakes.

A significant territory in the southwest of the continent was captured by the lifeless Atacama Desert. In addition to the Amazon, the lowland plains form 2 more large rivers - the Orinoco (Orinoco lowland) and the Parana (La Platskaya lowland).

The natural zones of South America change as they move away from the equator - from a very hot equatorial belt in the north of the continent to a cold polar zone in the extreme south (in areas approaching Antarctica). The main climatic zones are the equatorial zone, subequatorial zone (on both sides of the equator), tropical, subtropical and temperate zones.

The tropical and subequatorial zones cover most of South America, causing a characteristic alternation of very wet and extremely dry periods. The Amazonian lowland is dominated by an equatorial climate with constant humid heat, and closer to the south of the continent, a subtropical and then a temperate climate first appear. In flat areas, i.e. on a large area of ​​the northern part of the continent, the air warms up to 21-27°C all year round, but in the south temperatures of 11-12°C can be observed even in summer.

Based on geographic location winter period in South America - June-August, and summer season- December-February. Seasonality is clearly manifested only with distance from the tropics. In winter, in the south of the mainland, the temperature often drops to frost. The high humidity of South America should be highlighted - it is considered the wettest continent. At the same time, the Atacama Desert is one of the places where any precipitation is very rare.

Natural features of the continent

A variety of climatic zones leads to a variety of natural manifestations. A kind of calling card is the Amazonian jungle, which occupies a vast territory. In many places of impenetrable forests, no human foot has yet set foot. Given the area it occupies, this jungle is called the "lungs of the planet".

The forest of the Amazon and other plains of the equatorial and tropical zones amazes with an abundance of flora species. The vegetation is so dense that it is almost impossible to pass. Everything grows upward, towards the sun - as a result, the height of the vegetation exceeds 100 m, and longline life takes place at different heights. Vegetation can be distributed on 11-12 levels. The most characteristic plant of the jungle is the ceiba. Meets a large number of different types palm trees, melon tree and many other varieties of flora.

The most famous animals of South America live in the Amazon region. Here you can see the rarest representative of the fauna - the sloth. The selva becomes a haven for the smallest bird in the world - a hummingbird, a large number of amphibians (including a poisonous frog). Huge anacondas strike, the champion among rodents - calibaru, tapirs, freshwater dolphins, jaguars. Only here there is a wild cat - an ocelot. Crocodiles live in huge numbers in the Amazon itself and its tributaries. The predator has become legendary - piranha fish.

After the Amazonian selva, the turn comes to the savannahs. Only here you can find a quebracho tree with very hard wood. Small forests of savannahs give way to the steppe. Savannah fauna is also able to amaze with its inhabitants. Armadillos are a special pride of South Americans. Anteaters, rhea (ostriches), puma, kinkajou, spectacled bear are found in the savannas. Lamas and deer graze in the steppe regions. Mountain llama and alpaca can be found in mountainous areas.

natural attractions

The natural attractions of South America can safely be counted as entire areas that amaze with their originality and pristine nature. Unique in all respects is the southern tip of the mainland - the island of Tierra del Fuego, blown by Antarctic winds and storms. The entire mountain range (Andes) with its frozen and active volcanoes and pointed peaks. The highest peak, Aconcagua Peak (6960 m), is very beautiful.

The river system of the continent is represented major rivers. It is in South America - the highest waterfall - Angel, as well as the most powerful waterfall - Iguazu. South American lakes are very beautiful - Titicaca, Maracaibo, Patus.

statehood on the continent

As the continent was liberated from the colonialists, states were formed. By the 21st century, the list of South American countries with independence includes 12 states. This list also includes 3 territories administered by other countries.

The list of countries looks like this:

• Brazil. The largest state - with an area of ​​​​more than 8.5 million square meters. km and with a population of 192 million people. The capital is the city of Brasilia, and the most Big City- Rio de Janeiro. The official language is Portuguese. The most spectacular and attracting tourist event is the carnival. It is here that the main beauty of the Amazon, Iguazu Falls, beautiful Atlantic beaches are located.
• Argentina. The second country in terms of size and population (area - more than 2.7 million square kilometers, population - about 40.7 million people). The official language is Spanish. The capital is Buenos Aires. The main tourist attractions are the Museum of the End of the World in Ushuaia (in the very south of the continent), silver mines, Patagonia with Indian exoticism, a reserve with waterfalls.
• Bolivia. A state in the central part of the mainland without access to the ocean. The area is almost 1.1 million square meters. km, and the population is 8.9 million people. The official capital is Sucre, but in fact its role is played by La Paz. Main attractions: Lake Titicaca, the eastern slopes of the Andes, Indian national events.
• Venezuela. Northern part of the continent with access to the Caribbean Sea. The area is a little over 0.9 million square meters. km, population - 26.4 million people. The capital is Caracas. Here is the Angel Falls, Avila National Park, the longest cable car.
• Guyana. It is located in the northeast and is washed by the ocean. Area - 0.2 million square meters. km, population - 770 thousand people. The capital is Georgetown. Almost all of it is covered with jungle, which attracts eco-tourists. Attractions: waterfalls, National parks, savannah.
• Colombia. A country in the northwest, with an area of ​​1.1 million square meters. km and a population of 45 million people. The capital is Bogota. with Russia has visa-free regime. It is famous for its historical museums, beaches, national parks.
• Paraguay. It occupies almost the center of South America, but has no access to the ocean. Territory - 0.4 million square meters. km, population - 6.4 million people. The capital is Asuncion. Well preserved monuments of the Jesuit period.
• Peru. It is located in the west of the mainland, on the Pacific coast. The area is a little less than 1.3 million square meters. km, and the population is 28 million people. The capital is Lima. Here are the main monuments of the Inca state - Machu Picchu, the mystical lines of Nazca, more than 150 museums.
• Suriname. The northeastern part of the continent, with a territory of about 160 thousand square meters. km and a population of 440 thousand people. The capital is Paramaribo. Routes to the waterfalls of Atabru, Kau, Uonotobo, the Galibi reserve, and Indian settlements are open for tourists.
• Uruguay. Country in the southeastern part of the mainland with its capital in Montevideo. Area - 176 thousand square meters. km, population - 3.5 million people. It is famous for its colorful carnival. Tourists are attracted by beautiful beaches and architectural sights.
• Chile. The state stretched along the Pacific coast and is limited by the high ridge of the Andes. Area - 757 thousand square meters. km, population - 16.5 million people. The capital is Santiago. The country has developed balneological rehabilitation, ski centers. There are beautiful beaches and national parks.
• Ecuador. A country in the northeastern part with a territory of just over 280 thousand square meters. km and a population of almost 14 million people, with the capital Quito. The most attractive places Galapagos Islands, national park, lakes, Ingapirku monuments, museums.

In addition to independent states, in South America there are territories controlled by other states: Guiana (overseas territory of France); the South Sandwich Islands and South Georgia (under British administration), as well as the Falkland or Malvinas Islands, over which there is a long dispute between the UK and Argentina.

The countries of South America are considered quite attractive for tourists different countries peace. Here you can enjoy the pristine nature, historical monuments, relax on the beautiful beaches.

There are many countries on it, for example, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, Brazil. Almost each of them has access to the sea, since the size of the mainland is not too large. What kind of waters is it washed by?

Pacific Ocean

It is worth starting to list the oceans washing from the Pacific. It is the oldest and largest on the planet, with an area of ​​178 million kilometers. On such a territory, it would be easy to place all the continents at the same time. The name is associated with a traveler who first visited the ocean in fine weather and was captivated by its calmness. It has an oval shape with the widest part at the equator. It was only in the nineteenth century that it was really possible to explore it widely, although the first expeditions to study the coastline of South America were carried out by James Cook and Ferdinand Magellan. Now these issues are dealt with by a special international organization.

Near the Tuamotu Islands, the ocean is often stormy, but off the coast of South America, the weather is stable, with a light wind. Calm areas are characterized by periodic showers. The Pacific Ocean has a significant impact on life in the countries of South America. Many states are engaged in fishing in the water area, they harvest shellfish, crabs, and in some regions they grow edible algae.

Atlantic Ocean

Listing the oceans washing South America, the second is to mention the Atlantic. It covers an area of ​​92 million square kilometers and is distinguished by the fact that it unites the polar regions of the earth. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge runs through the center of the ocean, along which various volcanic islands rise from the water. The most famous of them can be called Iceland. The deepest part is located off the coast of South America: the Puerto Rico depression reaches a depth of 8742 meters. In the tropical part, southeast trade winds blow and there are no cyclones, off the coast of Brazil they have green color, while dark blue prevails in other areas. Where the Amazon flows into the Atlantic, the water seems cloudy, in addition, this is a place of low salinity, which is why there are no corals here, but other animals and plants thrive in abundance. During the Age of Discovery, the ocean was the most important waterway to South America.

Unofficial Southern Ocean

In geography, even now there are many controversial topics. The traditional answer to the question of which oceans surround South America suggests two names. But there is another theory. According to her, the ring of waters that separates the mainland from Antarctica has the features of a separate ocean. Despite the fact that the issue of borders remains difficult, some scholars distinguish this territory. South ocean covers 86 million square kilometers, its average depth is about 3 kilometers, and the lowest point is the South Sandwich Trench. Off the coast of America, there are quite gentle slopes, and at the bottom there are small ridges and basins. Currents and bottom sediments affect mainly Antarctica. In South America, it is difficult to notice the influence of this hypothetical ocean.

caribbean sea

The position of the mainland greatly affects the life of its inhabitants, industry and even climate. Studying the seas and oceans washing South America, it is not difficult to be convinced of this. For example, the Caribbean Sea is a popular region for vacation travel and an area rich in oil. It is located in the north of South America, covering an area of ​​2 million square kilometers. Washes the shores of Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. There are many coral reefs here. The coastline of South America is full of all kinds of bays and bays. This territory is the only answer to the question of which seas wash South America, and is located in a tropical climate with periodic hurricanes and precipitation from 250 to 9000 millimeters. Many fish, amphibians live here, and on the shores you can meet a variety of birds. Gorgeous beaches ensure the continued popularity of the Caribbean. The waters surrounding South America are popular with divers. However, ordinary travelers from Brazil, the USA and Canada also like to relax here.

warm currents

Listing the seas and oceans washing South America, many forget about the currents. Meanwhile, this can be called a serious mistake, because it is they who often determine the climate on the coast. The warmest parts of South America can be called the Atlantic regions: this ocean is warmer than the Pacific. The coasts washed by the Guiana and Brazilian currents stand out especially, they are the most comfortable and make eastern part mainland more popular destination for tourism.

cold currents

The seas and oceans surrounding South America are warm enough, but still the difference in the waters can be extremely noticeable. In the Pacific, many more of which pass close to the mainland. For example, near Antarctica, South America is washed by the Falkland Current and the West Wind Current. The latter was named so in the era of the great geographical discoveries. The west coast is also washed by the cold, which is why the climate and fauna in Peru differ markedly from those in Brazil. At the same time, the arrangement of countries is quite similar. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account not only the seas and oceans washing South America, but also the currents.