South America Facts - Unveiling the Continent
Are you curious about South America’s unique landscapes and cultures? Dive into South America facts that reveal the continent’s ecological diversity, historic sites, and lively traditions. The continent of South America is home to wonders like the Amazon Rainforest and Andes Mountains.
Uncover interesting facts about South America, where countries with rich histories and unique natural beauty await discovery. Click on the countryballs of each nation to learn more about countries. Join us as we unveil South America facts that reflect the continent’s vibrant cultures.
Major Attractions
Machu Picchu: Ancient Inca city located in Peru, a World Heritage site.
Iguazu Falls: A stunning set of waterfalls on the border of Brazil and Argentina.
Carnival: Brazil's most famous festival, celebrated in Rio de Janeiro and other cities.
Inti Raymi: The Festival of the Sun in Peru, an ancient Incan celebration held in Cusco.
Galápagos Islands: Located off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos are known for their unique wildlife, including species found nowhere else on Earth.
Christ the Redeemer: An iconic statue located in Rio de Janeiro, recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Key Statistics
Area: 17.84 million square kilometers (6.89 million square miles)
Population: Approximately 430 million people
Number of Countries: 12
Languages: Predominantly Spanish and Portuguese
Largest Country by Area: Brazil makes up half of the continent (8.51 million km²)
Most Populous Country: Brazil (213 million people as of 2023)
Largest Economy: Brazil has the largest economy in South America, contributing significantly to the continent’s overall GDP.
Rainforest Coverage: Approximately 40% of South America is covered by the Amazon Rainforest.
Trivia
Amazon Rainforest: The Amazon produces about 20% of the world's oxygen and is often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth."
Biodiversity: South America is home to some of the most biodiverse countries in the world, including Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador.
World's Highest Capital: La Paz, Bolivia, is the highest capital city in the world, sitting at an elevation of about 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level.
World's Largest Coffee Producer: Brazil is the world’s largest producer and exporter of coffee, supplying over a third of the world’s coffee.
Land of Superlatives: South America is home to the highest waterfalls (Angel Falls), the driest desert (Atacama), and the largest rainforest (Amazon).
Major Geographical Features
Longest River: Amazon River (7,062 km / 4,388 miles)
Largest Lake: Lake Titicaca (8,372 square kilometers / 3,232 square miles)
Highest Mountain: Aconcagua (6,959 meters / 22,831 feet)
Largest Rainforest: Amazon (5.5 million square kilometers / 2.1 million square miles)
Largest Desert: Atacama Desert (105,000 square kilometers / 41,000 square miles)
Andes Mountains: The longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching over 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles).
Pantanal: The Pantanal, located mainly in Brazil, is the world’s largest tropical wetland area.