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South America History Quiz

Test your knowledge!

By Bonnie Hamre, About.com

A.     The potato came to the rest of the world from:
  1. Ireland
  2. Bolivia
  3. Idaho
  4. Peru

B.     Brazil was "discovered" in 1500 by Juan Cabral. The first settlement was São Vicente in what is now São Paulo state. What was the first capital of Brazil?

  1. São Vicente
  2. Salvador
  3. Rio de Janeiro
  4. Brasilia

C.    El Libertador is the name given to:

  1. Bernardo O'Higgins
  2. José de San Martín
  3. Bolívar
  4. Che Guevara

D.    Which country in South America has been a kingdom with a king in residence?

  1. Brazil
  2. French Guiana
  3. Chile
  4. Colombia

E.    Often called the Switzerland of South America for a stable democracy and social benefits such as free education, this country also has a coast likened to the Riviera. This country is:

  1. Venezuela
  2. Guyana
  3. Uruguay
  4. Argentina

F.    The equivalent of the American cowboy is called a gaucho in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. What is he called in Venezuela?

  1. llanero
  2. sabanero
  3. huaso

G.   The festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria is celebrated in many countries of South America. In which country is it a week long festival?

  1. Bolivia
  2. Chile
  3. Peru
  4. Venezuela

H.    The Chaco War of 1932 - 1935 was fought over oil rights in the area known as the Gran Chaco. Which countries were involved in this war?

  1. Argentina and Paraguay
  2. Bolivia and Paraguay
  3. Brazil and Paraguay
  4. Peru and Paraguay

I.    Which UNESCO World Heritage city was an Inca city long before the Spanish conquistadores arrived?

  1. Arica, Chile
  2. La Paz, Bolivia
  3. Lima, Peru
  4. Quito, Ecuador

J.    This famous cemetery in Buenos Aires is the final resting place of Argentine notables. Eva Duarte de Perón is buried here.

  1. Cementerio General
  2. Cementerio de la Merced
  3. Cementerio Recoleta

How many answers did you know? Was this easy, just right or too hard?

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