Learn about South American geography with these maps, weather reports, volcanic activity, environmental concerns, plus wildlife and ecological issues.
South America has a tremendously varied, vibrant and unusual number of plants and trees. These flora have adapted to their environment, tropical or Andean, and present us with a colorful surprise, from a tiny fragiel orchid to a huge nut tree.
"South America has an area of 17,840,000 km˛ (6,890,000 sq mi), or almost 3.5% of the Earth's surface. As of 2005, its population was estimated at more than 371,000,000. South America ranks fourth in area (after Asia, Africa, and North America) and fifth in population (after Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America)."
"Geographically, South America is generally considered a continent forming the southern portion of the American landmass, south and east of the Panama Canal transecting the Isthmus of Panama."
Current local times in South America, sortable by country, city and time zone.
Spectacular South America boasts so many marvels of landscape, wildlife, geographic formations and natural wonders that it is hard to narrow the list to only these attractions, among the top destinations of South America.
This simple chart provides countries and capitals, plus links to updated World Fact Book data, and maps.
Enjoy these photographs, taken on various NASA missions, of South American cities. Seen from above, the scope, toppgraphy, natural landmarks and distinctive features vary in clarity, yet each photograph is a unique way to learn about the city and surrounding area.
The cities mentioned on this list are South America's largest, either by size, population or both. It's not surprising that Brazil, South America's largest country has five cities listed. Not all cities are tourist destinations, but each has its own attractions, history and sightseeing oppourtunities.
Map of South America with the names of capital cities.
Vegetation details by country/region, plus a regional overview.
Both the highest and lowest points are in Argentina, but did you know that the lowest "high" point is in Uruguay?
"This true color image of the Central Andes and surrounding landscape was acquired by the Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), flying aboard NASA’s Terra spacecraft."
Wonderful resources to understand our physical world from my colleague Matt Rosenberg.
"The Guanaco cultural area includes the regions of present day Uruguay and Argentina. Some of the main land formations in this area include the Rio de la Plata located between Argentina and Uruguay, which is fed from the Atlantic Ocean; the Rio Panama in Northern Argentina; and the Pampas, which is a plains area in northern Argentina."
Get the distance as the crow flies from one geographical point to another.
Compare or browse the collection of facts, statistics, charts, maps and trivia for South American countries.
A superb map with country borders and cities imposed on the landscape. From National Geographic.
Map from Infoplease Atlas allows you to click on a country for details and a country profile. Very clear.
Location of high points on the continent on this map.
Can you identify my location by a photo? Take this fun geography of South America quiz and see how well you know the continent.
