South America

The Andes Mountains are the longest continental mountain range in the world. They form a continuous highland along the western coast of South America. The Andean Region extends north-south from Caribbean Venezuela through the Atacama Desert to cold, windy, wet Cape Horn.

Argentina's water bodies include many lakes, rivers, and lagoons. Most rivers that crisscross the country originate in the Andes range and eventually empty into the Atlantic Ocean. Gulfs and bays pocket the coasts, while lakes and lagoons dot the countryside and fill mountaintop craters.

The cultural landscape of Argentina is a diverse and complex one, reflecting the country's rich history and heritage. The country's indigenous peoples, colonization by the Spanish, European immigration, and a diverse natural landscape have significantly impacted the country's culture.

Argentina is a vast and diverse country with a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. While it's not typically associated with islands in the same way as some other countries, several notable islands and archipelagos are worth mentioning.

Argentina is a vast country with diverse geography, home to several mountain ranges spread across different regions.  From the towering peaks of the Andes to the picturesque hills of the Sierra de la Ventana, Argentina's mountains provide a diverse range of experiences for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Argentina is the second largest country in South America after Brazil and the eighth largest country in the world. With the Andes forming its western border with Chile, the country's varied geography can be grouped into four geographic regions or sectors and seven natural regions or ecosystems.

Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America, which means it lacks direct access to the ocean. However, it is home to several notable water bodies that play a vital role in the country's geography, ecology, and cultural heritage.

Bolivia has a diverse and extensive array of mountain ranges, shaped predominantly by the Andes Mountains, which run through its western region. These ranges offer breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance.

Stretching in a broad arc across western Bolivia, the Andes define the country's geographic zones. The Western zone features the Andes and the Altiplano. The Central zone features the Semitropical Yungas, the Highland Valleys, and the Gran Chaco. The Eastern Zone features the Tropical Lowlands.

Brazil, the largest country in South America, is blessed with a wide variety of water bodies that span its vast and diverse landscape. The country offers a remarkable range of aquatic environments, from mighty rivers and expansive wetlands to breathtaking waterfalls and stunning coastal areas.

Brazil has a rich and diverse cultural landscape shaped by its history, indigenous heritage, African influence, European colonization, and immigrant communities. The country is known for its vibrant arts, music, dance, cuisine, literature, and religious practices.

The islands and archipelagos of Brazil are diverse, ranging from the remote and uninhabited Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago to the popular tourist destination of Fernando de Noronha. Brazil's islands offer an array of natural wonders and cultural treasures.

Brazil is a vast country with diverse geography, but it is primarily known for its extensive lowland areas and the Amazon Rainforest. Brazil's mountains are predominantly found in the southeastern and southern regions of the country. These ranges include cliffs, dense rainforests, and high-altitude plateaus.

Brazil is South America's largest country, occupying half of its landmass. It is the fifth largest country in the world and is regarded as the most biodiverse country on Earth. The country is conventionally divided into five geographic regions corresponding to its significant landforms and biomes.

The Central Amazon Ecological Corridor encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems within the Amazon Rainforest. Stretching across the heart of the Amazon Basin, this ecological corridor plays a role in preserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and promoting sustainable development.

The Central Atlantic Forest Ecological Corridor is a remarkable and critically important conservation initiative in Brazil to connect and protect fragmented patches of the Atlantic Forest biome. This ecological corridor represents a vital lifeline for some of the world's most threatened and diverse ecosystems.

Chile is home to a variety of water bodies, ranging from expansive rivers and lakes to stunning gulfs, bays, and fjords. Its extensive coastline stretches along the Pacific Ocean, offering dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, and vibrant marine life.

Chile's cultural landscape is multifaceted and captivating, from ancient civilizations to Spanish colonial influences and contemporary art scenes. Its literature, music, dance, cuisine, and celebrations reflect the country's diverse roots, traditions, and evolving identity.

Situated along the Pacific coast of South America, Chile is home to several notable archipelagos and a host of individual islands, each with its unique characteristics and significance. The islands and archipelagos of Chile form a diverse and captivating collection of landforms.

Chile is known for its diverse mountainous landscapes, a prominent feature of its geography. The mountain ranges of Chile offer a wide range of ecosystems, geological formations, and cultural significance. They contribute to the country's stunning landscapes, unique ecology, and cultural heritage.

Spanning about 2,700 miles north to south, Chile’s natural landscape includes deserts, grasslands, shrublands, and temperate and tropical forests. Geographers generally divide Chile into five regions or zones, each with its characteristic vegetation, fauna, climate, and topography.

Chile's vast national park system is a testament to its commitment to preserving its natural heritage. These protected areas, from the Atacama Desert to Tierra del Fuego, harbor diverse ecosystems and abundant biodiversity. The system's crown jewel is the Route of Parks of Patagonia.

The bodies of water of Colombia contribute to the country's diverse natural beauty, provide vital resources, and support a variety of ecosystems and human activities. They offer opportunities for tourism, recreation, and exploring Colombia's rich aquatic environments.

Colombia's cultural landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of indigenous heritage, Spanish colonial influences, African traditions, and contemporary expressions. The country is known for its diverse cultural practices, arts, literature, music, cuisine, and festivals.

Colombia has many islands and archipelagos in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. These islands vary in size, culture, and natural beauty. Each destination has its unique charm, from pristine beaches and vibrant marine life to historical sites and cultural experiences.

The mountain ranges of Colombia contribute to the country's diverse landscapes and ecological importance and offer outdoor activities, research, and exploration opportunities. They showcase the remarkable geographical features and natural beauty that make Colombia a unique and fascinating country to study.

Colombia is considered a land of extremes. Located in northwestern South America, its geographic landscape varies from the snow-covered Andes mountains to the tropical beaches of the Caribbean Sea. Due to its variety of ecosystems, Colombia is among the top countries in terms of biodiversity.

The Continental Divide of the Americas is the principal hydrological divide of the Americas, extending from the northern reaches of North America to the southern reaches of South America. It separates the watersheds that drain into the Pacific from those river systems that drain into the Atlantic.

Ecuador is a country in South America home to various water bodies. The Pacific Ocean borders the country to the west. The Amazon River runs through Ecuador, and the country hosts many other rivers, lakes, lagoons, and reservoirs that are essential to the country's natural and cultural heritage.

Ecuador, located in the northwestern part of South America, boasts a rich and diverse cultural landscape shaped by its history, geography, and vibrant mix of indigenous, European, and African influences. The cultural landscape is a rich tapestry of heritage, tradition, and a profound appreciation for nature.

Ecuador's islands collectively embody the natural wonders and cultural significance of its diverse ecosystems. The Galápagos Islands, in particular, stand out as a global symbol of conservation and a living laboratory for studying evolutionary biology.

Ecuador is characterized by its stunning and diverse mountainous regions primarily centered around the Andes, which run from north to south through the heart of the country. These mountainous areas shape the country's unique geography, climate, and culture.

Ecuador encompasses a wide range of natural landscapes and climates, from the arid Pacific lowland coast to the snowcapped peaks of the Andes to the eastern tropical lowland plains of Amazonia. It also includes the Galápagos Islands off the country's western coast in the Pacific Ocean.

The cultural landscape of El Salvador is a vibrant fusion of indigenous, European, and contemporary influences. The country's history is marked by the ancient Mayan civilization, Spanish colonization, and subsequent waves of immigration. This blend of cultures has shaped El Salvador's traditions, customs, language, cuisine, and arts.

The Falkland Islands, known as the Islas Malvinas in Spanish, is a disputed territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean, off the southern coast of Argentina. The archipelago comprises two main islands and hundreds of smaller islands and islets.

French Guiana hosts diverse bodies of water, contributing to its unique ecological and cultural landscape. These water bodies are essential in supporting local communities, sustaining biodiversity, and providing opportunities for ecotourism, fishing, and other recreational activities.

French Guiana's cultural landscape is a fascinating blend of indigenous, African, European, and Asian influences, shaped by its historical legacy and multicultural population. This unique combination contributes to the region's vibrant traditions, languages, music, cuisine, and cultural richness.

French Guiana, an overseas territorial collectivity of France, is located on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America. Almost the entire territory is covered by rainforest, and its many large rivers and streams constitute the only natural means of penetration into the interior.

From large rivers and extensive estuaries to coastal lagoons and offshore zones, Guyana's bodies of water provide a wealth of natural resources, support a wide array of wildlife, and offer numerous opportunities for recreation and livelihoods.

Guyana, located on the northern coast of South America, boasts a rich and diverse cultural landscape shaped by its history, ethnic makeup, and geographical characteristics. The country is known for its fusion of indigenous, African, Indian, European, and Chinese cultures.

Guyana is located in northeastern South America with an Atlantic coastline, much of which is below sea level at high tide. Sometimes classified as part of the Caribbean region, Guyana can be divided into geographic zones, including a coastal plain, a white sand belt, and interior highlands.

Paraguay has a rich and diverse cultural landscape shaped by its indigenous heritage, colonial history, and the fusion of various ethnic influences. Blending indigenous, colonial, and contemporary influences has shaped a unique cultural identity.

Peru is home to a multitude of diverse bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, lagoons, gulfs, and bays. These waterways play a vital role in sustaining ecosystems and supporting livelihoods, agriculture, and tourism in this geographically rich and diverse country.

Peru is known for its diverse landscapes, including islands scattered along its Pacific coastline and lakes. While not as renowned for its islands and archipelagos as some other countries, Peru has several notable ones contributing to its biodiversity and cultural diversity.

Peru hosts a diverse and awe-inspiring array of mountain ranges that form part of the larger Andes mountain range. These ranges stretch from north to south, shaping the country's topography and providing a home to unique ecosystems and cultural heritage.

Located on the western coast of South America, Peru is one of the world's most biologically diverse countries. Its biodiversity can be organized into four main biomes. Geographically, Peru is traditionally described in terms of three broad longitudinal regions: the Costa, the Sierra, and the Amazonia.

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) is a British Overseas Territory in the southern Atlantic Ocean. Ecologically and historically significant, the territory comprises two main groups of islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, which are both remote and uninhabited.

Many of Suriname's water bodies are ecologically significant, providing habitats for various plant and animal species. These are some of the significant bodies of water in Suriname, each with its significance for transportation, trade, agriculture, and ecology.

Suriname's cultural landscape is a captivating blend of indigenous heritage, colonial influences, African traditions, and immigrant communities. This diversity, expressed through art, music, cuisine, festivals, and daily life, creates a unique and dynamic cultural experience for residents and visitors alike.

Suriname is located on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America and is its smallest sovereign state. The geography of Suriname consists of rainforests, savanna, and coastal swamps. Its forest cover is approximately 90%, the highest of any nation worldwide.

Latin America, a vast and diverse region, stretches from the southern border of the United States to the southern tip of South America, encompassing many countries, cultures, landforms, and ecosystems, including Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

South America, situated between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, offers captivating beauty and cultural diversity, stretching from the Amazon jungles in the north to Patagonia in the south, creating a tapestry of landscapes that has fascinated explorers and travelers for centuries.

The Southern Cone is a captivating geographical and cultural subregion in the southernmost reaches of South America. Distinguished as the most prosperous subregion in Latin America, it traditionally encompasses Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, occasionally extending to Brazil's southernmost states.

The Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena hotspot includes the tropical forests of the Pacific coast of northwestern South America and the Galápagos Islands. Stretching from southern Panama to northern Peru, this biodiversity hotspot consists of many endemic species and habitats.

Uruguay has limited bodies of water due to its compact size and geographical features. While Uruguay's bodies of water may not be as extensive as some of its neighboring countries, they still play essential roles in its geography, economy, and cultural identity.

Uruguay, a small South American country between Brazil and Argentina, has a rich and diverse cultural landscape. Its culture blends indigenous roots, European influences, rural traditions, vibrant festivals, intellectualism, and a love for sports and the arts.

Uruguay is located in the Southern Cone of South America on the southeastern Atlantic coast. Much of the country is a gently rolling plain that represents a transition from the almost featureless Argentine pampas in the west to the hilly uplands of southern Brazil in the east.

Venezuela boasts diverse water bodies that significantly impact its geography, ecosystems, and human activities. These water bodies play a crucial role in the country, serving as transportation routes, supporting agriculture in the fertile Llanos plains, and providing habitats for numerous aquatic species.

Venezuela's cultural landscape showcases the blend of indigenous, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, creating a diverse and vibrant tapestry. It reflects the country's rich heritage, artistic expression, and unique sense of identity.

Venezuela stretches along the northern coast of South America and embraces a tapestry of islands and archipelagos that dot the surrounding Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Venezuela. Steeped in history and ecologically significant, these islands and archipelagos offer an array of landscapes.

Venezuela has diverse mountain ranges with stunning landscapes and ecological significance. These mountain ranges in Venezuela contribute to the country's breathtaking natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage.

Venezuela is located on the northern coast of South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the north and northeast. The country has four distinct geographical regions: the Venezuelan Highlands, the Maracaibo Lowlands, the Orinoco Plains, and the Guiana Highlands.