South America

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 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.

The culture of Bolivia is incredibly diverse and rich, reflecting the country's multicultural heritage and the blending of indigenous, European, and African influences. The cultural landscape of Bolivia is shaped by its history, geography, and the traditions of its various ethnic groups.

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 has a rich and diverse cultural landscape shaped by a fusion of indigenous, European, African, and immigrant influences. Its vast size and multicultural heritage contribute to a vibrant and varied cultural scene evident in its arts, music, literature, cuisine, and traditions.

Brazil is the largest country in South America and occupies 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 major landforms and biomes.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

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 is a land-locked country located in the south-central region of South America. The Paraguay River divides the country into two distinct eastern and western geographic regions: Paraneña, where 95% of the population resides, and Chaco Boreal.

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.

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.

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 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.