Exploring Our World: People, Places, and Cultures Grade 6

Chapter 6: South America Today

Chapter Overviews

South America’s countries are diverse. Brazil is the largest country in South America. Brazil’s culture is largely Portuguese because the Portuguese were the first and largest European group to settle the country. Most Brazilians live in cities, which has led to overcrowding and lack of services. Brazil achieved independence from Portugal in 1822, but it was not until 1958 that leaders were elected democratically. Today, Brazil is a federal republic.

Brazil has a large and productive economy. It is one of the world’s leading producers of agricultural products and has valuable mineral resources. Brazil has a large manufacturing sector located in São Paulo and other southeastern cities. Even though Brazil has a large and growing economy, many Brazilians are poor. To increase jobs and products for export, Brazil’s government has encouraged the deforestation of the Amazon rain forest. Deforestation, however, has led to the harmful environmental effects that have affected the whole planet. International efforts to stop deforestation conflict with the Brazil’s desire to improve its economy.

Venezuela and Colombia face problems that threaten their economic growth. Both countries are rich in resources, including oil, coal, and copper. Government unrest, however, has prevented their economies from fully developing.

Other countries, such as Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, share cultural ties with Britain, the Netherlands, and France. The countries have access to mineral deposits, but conflict over who has the rights to the minerals stunts economic development.

The Andean countries include Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. People of Native American descent live in the mountains. Most farm crops such as potatoes and corn. Many are poor and struggle for economic and political rights. Other economic activities include oil production and mining, but government unrest has slowed economic growth.

The Southern Cone region of South America includes Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay. After Brazil, Argentina is the second largest country on the continent. The Andes dominate western Argentina. A dry plateau called Patagonia lies to the east and south of the Andes. Vast, treeless plains called the Pampas are located in central Argentina. Most of the population lives in cities on the Pampas. Farming, ranching, and manufacturing are vital to Argentina’s economy. Economic growth, however, has been limited because of a high national debt.

Chile and Uruguay have numerous trade relationships with other countries. Because of this, economic downturns in other countries affect the countries’ economic growth. Mining and agriculture are the primary economic activities. Paraguay is the poorest country in the Southern Cone. Even though some farmers grow crops for export, many farmers only grow enough food to feed their own families.