South America Banks – aGoodDir International Directory

South America covers an area of 17 814 000 km ² , which corresponds to 12.5% of the Earth’s continental surface. It extends for 7600 km, from the extreme north of Colombia to Tierra del Fuego (Chile). It is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north; the Atlantic Ocean, to the northeast; to the east and southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The separation between South America and Central America corresponds to the border between Panama and Colombia, in the Isthmus of Panama. The population is 346 504 000 residents (2000). On the west coast is located, from north to south and parallel to the coast, the Andes mountain range, in a volcanically active area where earthquakes and volcanoes are frequent; to the north are the great plain of the Amazon, the plateau of the Guianas and Mato Grosso.

South America, due to its extension in latitude and the influence exerted by the Andes, has hot, temperate and cold climates. Warm climates, in their equatorial and tropical variants, cover most of the continent. In the Amazon basin, the climate is equatorial, with high temperatures and rainfall throughout the year. The tropical climate corresponds to the coast of the Caribbean Sea and part of the Highlands of Brazil. In the domain of temperate climates, the humid subtropical climate includes the coast of southeastern Brazil, whereas on the Pacific façade and at a similar latitude, the climate is temperate Mediterranean. The desert climate has the best example of extreme aridity in the Atacama Desert, in Chile, considered the driest place in the world. In the southern section of the continent, the climate becomes progressively more harsh, with particularly harsh winters. In turn, low temperatures and dryness characterize the high mountain regions of the Andes.

Countries in South America

South America is the fourth largest continent, known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and vibrant history. According to southamericarecords, the continent comprises 12 countries:

Argentina: Known for its tango, beef, and diverse landscapes including the Andes mountains, glaciers, and the Pampas plains.
Bolivia: Famous for its high-altitude capital La Paz, stunning salt flats of Salar de Uyuni, and cultural heritage of indigenous peoples.
Brazil: The largest country in South America, home to the Amazon rainforest, iconic carnival in Rio de Janeiro, and diverse ecosystems.
Chile: Renowned for its long coastline, Andes mountains, Atacama Desert, and world-class wine regions.
Colombia: Known for its biodiversity, coffee plantations, vibrant cities like Bogotá and Medellín, and Caribbean coast.
Ecuador: Famous for the Galápagos Islands, Amazon rainforest, Andean landscapes, and indigenous markets.
Guyana: Known for its diverse wildlife, tropical rainforests, and the Kaieteur Falls.
Paraguay: Landlocked and known for its Guarani culture, Jesuit missions, and the Pantanal wetlands.
Peru: Home to Machu Picchu, the Andes mountains, Amazon rainforest, and diverse indigenous cultures.
Suriname: Known for its diverse ethnic makeup, tropical rainforests, and colonial architecture.
Uruguay: Renowned for its progressive policies, beaches along the Atlantic coast, and historic neighborhoods like Colonia del Sacramento.
Venezuela: Known for its Angel Falls, Orinoco River basin, and oil reserves, although recent political and economic challenges have impacted the country.