Facts on South America

South America is one of the seven continents of the world. It nestles between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. It was discovered by an European explorer Amerigo Vespucci.

Area wise, South America is the fourth largest continent after Asia, Africa and North America and the fifth largest population after Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. South America has many natural resources and the Amazon Basin is considered to be the home of many resources. River Amazon is one of the largest rivers in the world.

Historical Facts on South America

There are historical evidences to prove that a civilization known as Chavin spanned from 900 BC to 300 BC. Many artifacts have been found at a site called Chavin de Huanter, Peru at an altitude of 3,177 meters. Trade network and agriculture had developed during the Chavin civilization

One of the oldest civilizations of South America is the Inca civilization. The capital of the Inca civilization was the city of Cusco in the Andes. The Incas were known for their distinct and developed culture. The ruins of the Inca civilization suggest that cities were built with unmatched stonework and constructed with great precision. Historians opine successful brain surgeries were conducted by the Incas.

The natural resources of South America was exploited by the European countries such as Spain and Portugal. Many of the South American countries were colonies of these European nations.

Fun Facts on South America

Brazil, a South American country, has produced many brilliant and famous actresses such as Florionda Bolkan, Sonia Braga, Xuxa, Bruna Lombardi and Vera Fischer.

An English movie produced by a British director Alan William Parker, "Evita", was based on the life of the first lady of Argentina, Maria Eva Duarte de Peron.

Did you know that Colombia had hosted the Pan American Games in the year 1971?

Gabriel Jose Garcia Marquez, a South American, won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982.

South America has produce a few, world famous, sports personalities such as Joao Carlos de Oliveira, Robson Caetano da Silva, Joaquin Cruz and Rogerio Sampaio.

Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), Rapa Nui National Park (Chile), Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary (Colombia), Central Suriname Nature Reserve (Suriname) and Jesuit Missions of La Santisima Trinidad de Parana, Noel Kempff Mercado National Park (Bolivia), and Jesus de Tavarangue (Paraguay) is declared as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Did you know the Miss Universe beauty pageant was held in Lima, Peru in 1982?