3.1.2

South America

Test yourself

The Geography of South America

South America is one of the seven continents on planet earth. One continent contains lots of different countries.

Illustrative background for South America’s physical geographyIllustrative background for South America’s physical geography ?? "content

South America’s physical geography

  • South America is home to the world’s largest river: the Amazon.
    • It flows through the Amazon rainforest.
Illustrative background for South America’s physical geographyIllustrative background for South America’s physical geography ?? "content

South America’s physical geography

  • The world’s driest place is also in South America: the Atacama Desert.
    • Here, the average rainfall is about 1 mm a year and some places have never had rain recorded!
Illustrative background for South America’s physical geographyIllustrative background for South America’s physical geography ?? "content

South America’s physical geography

  • Because it is home to the Amazon rainforest, South America is the continent with the highest biodiversity.
    • This means it is home to the highest number of plant and animal species.
Illustrative background for South America’s physical geographyIllustrative background for South America’s physical geography ?? "content

South America’s physical geography

  • There are 12 countries in South America including:
    • Brazil.
    • Peru.
    • Chile.
    • Argentina.
Illustrative background for South America’s human geographyIllustrative background for South America’s human geography ?? "content

South America’s human geography

  • The largest urban area in South America is Sao Paulo, Brazil.
    • Sao Paulo is home to over 12 million people.
    • This means that it is a mega-city.

Jump to other topics

1Geography Skills

2Geology of the UK

3Geography of the World

4Development

5Weather & Climate

6The World of Work

7Natural Resources

8Rivers

9Coasts

10Glaciers

11Tectonics

12Climate Change

13Global Population & Inequality

14Urbanisation

15Ecosystems

16Life in an Emerging Country

17Analysis of Africa

18Analysis of India

19Analysis of the Middle East

20Analysis of Bangladesh

21Analysis of Russia

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson