South America is a continent rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. South America offers diverse landscapes and experiences, from the lush Amazon rainforest to the towering Andes Mountains.
Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru or witness the stunning Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina. The continent’s diverse wildlife, including jaguars, llamas, and anacondas, adds to the allure of its breathtaking landscapes.
This article will explore some interesting facts about South America that you may not have known.
Interesting South America Facts:
South America is the world’s fourth-largest continent
Covering an area of 17.8 million square kilometers, South America is the fourth largest continent in the world. It is surpassed only by Asia, Africa, and North America.
The Amazon Rainforest spans over half of South America
The Amazon rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest in the world and covers an area of approximately 6.7 million square kilometers.
It is home to over 10 million species of plants, animals, and insects.
The world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls is in South America
Angel Falls, located in Venezuela, is the highest waterfall in the world, with a height of 979 meters. It was named after Jimmy Angel, an American aviator who discovered the falls in 1933.
The world’s highest capital city is La Paz, Bolivia.
La Paz, the capital city of Bolivia, is the world’s highest capital city at an elevation of 3,650 meters above sea level.
Machu Picchu attracts the most tourists in South America
Machu Picchu, located in Peru, is one of South America’s most visited tourist attractions.
It is a 15th-century Inca citadel and was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti.
South America is the birthplace of the Tango
The Tango originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the late 19th century. It is a sensual dance that has since become popular around the world.
South America has the world’s longest mountain range, the Andes
The Andes Mountains run the entire length of the western coast of South America, spanning over 7,000 kilometers. They are the longest mountain range in the world.
South America has the world’s largest river by volume, the Amazon River
The Amazon River is the largest in the world by volume, with a flow rate of approximately 209,000 cubic meters per second.
The world’s driest desert, the Atacama Desert is in South America
The Atacama Desert, located in Chile, is the driest in the world. Some areas of the desert have not received rainfall for over 400 years.
South America has the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni
The Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is the world’s largest salt flat.
It covers an area of over 10,000 square kilometers and is a popular tourist destination.
South America has the world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon rainforest is the largest in the world, covering an area of approximately 6.7 million square kilometers.
South America has the highest commercially navigable lake, Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca, located on the border of Bolivia and Peru, is the highest commercially navigable lake in the world at an elevation of 3,812 meters above sea level.
South America has the world’s largest species of ant, the Bullet Ant
The leafcutter ant, found in the rainforests of South America, is the largest species of ant in the world. Some colonies can contain over 8 million ants.
The world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall is Angel Falls
While Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the world, it is not uninterrupted. That title goes to Tugela Falls, located in South Africa.
However, South America is home to Colombia’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, Salto del Tequendama, which drops 157 meters into the Bogotá River.
South America has a diverse array of languages
South America is home to many different languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, English, and indigenous languages such as Quechua, Aymara, Guarani, and Mapudungun.
South America has a rich mining history
South America is home to many of the world’s largest mineral deposits, including copper, gold, silver, iron ore, and lithium. Countries such as Chile, Peru, and Brazil have a long mining history.
The world’s largest carnival happens in South America, in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival is the largest Carnival celebration in the world, with over 2 million people taking to the streets each day during the festival.
It is a celebration of music, dance, and culture that lasts for several days.
South America has a diverse range of music styles
South America is home to many different styles of music, including salsa, samba, tango, reggaeton, and cumbia. Each country has its own unique musical traditions and influences.
South America is home to the world’s largest flying bird, the Andean Condor
The Andean condor, found in the Andes Mountains of South America, is the largest flying bird in the world.
It can have a wingspan of up to 3.2 meters and weigh up to 15 kilograms.
South America has a rich history of indigenous cultures
South America has a long history of indigenous cultures, with many different groups living in the region for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans.
Today, indigenous peoples comprise a significant portion of the population in many South American countries.
South America has one of the most diverse ecosystems
South America has diverse ecosystems, including the Amazon rainforest, the Andes Mountains, the Atacama Desert, the Patagonian Steppe, and the Galapagos Islands. Each ecosystem has its own unique flora and fauna.
South America has a rich literary tradition
South America has produced many great writers, including Gabriel García Márquez, Jorge Luis Borges, and Pablo Neruda.
These writers have had a significant impact on literature and culture around the world.
South America is home to the world’s largest rodent, the Capybara
The capybara in South America is the world’s largest rodent. It can weigh up to 66 kilograms and grow to be over 1.3 meters in length.
South America has a diverse range of cuisine
South American cuisine varies greatly from country to country, with each country having its own unique culinary traditions. Some popular dishes include ceviche, empanadas, churrasco, and feijoada.
South America has a rich history of soccer
South America has a long and rich soccer history, with many of the world’s greatest players hailing from the region.
Countries like Brazil and Argentina are known for their soccer prowess and have won multiple World Cups.
South America is home to the world’s largest swimming pool
The San Alfonso del Mar resort in Chile is home to the world’s largest swimming pool, measuring over 1 kilometer long and containing over 250 million liters of water.
South America has the largest river by volume, the Amazon River
The Amazon River in South America is the largest in the world by volume.
It has a total length of over 6,400 km and discharges more water than any other river worldwide.
South America has the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia
Ushuaia, located in Argentina, is the southernmost city in the world. It is located on the island of Tierra del Fuego and is known for its stunning natural beauty.
South America has a rich tradition of dance
South America is known for its lively and colorful dance traditions, including samba, tango, salsa, and cueca. Each country has its own unique dance styles and traditions.
South America is home to the world’s largest snake, the Green Anaconda
The anaconda, found in the Amazon rainforest, is the world’s largest snake. It can grow to be over 8 meters in length and weigh over 200 kilograms.
South America has a rich tradition of street art
Cities like Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Bogotá are known for their vibrant street art scenes. Many artists use the city’s walls as their canvas, creating colorful and thought-provoking works of art.
South America has a rich tradition of football (soccer)
Football, or soccer as it is known in the United States, is a beloved sport in South America.
The region has produced many great players, including Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi.
Are you ready to explore the wonders of South America with your kids? Our Free South America Facts Printables are expanding their knowledge about this vibrant continent. With just one easy click, you can download and print these educational resources.
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