Were there colonies in South America?

Countries such as Spain, France and Portugal colonized the region. Although most of Latin America was colonized by Spain, the countries of Portugal and France also had major influences on the region. Due to war and disease, native populations were decimated.

What are facts about South America?

South America is the fourth largest continent in size and the fifth largest when we consider population. The South American continent is located in the western hemisphere and mainly in the southern hemisphere.

What is unique about South America continent?

South America is a continent of extremes. It is home to the world’s largest river (the Amazon) as well as the world’s driest place (the Atacama Desert). With an unparalleled number of plant and animal species, South America’s rich biodiversity is unique among the world’s continents.

Who lived in South America before it was colonized?

Before the arrival of Europeans in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, the region was home to many indigenous peoples, a number of which had advanced civilizations, most notably from South; the Olmec, Maya, Muisca and Inca.

What is the oldest city in South America?

The Oldest Continuously Inhabited Cities in South America

Rank City First Recorded Human Settlement
1 Quito, Ecuador 980
2 Cusco, Peru 1,100
3 Cumana, Venezuela 1,515
4 Santa Marta, Colombia 1,525

When did South America separate from the rest of the world?

During the late Eocene, around 35 mya, Antarctica and South America separated and South America became a massive, biologically rich island-continent. During approximately 30 million years, the biodiversity of South America was isolated from the rest of the world, leading to the evolution of species within the continent.

What are some interesting facts about South America?

Fun Facts about South America In Laguna – southeastern Brazil – fishermen have learned how to catch fish with the help of dolphins. Ecuador is the first country in the world to have granted constitutional rights to Nature. The statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World” in 2007.

When did the Spanish start to colonize the Americas?

Beginning with the 1492 arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Caribbean and continuing control of vast territory for over three centuries, the Spanish Empire would expand across the Caribbean Islands, half of South America, most of Central America and much of North America (including present day Mexico, Florida and the Southwestern and Pacific

How did South America get its name South America?

South America was named after the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. Although the continent was first discovered by Columbus, it was Amerigo who first proved that it wasn’t part of the Far East (as postulated by Columbus). He was therefore given the honor of having the continent named after him.