South America is a Southern Hemisphere continent. It is the fourth largest continent in the world, with a total land area of 17.84 million square kilometers. With an interesting array of cultures, panoramas, and wonders, South America is more than a place to visit. This continent of the world also holds many secrets. So, get to know the 10 most interesting facts about South America that will blow your mind!
1. South America Boasts The World’s Highest Capital City.
La Paz stands in Bolivia’s west-central area, approximately 40 miles southeast of Lake Titicaca. Lake Titicaca contains some of the most revered Inca monuments like Isla del Sol. La Paz is a great spot to see a different aspect of South America and a distinct culture. Surprisingly, La Paz also possesses the world’s largest urban cable car network. This cable network consists of ten lines and 26 stations.
2. The Official Language In Nine South American Countries Is Spanish.
Spanish is the language most people in South America speak, with Portuguese—the official language of Brazil—coming in second. Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay are the nine Spanish-speaking countries in South America. Even though Spanish is the primary language of all of these countries, several of them have additional registered languages, including historic indigenous languages. Bolivia has almost 30 that are publicly recognized!
3. The Second Longest River On Earth, the Amazon Traverses Nine Different Countries In Latin America.
With an extent of 7,000,000 square kilometers (2,700,000 square miles), the Amazon River Basin is the world’s largest watershed, occupying almost the entire of northern South America. It has the most water of any river in the world and is home to many wonderful creatures. Although the Brazilian and Peruvian sections of the Amazon are likely the most popular, the Amazon stretches across nine South American countries. These nine countries are Peru (where the river starts), Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana.
4. The Name South America Comes From an Italian Explorer.
On 17 August 1501, Vespucci learned that current Brazil was not part of Asia, but of a New World, and the German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller named the new continent of America after him in a map published on 25 April 1507. While Christopher Columbus was the first person to arrive in the New World from Europe, Vespucci was the first European to set foot on the future South American continent. He was the first to propose that North America and South America were distinct continents apart from the East Indies.
5. Cuba Is The Proud Location Of A Truly Amazing Coral Barrier Reef.
Cuba in South America has the Caribbean’s largest marine reserve known as the ‘Gardens of the Queen’. Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, and they are in danger of dying along many Caribbean beaches. However, the reef is fully alive in this protected region of Cuba. Stony corals form the branching shapes that serve as the foundation for coral reefs. These organisms spend their adult lifespan connected to the land covering the major part of the seafloor. And it totally makes sense when South America claims to have one of the most impressive coral reefs on the planet Earth.
6. South America Has More Than 300 National Parks.
South America has the most attractive ecological preserves and national parks in the whole world. The continent has nearly 300 national parks that cover high altitude regions and charming seaside getaways. Natural parks are protected by the appropriate government as hubs for nature and biodiversity, usually for conservation purposes. Although there are a lot more to choose from, El Cajas National Park and the Galapagos are loved more! The natives of South America show special care towards preserving the breathtaking natural world.
7. The Galapagos Islands In Ecuador Inspired Charles Darwin.
A young biologist named Charles Darwin stood on the shores of Chatham Island, one of the Galapagos Islands, on the HMS Beagle. Darwin’s Theory of Evolution has permanently linked Charles Darwin and the Galapagos Islands. The Islands inspired him to develop his landmark dissertation on evolution. Today, 186 years after Darwin first visited the Galapagos Islands; their link is as strong as ever. Darwin noted similarities in the Galapagos Islands’ fauna, the variations, and adaptation to their unique surroundings. His work on the Theory of Evolution influenced scientific knowledge about the biological beginnings of life.
8. Patagonia Is Famous For Its Wildlife And World’s Largest Number Of Penguins.
Patagonia, centered between Argentina and Chile, is famous for its breathtaking views of glaciers, forests, and animal life like penguins. Its bеauty is unrivalled, making it a haven for travellers looking for a unique еxperiеncе. Visitors to the region will be wowed by the pretty penguins and the abundance of natural features like towering mountains and diverse flora and fauna. Especially if you like adventures, land and water activities are also available, providing rich excitement when you go into this wild corner of the natural world.
9. There Are Two Landlocked Countries In South America.
Out of the twelve sovereign countries and two non-sovereign areas in South America, the two countries are landlocked: Bolivia and Paraguay. Beyond Afro-Eurasia, which includes the continents of Europe, Africa, and Asia, these two nations are the only landlocked nations. Among the most surprising facts about South America, one that stands out is that Bolivia still has a navy, with Lake Titicaca serving as its training site. Because of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean via the Paraguay-Paraná Rivers, Paraguay also has a navy.
10. Brazil’s Capital, Brasilia, Looks Like An Aeroplane.
An aerial view of Brasilia’s streets and buildings shows a repeated design with smooth curves. Although not as detailed, the shape of the metropolis is similar to that of an aeroplane. The city’s center lines up towards the east, producing a straight path with the apex at the most eastern point. Rectangular units of buildings bend in the shape of aircraft wings from this straight in the center of Brasilia, one to the north and the other to the south.
Fun Facts About South America
Well, you know the continent has so much to offer; now it’s time to explore its more fun and fascinating facts. Here’s the most recent collection of fun facts about South America.
- South America is where potatoes first originated.
- The enchanting story of “En Canto” is set in South America.
- South America is home to the sensual tango dance.
- Peru is the Rainbow Mountain Country.
- In Paraguay, there are no doorbells.
- The world’s largest producer of coffee Brazil is located on this continent.
- Bolivia is home to the world’s largest salt flat.
- Every month, Argentina celebrates Gnocchi Day.
