The document summarizes the physical geography, history, people, culture, and economies of four South American countries - Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. It describes the major river systems like the Amazon and Parana rivers. It outlines the physical features, climates, and natural resources found across the region. It then provides more detailed histories and descriptions of the development and current situations of each individual country.

1. Chapter 10 Section 1 Physical Geography

2. Physical Features 4 Countries Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, & Paraguay Region covers 2/3 of South America Most of the physical features found in South America are found in these four countries

3. Major River Systems World’s largest river system Amazon: 4,000 miles long; extends from Andes Mts. to Atlantic Ocean; hundreds of tributaries; carries more water than any other river; freshwater flowing into Atlantic Ocean lowers the salt level of Atlantic waters for more than 100 miles out Parana River system: drains much of the central part of the region; 3,030 miles long; forms Paraguay’s border with Brazil & Argentina; flows into Paraguay River & continues to Rio de la Plata (an estuary) Estuary: is a partially enclosed body of water where freshwater mixes w/ salty seawater

4. Plains & Plateaus Plains & Plateaus Amazon River basin: giant, flat flood plain in northern Brazil Brazilian Highlands: region of old, eroded mts. in southeast Brazil Gran Chaco: area of flat, low plains covered with low trees, shrubs, & savannas Pampas: wide, grassy plains in central Argentina Patagonia: desert region of dry plains & plateaus in southern Argentina All southern plains rise in the west to form the high Andes Mts.

5. Climate & Vegetation Many climates The North: coastal region covered with tropical rain forests & savannas Highlands: humid subtropical climate like the southeastern U.S.; major agricultural areas Gran Chaco: humid tropical climate; water drains slowly & turns areas into marshlands; armadillos, pumas, red wolves, & 60 snake species Pampas: temperate grasslands; stretches for 400 miles; rich soils & humid subtropical climate make area a major farming region Patagonia desert: cool, desert climate Andes: block the Pacific Ocean’s rain-bearing storms Tropical, moist climates in northern & coastal areas; cooler climates in southern & highland areas Rain Forest: Amazon River basin supports world’s largest tropical rain forest; rain falls every day; world’s greatest variety of plant and animal life; piranhas, jaguars, anacondas, sloth, anteaters are some of the animals found here

6. Natural Resources Greatest Resource: Amazon Rain Forest Food, wood, rubber, natural plants, medical plants, & other products Forests cleared for mining, ranching, & farming Commercial agricultural Soil exhaustion is a problem (soil has lost nutrients) Minerals: gold, silver, copper, & iron Oil deposits Hydroelectric power from rivers

7. Section 2 Brazil

10. Colonial Brazil

11. First people were American Indians

12. Arrived 1,000’s years ago

13. Life based on hunting, fishing, & small-scale farming

14. 1500

15. Portuguese settlers came

16. Climate & soil made Brazil a large sugar growing colony

17. Slaves were brought in & worked alongside Brazilian Indians on plantations

19. Set up further inland by Portuguese

20. 1600s & early 1700s

21. Gold & precious gems were discovered in southeast

22. 1800s

24. Independence gained from Portugal w/o a fight

25. Economy did not change much w/ Independence

26. Last country in Americas to end slavery

27. Dictators & elected gov’t have ruled country since

28. Today has elected president & legislature

30. Religion World’s largest Roman Catholic population 75% Protestantism is growing popular among the urban poor Some practice Macumba African, Indian, & Catholic religious ideas and practices

31. Festivals & Food Celebrated before Lent Mixture of traditions from Africa, Brazil, & Europe Samba is danced during this time

32. Food Immigrant influences Eastern Brazil Vatapa is popular: mixes seafood, sauces, and red peppers Feijoada: stew of black beans and meat

33. Brazil Today Large size creates opportunities & challenges Region’s largest economy Many are poor Does have modern & prosperous areas Divided into 4 areas based on their people, economies, & landscape The Southeast: Most people live here; Sao Paulo = city of 17 million (megacity) & Ro De Janeiro = city of 11 million; richest region (natural resources & most of countries industries and productive farmland); also has poverty w/ huge slums called favelas

34. The Northeast: Area of many immigrants; poorest region; many unable to read & health care is poor; region suffers from droughts making farming & ranching difficult; difficult to attract industry; tourism is important The Interior: Frontier land; could be important agricultural site someday; capital of Brasilia located here The Amazon: People rely on river for transportation & communication; isolated Indian villages; logging, mining & new roads are bringing more people to region (provides needed income, but destroys large areas of rain forest, & creates tensions among Indians, new settlers, miners, & gov’t)

35. Section 3 Argentina, Uruguay, & Paraguay

36. History Originally home to groups of Indians Groups living in the Pampas hunted wild game & other Indians further north farmed & built irrigation systems Spanish conquerors Looking for riches Spanish monarch gave land to colonists & granted the right to force Indians living there to work the land Pampas became an important agricultural region Gauchos (cowboys) herded cattle & horses on open grasslands 1800s independence from Spain Period of instability & violence followed Many Indians were killed

37. Modern Argentina New immigrants came Italians, Germans, & Spaniards British built railroads across the country Exports of meat & other farm products help make country richer 1900s Struggled under dictators & military governments Abused human rights Economy & people suffered 1980s last military government gave up power to an elected government

38. People & Culture European ties affect culture Descended from Spanish, Italian, or other European settlers Argentine Indians & mestizos make up 3% of population Most are Roman Catholic Beef is important agricultural product & big part of diet

39. Argentina Today Industry located in & around capital city of Buenos Aires 2nd largest urban area in South America Home to 1/3 of all Argentines Pampas: most developed agricultural region 11% of labor force works in agriculture Large ranches & farms produce beef, wheat, & corn for export 1990 Joined Mercosur (an organization that promotes trade and economic cooperation among the southern & eastern countries of South America) Late 1990s & 2000s Debt & heavy gov’t spending caused economic crisis Also caused a political crisis Gov’t changed hands 4 times in 2001 2003 Economy stabilized, but people lives changed Some people w/ professional careers lost jobs & joined informal economy A part of the economy based on odd jobs that people perform w/o gov’t regulation through taxes

40. Uruguay Along Rio de la Plata Been influenced by larger neighbors History Claimed by Portugal during colonial era 1770s was taken over by Spain Few Indians remained independent in 1825 Military gov’t have ruled off and on Has strong tradition of respect for political freedom Today it is a democracy

41. The People 88% European descent 12% are mestizo, African, or Indian Roman Catholicism is main religion Spanish is official language, but many speak Portuguese 90% live in urban areas High literacy rate Many have good jobs & can afford a wide range of consumer goods

42. Economy Tied to economies of Brazil & Argentina ½ of foreign trade Many vacation on beach resorts in Uruguay Climate & soil make agriculture important Beef is an important export Few mineral resources Hydroelectric power is important Big Challenge Developing the poor rural areas of the interior

43. Paraguay Landlocked country Shares borders with Bolivia, Brazil, & Argentina Paraguay River divides the country into two regions East of River: most productive agricultural land West of River: part of the Gran Chaco; low trees & thorny shrubs; livestock grazes here Claimed by Spain in 1500s Independent from Spain in 1811 Ruled by dictators off and on until 1989 Today has elected government

44. The People 95% are mestizos European descendants & Paraguayan Indians make up rest Spanish is official language Most also speak an Indian language Guarani Most are Roman Catholic

45. Economy Wealth controlled by a few rich families & companies Influence the government as well Agriculture is important 2 types of economy Traditional Many subsistence farmers ½ of workers in Paraguay are farmers Grow corn, cotton, soybeans, & sugarcane for profit Market Thousands of small businesses but not much industry Future may be bright Learn how to use its resources effectively Hydroelectric dams & sell surplus electricity to Brazil & Argentina