South America Q+A

What was the Treaty of Tordesillas?

An agreement signed in 1494 CE between Spain and Portugal to divide the territories of the 'new world'.

How did the Treaty of Tordesillas shape South America?

It created a division between Spanish-speaking countries and Portuguese-speaking Brazil.

Which part of South America is unique regarding colonization?

The small region of the Guianas.

Who were the colonizers of the Guianas and what was their motivation?

Great Britain, Dutch settlers, and France; they were motivated by the establishment of plantations and trade.

What characterizes the Tropical Plantation Region in South America?

It has a tropical climate and agricultural operations, with many descendants of African slaves and Asian laborers.

Which countries are included in the Rural Amerindian Region?

Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

What is the socio-economic situation in the Rural Amerindian Region?

It is one of the poorest regions of South America with a large population of native Amerindians.

What characterizes the Amazon Basin?

It has a Type A climate, is the least densely populated, and is home to isolated Amerindian groups.

What defines the Mixed Mestizo Region in South America?

It is the coastal area of the west and interior highlands where people share a mix of European and Amerindian ethnicity.

What is unique about the European Commercial Region (Southern Cone)?

It is dominated by people of European origin, primarily living in big cities with fertile land and industrial development.

What is the typical urban development pattern in South America?

A model consisting of a central business district, middle-class housing, elite-wealthy residential areas, and peripheral-poor squatter settlements.

What are Prime Cities in South America?

Cities where the largest city is more than twice the size of the second largest in the country, such as Montevideo in Uruguay.

How did globalization impact South American countries?

It created dependence on European countries and a lack of an integrated continental trade network.

What was the role of the EU and NAFTA in South America?

They disregarded the interests of South American countries, prompting cooperation among those countries.

What is UNASUR?

The Union of South American Nations, which oversees customs unions and trade agreements among South American countries.