South America - Population Growth, Migration, Poverty

South America

Table of Contents

Introduction
Geologic history
- The Precambrian
  - The Trans-Amazonian cycle
  - The Brazilian cycle
- The Paleozoic Era
  - Early Paleozoic events
  - The formation of Pangea
- The Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras
  - Events in the Mesozoic
  - The Andean orogeny
    - The Northern Andes
    - The Central Andes
    - The Southern Andes
  - Present geologic setting
The land
- Relief
  - The Andes Mountains
  - The plateaus
  - The lowlands
- Drainage
  - Rivers
  - Lakes
  - Marshes and swamps
- Soils
- Climate
  - Factors influencing climate
  - Climatic regions
    - Tropical climates
    - Temperate climates
    - Arid climates
    - Cold climates
- Plant life
  - Grasslands
    - Savannas
    - Pampas
  - Vegetation zones
    - Tropical and subtropical rainforests
    - Tropical deciduous forests
    - Caatinga
    - South Brazilian forests
    - Xerophytic associations
    - Subantarctic rainforests
    - Mountain vegetation
  - Human influences on vegetation
- Animal life
  - Principal faunal types
    - Fish and bird life
    - Mammals
    - Amphibians and reptiles
    - Arthropods
  - Ecological communities
    - The Amazonian and Guianan forests
    - East-central plateaus and lowlands
    - The Argentinian Pampas
    - The southern Chilean forests
    - The high Andes
    - The arid west coast
  - Human influences on wildlife
The people
- Ethnic origins and migrations
  - Indians
  - Iberians
  - Africans
  - Postindependence overseas immigrants
- Population and ecological distribution
  - The present population
  - Culture areas
    - American Indian heritage regions
    - African heritage regions
    - European heritage regions
  - Linguistic patterns
  - Religious patterns
  - Sociological changes
- Demographic patterns
  - The demographic transition and fertility
  - Effects of rapid population increase
The economy
- Resources
  - Mineral resources
    - Mineral fuels
    - Iron and ferroalloys
    - Nonferrous base metals
    - Precious metals and gemstones
    - Nonmetallic deposits
  - Biological resources
    - Botanical resources
    - Animal resources
- Forestry and fishing
- Agriculture
  - Principal crops
    - Food crops
    - Specialized cash crops
  - Livestock
- Industry
- Power and irrigation
- Trade
  - Internal trade
  - External trade
- Transportation
  - Roads
  - Railways
  - Maritime transport
  - Waterways
  - Air transportation
- Cultural life

References & Edit History Related Topics

Images & Videos

For Students

South America summary

Read Next

What Is the Difference Between South America and Latin America?

Denali (Mount Mckinley), Denali National Park, Alaska.

7 (or 8) Summits: The World’s Highest Mountains by Continent

The National Congress of Brazil in Brasilia City capital of Brazil. Brazilian National Congress designed by Oscar Niemeyer a Brazilian architect specializing in international modern architecture.

11 Iconic Buildings in Brazil

6 Significant Paintings in Brazil

The Cathedral of Saint Paul in Minnesota. The Italian Renaissance church, built in 1915, is styled after St. Peter's in Rome.

To All Nations: 8 Fascinating Jesuit Missionaries

Discover

earthquake. Heavily damaged school in the town of Yingxiu after a major earthquake struck China's Sichuan Province on May 12, 2008.

The 6 Deadliest Earthquakes Since 1950

Two chicks near an egg with a white background (poultry, chick, chickens, birds).

What Do Eggs Have to Do with Easter?

Solar Eclipse, Eclipse, Solar Flare, Outer Space, Astronomy

What Causes Lunar and Solar Eclipses?

Albert Einstein in Washington, D.C. c. 1921-1923. Physicist

The Solar Eclipse That Made Albert Einstein a Science Celebrity

Vietnam War. U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson awards the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant Marty A. Hammer, during a visit to military personnel, Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam, October 26, 1966. President Johnson

Vietnam War Timeline

Adolf Hitler (Nazi, nazism, German leader).

9 Things You Might Not Know About Adolf Hitler

Periodical Cicada, Adult, Magicicada spp. Requires 17 years to complete development. Nymph splits its skin, and transforms into an adult. Feeds on sap of tree roots. Northern Illinois Brood. This brood is the largest emergence of cicadas anywhere

Why Do Some Cicadas Appear Only Every 17 Years?

Rapid population expansion has had important demographic and social effects. Two examples are especially illuminating. At the peak of population growth during the second stage, the proportion of children tends to be high, while in the third stage it is low. In South America the proportion of the population under 15 years is still relatively high. As a consequence, the group of people in their productive (working) years is greatly reduced. That high ratio creates a heavier burden for the working group, while the economy is not able to raise the productivity level needed to compensate for it. Another crucial ...(100 of 23598 words)

Access the full article

Help support true facts by becoming a member.