Chapter 8: Brazil and Its Neighbors

Brazil, the largest country in South America, has many different types of landforms and a variety of climate regions. A large basin in the northern half of Brazil is drained by the world's second-longest river, the Amazon. Agriculture, mining, and forestry make up a large part of Brazil's economy. Although the economy has brought prosperity to many Brazilians, others continue to live in poverty. Brazil's people have a mixed heritage that includes Native Americans and Portuguese. The Portuguese were the first and largest European group to colonize Brazil.

The Andes mountain ranges border Argentina on the west. The Patagonian Plateau, the plains of the pampas, and the forests of Gran Chaco provide the resources for farming and ranching. Argentina is also one of South America's most industrialized countries.

Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana make up the countries of Caribbean South America. Coastal plains give way to highlands as you move inland in each of these countries. Oil is Venezuela's most important natural resource, while sugarcane is a major product in Guyana and French Guiana. Rice and bananas flourish in Suriname.

Uruguay and Paraguay have large areas of grass-covered plains that support ranching and industries that depend on raising livestock.