South America

Overview: The Land of Superlatives

South America is a continent of immense ecological power and geographical extremes. Ranking as the fourth-largest continent by land area and the fifth-largest by population, it covers approximately 17.8 million square kilometers. In 2026, it is globally recognized as the “Environmental Lung” of the planet, home to the largest rainforest and the most voluminous river system on Earth.

Geographical Importance & Natural Wonders

South America’s geography is dominated by three main features that influence the entire planet’s climate and biodiversity:

• The Andes Mountains: The longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching over 7,000 km along the western coast. It contains Aconcagua ($6,961\text{m}$), the highest peak outside of Asia.

• The Amazon Basin: Home to the Amazon Rainforest, which produces roughly 20% of the world’s oxygen and houses 10% of all known species.

• The Amazon River: The largest river by volume globally, discharging more water than the next seven largest rivers combined.

• The Atacama Desert: Located in Chile, it is the driest non-polar place on Earth, so arid that some parts have never recorded a single drop of rain.