South America

About South America:

South America has nearly every type of landscape and climate. The world's largest tropical rain forest grows in the Amazon River Basin, which occupies about two-fifths of the continent. The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is one of the driest places in the world. Snowy peaks and active volcanoes rise along the crest of the lofty Andes Mountains of western South America. In Argentina and Venezuela, rolling grasslands stretch for as far as the eye can see. South America's varied landscape also includes spectacular waterfalls, huge lakes, and rocky, windswept islands.

The continent has abundant natural resources, including rich farmlands, vast timberlands, and some of the largest deposits of valuable minerals in the world. Many South American countries, however, have not taken full advantage of their natural riches.

Animals

Sources: 2001 World Book Encyclopedia