Download Encuentros 1-3 Objectives

Class Handout 3
Geography of Latin America
1. Latin America is located in the southern hemisphere, south of the ___________________________. It comprises
Mexico, Central America, South America, the islands of the Caribbean.
2. The Caribbean is a world of its own. The larger islands, _____________, Jamaica, ___________________ and
_______________________ are actually the tops of the underwater mountains. Smaller islands are formed from
the skeletons of sea animals, called _____________. The Caribbean is sunny and warm year-round. Farming and
___________________ are the islands’ major industries. These industries are threatened by fierce
___________________ from the Atlantic.
3. South America is one of the earth’s seven ______________________. The earth’s second highest mountain range
and the second longest river are the __________________mountains and the ____________________river.
4. The Andes Mountain Range runs along the South America’s ______________coast. The soil is fertile but the terrain
is rugged and the climate is cold at the peaks. Farmers rely on _________________ for transportation and for their
warm, ______________ coats.
5. The Amazon River flows from the country of _____________ to the Atlantic Ocean just below the equator. It is the
home to the world’s largest ____________________________________, which covers 1/3 of the continent of South
America.
6. The Amazon River is vital for _______________________, __________________________, and
_______________________ power.
7. The Atacama _____________________ is in the country of _________________. It is one of the driest regions on
earth.
8. In the south central part of South America are vast grasslands called the _____________________. People here
raise cattle. The _____________________ of the Pampas are called “gauchos”.
9. South of the Pampas is an area called Patagonia, an elevated region famous for its natural beauty.
10. Every few years, a strange natural phenomenon occurs in this region, called ___________________. It is a strong,
Pacific current which results in _____________________ in some areas and _________________ in others.