Download The Cultures of South America

The Cultures of South
America
The People of South America
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Most South Americans
today are descended from
Native Americans, Africans,
or Europeans.
Those that are a mixture of
European and American
Indian are called mestizos.
Those that are a mixture of
African and European are
called mulattos.
South America was mostly
colonized by Spain, so most
people speak Spanish and are
Catholic.
Regions within South America
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There are four cultural regions in
South America.
Each of these regions shares
certain characteristics based on
terrain, climate, and resources.
The first region includes
Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname,
and French Guiana.
Each of these countries border the
Caribbean sea, so we call them
the Caribbean countries.
Because they are on the coast line,
many of these countries have a
culture similar to the Caribbean
islands.
Other Regions in South America
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Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia
and Ecuador are known as
Andean countries.
These areas have many Native
Americans that live high in the
Andes mountains.
In Bolivia there are more
indigenous people than
mestizos.
Some of these native peoples
speak their own unique
language.
More Regions
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The third cultural region, known as the Atlantic
countries consists of Paraguay, Argentina, and
Uruguay.
Most people in Chile are mestizos, while in
Argentina and Uruguay they have a more
diverse population.
One culture that exists in Argentina’s Pampas,
or plains, are known as guachos or cowhands
that herd cattle.
About 85% of Argentina’s people are of
European ancestry.
A large number of immigrants from Spain and
Italy came to Argentina in the 1800’s.
The arrival of these immigrants greatly
influenced Argentina’s society and culture.
The official language of Argentina is Spanish,
although the language includes many Italian
words.
The Largest Region
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Brazil is South America’s largest country
and fourth region.
Brazil’s culture is largely Portuguese.
The Portuguese were the first and largest
European group to colonize Brazil.
Brazilians are of European, African,
Native American, Asian, or mixed
ancestry.
Almost all of them speak a Brazilian
form of Portuguese, which includes many
words from Native American and
African languages.
Rural and Urban Life
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Outside of Chile, Argentina, and
Uruguay, most rural people
practice subsistence farming.
Subsistence farmers only grow
enough food to feed their
families.
Very large farms in other areas
grow coffee, sugar, and cocoa to
export to other countries.
Export farming uses so much
land for cash crops that the
people must import food to eat.
To import means to buy from
another country.
Urban Issues
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Just like in other regions
of Latin America, the
population of South
America is rapidly
growing.
This rapid growth makes
it hard to find jobs in
rural areas.
Every day, thousands of
rural South Americans
move to the city to look
for work.
Cultural Contributions
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The Incas provided advances in architecture
and established economic networks
The Europeans Explorers brought settlers,
government and economics, and religion to
South America.
The African Slaves brought economic
contributions because they provided more for
the work force, and they also brought the arts to
South America.