This vast landmass is home to more than 12 countries and a dizzying array of cultures, religions, languages, and peoples, the effects of centuries-long interactions between the continent’s indigenous peoples, Spanish and Portuguese colonizers, and African slaves.
South America also boasts some of the globe’s largest and most impressive geographical features, including the Amazon River, the Amazon Rainforest, the Andes Mountains, the Angel Falls waterfall and the Atacama Desert.