WORLD GEOGRAPHY
MIDDLE AND SOUTH AMERICA REVIEW
1-What is the largest nation (in area) in the region? Brazil
2-List the top 3 nations in terms of population. Mexico, Brazil & Argentina
3-list the 4 regions of Brazil. Give descriptions for each region—with a major city.
Southeast-modern, most populated, Rio de Janiero & Sao Paulo
NE-poorest-some sugarcane—farming—Fortaleza & Recife
Amazon/selva-rainforest zone, rubber—Manaus
Campo Cerrado-area near the capital –Brasilia; savanna
4-List the 4 altitudinal zones of the Andes. What are they known for?
Tierra Helado-icy zone—no people—highest elevation
Tierra Fria- cold zone—forests
Tierra Templada-mild or moderate zone-coffee growing area; most populated
Tierra caliente-hot zone-tropical crops like bananas, sugarcane etc. lowest elevation
5-For the following, determine who am I? Where am I? What am I? Significance?
a-top 3 producers of coffee-Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil—top $ maker for most nations
b-llanos-plain in Venezuela & Colombia-very fertile
c-pampas-plains in Argentina-very fertile, used for cattle grazing
d-patagonia-harsh region in Argentina—rocky soil, cold temps, sheepherding
e- 2 landlocked nations-Bolivia & Paraguay—makes it hard to trade
f-2 leaders in agricultural production—Argentina, Colombia, Brazil
g-2 main oil nations-Mexico & Venezuela
h-highest capital city-La Paz & Quito
6-How was the Atacama desert created? Peru cold current off coast—no storms & rainshadow of Andes
7-What affect does the Andes Mountains have on the climate and land on the eastern and western sides
of the mountain?
West—dry-rainshadow
East-wet--rainforest
8-where do most people live in South America? Give 2 reasons why.
Coastal areas—interior is too rugged/remote with Tropical Rainforest; coastal regions-trade/fishing etc
9-What type of gov’t do most nations in the region have? Economic system?
Democratic with a market(capitalist) economy
10-Are most of these nations “developing”, “developed” or “middle income?” Explain your choice.
Middle income—improving industry & literacy, but still poverty in rural/farming areas
11-Define the following terms:
a-altiplano-high plain in Bolivia
b-mesa-plateau-Mexico
c-selva-rainforest-Brazil
d-mestizo-mixed race—native Indian and European
e-mullato-mixed race-white and black African
f-strait-water connector—small area of water that connects two larger—Strait of Magellan
g-isthmus-land connector—small area of land that connects two larger—Central America
12-Where were these groups originally found?
a-Aztecs—near Mexico City
b-Incans-Andes Mtns. In Peru
c-Mayans-Yucatan Peninsula--Mexico
13-Name the country and what the city is known for? (if they are a capital—what else are they known
for?)
a-Brasilia-“Forward Capital”
e-Quito-one of highest caps in world
b-Sao Paulo-“mega city” of Brazil
f-Port au Prince-cap of Haiti, still rebuilding
earthquake
c-Mexico City-cap of Mexico; center for Aztecs
d-Monterrey-maquiladora city of Mexico
g-San Jose-cap of Costa Rica-very prosperous