nor

  Migration has been a potent force in molding societies, economies, and cultures throughout history, and South America is not different.  Since the last century, the continent has witnessed waves of migration both internal, as rural communities migrated towards cities, and international, with migrants coming from Europe, Asia, Africa, and neighboring nations.  These human migrations have profoundly affected South American urbanization, inducing the rapid growth of large cities, the expansion of shantytowns, and the development of multi-hued cultural identities. Today, more than 80% of South America's population is urban, making it one of the most urbanized regions on the planet.  It is closely tied to migration, which has fueled opportunity and difficulty for governments, city planners, and communities alike. Here, we will discuss how migration has shaped the urbanization of South America throughout the centuries, its causes, effects on cities and society, and what ...

  South America is a vast and diverse continent, stretching from the equator to the southern tip of Patagonia.  Its varied geography from tropical rainforests and high mountain ranges to arid deserts and icy fjords means that the "best" time to visit is very much a function of where you're going and what you're going to do.  Seasons vary widely across the continent, and local climates are influenced by everything from altitude and ocean currents to topography. This seasonal travel guide will help you plan when to visit different regions of South America, getting the best out of your trip. #1 Understanding South America's Climate Zones: Unlike continents with a more or less uniform seasonal pattern, the climate in South America is affected by its position in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and by its diverse geography. Equatorial Regions: Found in countries including Ecuador, Colombia, northern Brazil, and northern Peru. Have minimal temperature variatio...

  The Amazon Rainforest is more than the "lungs of the planet" it is a vast nursery of life, culture, and history that has shaped South America for millennia.  Covering over 5.5 million square kilometers across nine countries Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana the Amazon is the world's largest tropical rainforest.  Its role in South American history extends far beyond its ecological importance.  It has been a home to advanced civilizations, a font of economic exploitation, a battleground for sovereignty, and a stage for cooperation and conflict. To write the history of South America without the Amazon would be to explain a house without its foundation.  The Amazon has been a source of food, medicine, cultural identity, and even political influence.  It has also been the focus of global attention in recent decades due to environmental concerns.  This article explores the Amazon's importance during di...

  The Amazon Rainforest has also been referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," and with reasons good enough.  It extends over a coverage of approximately 6.7 million square kilometers (2.7 million square miles), making it the largest tropical rainforest in the world, covering nine countries of South America, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela.  This vast green expanse is not only breathtakingly beautiful and rich in biodiversity it plays a critical role in maintaining the health and stability of the global ecosystem.  In this article, we’ll explore the Amazon’s ecological, climatic, economic, and cultural significance, the threats it faces, and why protecting it is vital for the planet’s future. A Biodiversity Treasure Trove: The Amazon harbors more kinds of plant and animal life than any terrestrial ecosystem on Earth.  Scientists estimate the following to be present in the Amazon: Over 390 billion individual trees from more than 16,000 species Aro...

  In the age of globalizing rapidly, regional economic integration has emerged as a powerful means of encouraging trade, political cooperation, and overall development.  In South America, one of the most dynamic efforts toward regional cooperation is Mercosur (Southern Common Market).  Since its inception in 1991, Mercosur has been a major force in defining economic relations between its member states and influencing the broader political and economic forces of Latin America. This paper presents the history, structure, goals, accomplishments, and issues of Mercosur, and dissects its role in South American economic integration. What is Mercosur? Mercosur or Mercado Común del Sur in Spanish, is a South American trade bloc created by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay through the Treaty of Asunción in 1991.  Venezuela became a full member in 2012 but was suspended because of political issues.  Bolivia is becoming a full member, and some other countries of Lat...

  South America is a continent renowned for rich cultural diversity, most of which is shaped by indigenous beginnings, European colonization, and African heritage.  Of these, African influence is the strongest driving force that has had a profound influence on the cultural, social, artistic, and even political aspects of most South American nations.  From music and dance to religion, cuisine, language, and identity, African heritage vibrates throughout the continent centuries after the transatlantic slave trade forcibly brought millions of Africans to its shores. Historical Context: The African Diaspora in South America Between the 16th and 19th centuries, approximately 12 to 15 million Africans were forcibly shipped across the Atlantic Ocean as part of the transatlantic slave trade.  Most of these enslaved Africans were sent to South America most notably Brazil, which accepted nearly 40% of all African slaves in the Americas.  Other countries with large African...