2. What is South America’s
population?
More than 300 million people live in South America!
Which country has the biggest population?
Which country has the smallest population?
3. What languages do people in
South America speak?
Spanish: 193,243,411 speakers
Portuguese: 193,197,164 speakers
Amerindian: these are the languages of the Native
Americans, or first people, that live in South America
Spanish is the official language in most countries.
Portuguese is the official language in Brazil.
Around 500 years ago, explorers came from Spain and
Portugal to live in South America. That is why Spanish and
Portuguese is spoken in South America.
4. Cities in South America
Buenos Aires
The capital and largest city in Argentina
One of the top tourist destinations
Famous for its architecture and culture
La Boca, a barrio in Buenos Aires
known for its colorful buildings.
Many artists live here.
5. Rio de Janeiro
Second largest city in Brazil
Over 6 million people live here
It is the busiest port in South America
People visit to see its beaches and mountains
6. Rural Life
The Uros people live in a village on Lake Titicaca
It is built on a floating island made out of dried Totora reeds
Their homes, boats, and furniture are also made from the
reeds
They fish and hunt birds for food
They barter, or trade, totora reeds for other things they need
in the city of Puno in Peru
7. Religion: over 80% of the people in South America are
Roman Catholics
Sports: Soccer is the most popular sport in South
America. It is called futbol or futebol.
Carnival: a celebration that lasts for several days. It
takes place in February before Lent. There are
parades, street parties, and people wear costumes.
8. Popular Foods: there are many different types of food
eaten throughout South America! Here are a few:
Hallacas: dumplings wrapped in banana leaves
Arepas: bread made out of corn flour
Empanadas: a stuffed bread that is baked or fried. The
filling depends on the region.
Alfajores: two cookies with dulce de leche
Picarones: doughnuts made from pumpkin and sweet
potato
9. Traditional Dances
Samba: Brazilian dance and musical style
Tango: started in Argentina and Uruguay
Caporales: Bolivian dance
