Geography: South America is the southern continent of America, situated in the Western and Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east by the Atlantic Ocean; North America and the Caribbean Sea lie to the northwest. South America has an area of 17,840,000 square kilometers, or almost 3.5% of the Earth's surface. As of 2005, its population was estimated at more than 371,090,000. South America ranks fourth in area (after Asia, Africa, and North America) and fifth in population (after Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America).

Economy: South America has a rapidly developing economy. With many industries and a flourishing trade and import-export market, it is fast becoming an economy with considerable size. South American countries had a slow pace of economic development in the past. In recent times, however, South America has as a whole undergone rapid economic development. Aided by greater economic independence since the times of the second World War, South America has been largely successful in developing its economy rapidly. The biggest individual economies in South America are those of Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Chile. Currently undergoing massive growth are the economies of Argentina, Venezuela and Peru. Major industries in South America are agriculture, which encompasses a vital part of the economy, and other important industries like fishing, natural resources, handicrafts etc. Trade is also an important part of the economy.

Rich in: Mineral resources, especially petroleum and natural gas in Venezuela, iron, manganese and mineral crystal in Brazil, bauxite in Guyana and Suriname, copper and niter in the Andes Mountain Range; forest resources accounts for about 23% of world’s total forest resources, including rosewood, sandalwood, sago cycas and ceiba; aquatic resources, especially tuna in Chile and Brazil, sardine, cod and whale in Chile, etc.; hydraulic power resources.

Short of: Although with most population engaged in farming, the food production in South America is still not self-sufficient, and most countries need to import.