Spanish Speaking Countries of South America

Spanish Speaking Countries of

South America

Spanish Speaking Countries of

South America

Los Países Los Países

• Venezuela

• Colombia

• Ecuador

• Peru

• Bolivia

• Venezuela

• Colombia

• Ecuador

• Peru

• Bolivia

• Paraguay

• Uruguay

• Argentina

• Chile

• Paraguay

• Uruguay

• Argentina

• Chile

VenezuelaVenezuela• Formal Name- República

Bolivariana de Venezuela

• slightly more than twice the size of California

• Capital—Caracas

• Location--Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana

• Formal Name- República Bolivariana de Venezuela

• slightly more than twice the size of California

• Capital—Caracas

• Location--Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana

Los HechosLos Hechos

• Climate-– tropical; hot, humid;

more moderate in highlands

• Terrain-– Andes Mountains and

Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest; central plains (llanos); Guiana Highlands in southeast

• Climate-– tropical; hot, humid;

more moderate in highlands

• Terrain-– Andes Mountains and

Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest; central plains (llanos); Guiana Highlands in southeast

• Natural resources-– petroleum, natural gas,

iron ore, gold, bauxite, other minerals, hydropower, diamonds

• Natural Hazards-– subject to floods,

rockslides, mudslides; periodic droughts


iron ore, gold, bauxite, other minerals, hydropower, diamonds

• Natural Hazards-– subject to floods,

rockslides, mudslides; periodic droughts

Mas HechosMas Hechos• Population-

– 26,414,815

• Nationality-– Venezuelan

• Ethnic Groups-– Spanish, Italian,

Portuguese, Arab, German, African, indigenous people

• Population-– 26,414,815

• Nationality-– Venezuelan

• Ethnic Groups-– Spanish, Italian,

Portuguese, Arab, German, African, indigenous people

• Religion-– nominally Roman

Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%

• Languages-– Spanish (official),

numerous indigenous dialects


Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2%

• Languages-– Spanish (official),

numerous indigenous dialects

• 23 states (estados, singular - estado), 1 capital district* (distrito capital), and 1 federal dependency** (dependencia federal); – Amazonas, Anzoategui, Apure, Aragua,

Barinas, Bolivar, Carabobo, Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, Dependencias Federales**, Distrito Federal*, Falcon, Guarico, Lara, Merida, Miranda, Monagas, Nueva Esparta, Portuguesa, Sucre, Tachira, Trujillo, Vargas, Yaracuy, Zulia

• note: the federal dependency consists of 11 federally controlled island groups with a total of 72 individual islands

• 23 states (estados, singular - estado), 1 capital district* (distrito capital), and 1 federal dependency** (dependencia federal); – Amazonas, Anzoategui, Apure, Aragua,

Barinas, Bolivar, Carabobo, Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, Dependencias Federales**, Distrito Federal*, Falcon, Guarico, Lara, Merida, Miranda, Monagas, Nueva Esparta, Portuguesa, Sucre, Tachira, Trujillo, Vargas, Yaracuy, Zulia


La BanderaAdopted March 13, 2006

La BanderaAdopted March 13, 2006

The Venezuela flag, with yellow, blue & red stripes of equal width, was introduced in 1836 and has since undergone several modifications in the arms and the arrangement of the stars.

The seven stars represent the seven provinces that began the fight for independence. In 2006, the 8th star was added to honor Simon Bolivar.

The emblems on the arms symbolize the unity of the 20 provinces (a wheatsheaf with 20 ears), the struggle for independence (flags and weapons) and liberty (a running horse) which is running toward the left of the shield in order to symbolize twenty-first century socialism.

The cornucopias stand for the country's wealth and prosperity, and the wreath of laurel and palm is a symbol of glory and peace.

The Venezuela flag, with yellow, blue & red stripes of equal width, was introduced in 1836 and has since undergone several modifications in the arms and the arrangement of the stars.

The seven stars represent the seven provinces that began the fight for independence. In 2006, the 8th star was added to honor Simon Bolivar.

The emblems on the arms symbolize the unity of the 20 provinces (a wheatsheaf with 20 ears), the struggle for independence (flags and weapons) and liberty (a running horse) which is running toward the left of the shield in order to symbolize twenty-first century socialism.

The cornucopias stand for the country's wealth and prosperity, and the wreath of laurel and palm is a symbol of glory and peace.

El Gobierno El Gobierno • Government-

– federal republic

• Independence-– 5 July 1811 (from Spain)

• National Holiday-– Independence Day, 5

July (1811)

• Constitution Day-– 30 December 1999

• Government-– federal republic


• National Holiday-– Independence Day, 5

July (1811)


El PresidenteEl Presidente• Elected by popular vote for

a six-year term (eligible for a second term);

• Election last held 3 December 2006 (next to be held in December 2012)

• In 1999, a National Constituent Assembly drafted a new constitution that increased the presidential term to six years

• Elected by popular vote for a six-year term (eligible for a second term);

• Election last held 3 December 2006 (next to be held in December 2012)

• In 1999, a National Constituent Assembly drafted a new constitution that increased the presidential term to six years

President Hugo CHAVEZ Frias (since 3 February 1999)

El Dinero El Dinero • Per Capita Income-

– $12,800

• Population Below Poverty- – 37.9%

• Currency-– bolivar (VEB)

• Exchange-– bolivares per US

dollar - 2,147

• Per Capita Income-– $12,800

• Population Below Poverty- – 37.9%

• Currency-– bolivar (VEB)

• Exchange-– bolivares per US

dollar - 2,147

• Unleaded Gas is $0.49 per gallon

• Venezuela remains highly dependent on oil revenues, which account for roughly 90% of export earnings.

• Unleaded Gas is $0.49 per gallon

• Venezuela remains highly dependent on oil revenues, which account for roughly 90% of export earnings.

ColombiaColombia• slightly less than twice

the size of Texas

• Capital- Bogotá

• Location-– Northern South America,

bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama

• slightly less than twice the size of Texas

• Capital- Bogotá

• Location-– Northern South America,

bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama

Los HechosLos Hechos• Climate-

– tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands

• Terrain-– flat coastal lowlands,

central highlands, high Andes Mountains, eastern lowland plains

• Climate-– tropical along coast

and eastern plains; cooler in highlands

• Terrain-– flat coastal lowlands,

central highlands, high Andes Mountains, eastern lowland plains


coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds, hydropower

• Natural Hazards-– highlands subject to

volcanic eruptions; occasional earthquakes; periodic droughts


coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds, hydropower

• Natural Hazards-– highlands subject to

volcanic eruptions; occasional earthquakes; periodic droughts


– 45,013,674

• Nationality-– Colombian

• Ethnic Groups-– mestizo 58%, white

20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1%


• Nationality-– Colombian

• Ethnic Groups-– mestizo 58%, white

20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1%

• Religion-– Roman

Catholic 90%, other 10%

• Language-– Spanish

• Religion-– Roman

Catholic 90%, other 10%

• Language-– Spanish

• 32 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital district* (distrito capital); – Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Atlantico,

Bogota*, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas, Caqueta, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia, Guaviare, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres y Providencia, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes, Vichada


• 32 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital district* (distrito capital); – Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Atlantico,

Bogota*, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas, Caqueta, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia, Guaviare, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres y Providencia, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes, Vichada


La Bandera26 November 1861La Bandera26 November 1861

The symbolism of the Colombian flag colors are as follows:

The Yellow, for the sun and land of the people. The Blue, for the water that holds up the people and finally, the red, for the blood shed of the people who fought for the independence of Colombia.

The symbolism of the Colombian flag colors are as follows:

The Yellow, for the sun and land of the people. The Blue, for the water that holds up the people and finally, the red, for the blood shed of the people who fought for the independence of Colombia.


– republic; executive branch dominates government structure


• Constitution Day-– 5 July 1991

• Government-– republic; executive branch

dominates government structure


• Constitution Day-– 5 July 1991

El PresidenteEl Presidente• President and vice

president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term).

• Election last held 28 May 2010

• President and vice president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term).

• Election last held 28 May 2010

President Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (since 7 August 2010


– $7,200

• Population Below Poverty- – 49.2% (2005)

• Currency-– Colombian peso

(COP)

• Exchange-– Colombian pesos per

US dollar - 2,013.8 (2007),

• Per Capita Income-– $7,200


• Currency-– Colombian peso

(COP)

• Exchange-– Colombian pesos per

US dollar - 2,013.8 (2007),

EcuadorEcuador• slightly smaller than

Nevada

• Capital- Quito

• Location-– Western South America,

bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru

• slightly smaller than Nevada

• Capital- Quito


bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru


– tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands

• Terrain-– coastal plain (costa), inter-

Andean central highlands (sierra), and flat to rolling eastern jungle (oriente)

• Climate-– tropical along coast,

becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands

• Terrain-– coastal plain (costa), inter-

Andean central highlands (sierra), and flat to rolling eastern jungle (oriente)

• Natural resources-– petroleum, fish, timber,

hydropower

• Natural Hazards-– frequent earthquakes,

landslides, volcanic activity; floods; periodic droughts

• Natural resources-– petroleum, fish, timber,

hydropower

• Natural Hazards-– frequent earthquakes,

landslides, volcanic activity; floods; periodic droughts


– 13,927,650 (July 2008 est.)

• Nationality-– Ecuadorian

• Ethnic Groups-– mestizo (mixed Amerindian

and white) 65%, Amerindian 25%, Spanish and others 7%, black 3%

• Population-– 13,927,650 (July 2008 est.)

• Nationality-– Ecuadorian

• Ethnic Groups-– mestizo (mixed Amerindian

and white) 65%, Amerindian 25%, Spanish and others 7%, black 3%

• Religion-– Roman Catholic

95%, other 5%

• Language-– Spanish (official),

Amerindian languages (especially Quechua)

• Religion-– Roman Catholic

95%, other 5%


Amerindian languages (especially Quechua)

• 24 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia)– Azuay, Bolivar, Canar, Carchi,

Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Galapagos, Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi, Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Pichincha, Santa Elena, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, Sucumbios, Tungurahua, Zamora-Chinchipe

• 24 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia)– Azuay, Bolivar, Canar, Carchi,

Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Galapagos, Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi, Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Pichincha, Santa Elena, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, Sucumbios, Tungurahua, Zamora-Chinchipe

La BanderaSeptember 26, 1860

La BanderaSeptember 26, 1860

The red in the Ecuador flag represents the blood shed by the soldiers and martyrs in the battles for independence. The color blue stands for the color of the sea and sky.The yellow symbolizes the abundance and fertility of the nation's crops and land.

The red in the Ecuador flag represents the blood shed by the soldiers and martyrs in the battles for independence. The color blue stands for the color of the sea and sky.The yellow symbolizes the abundance and fertility of the nation's crops and land.


– Republic

• Independence-– 24 May 1822 (from Spain)

• National Holiday-– Independence Day

(independence of Quito), 10 August (1809)

• Constitution Day-– 10 August 1998

• Government-– Republic

• Independence-– 24 May 1822 (from Spain)

• National Holiday-– Independence Day

(independence of Quito), 10 August (1809)

• Constitution Day-– 10 August 1998


president are elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a four-year term

• Election last held 15 October 2006 with a runoff election on 26 November 2006

• President and vice president are elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a four-year term

• Election last held 15 October 2006 with a runoff election on 26 November 2006

President Rafael CORREA Delgado (Since 2007)


– $7,100 (2007 est.)


• Currency-– US dollar (USD)

• Per Capita Income-– $7,100 (2007 est.)


• Currency-– US dollar (USD)

PeruPeru• slightly smaller than

Alaska

• Capital- Lima


bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Chile and Ecuador

• slightly smaller than Alaska

• Capital- Lima


bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Chile and Ecuador


– varies from tropical in east to dry desert in west; temperate to frigid in Andes

• Terrain-– western coastal plain

(costa), high and rugged Andes in center (sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva)

• Climate-– varies from tropical in

east to dry desert in west; temperate to frigid in Andes

• Terrain-– western coastal plain

(costa), high and rugged Andes in center (sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva)

• Natural resources-– copper, silver, gold,

petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal, phosphate, potash, hydropower, natural gas

• Natural Hazards-– earthquakes, tsunamis,

flooding, landslides, mild volcanic activity

• Natural resources-– copper, silver, gold,

petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal, phosphate, potash, hydropower, natural gas

• Natural Hazards-– earthquakes, tsunamis,

flooding, landslides, mild volcanic activity


– 29,180,899 (July 2008 est.)

• Nationality- Peruvian

• Ethnic Groups-– Amerindian 45%,

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 37%, white 15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%

• Population-– 29,180,899 (July 2008

est.)

• Nationality- Peruvian

• Ethnic Groups-– Amerindian 45%,

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 37%, white 15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%

• Religion-– Roman Catholic 81%,

Seventh Day Adventist 1.4%, other Christian 0.7%, other 0.6%, unspecified or none 16.3% (2003 est.)


Quechua (official), Aymara, and a large number of minor Amazonian languages


Seventh Day Adventist 1.4%, other Christian 0.7%, other 0.6%, unspecified or none 16.3% (2003 est.)


Quechua (official), Aymara, and a large number of minor Amazonian languages

• 25 regions (regiones, singular - region) and 1 province* (provincia)– Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac,

Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Callao, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Lima*, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali

• 25 regions (regiones, singular - region) and 1 province* (provincia)– Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac,

Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Callao, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Lima*, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali

La BanderaFebruary 25, 1825

La BanderaFebruary 25, 1825

The red stripes represent the blood spilt for Peruvian freedom; while the white stands for peace.

Peru also has a state flag which incorporates the shield from the national coat of arms in the middle of the flag.

The red stripes represent the blood spilt for Peruvian freedom; while the white stands for peace.

Peru also has a state flag which incorporates the shield from the national coat of arms in the middle of the flag.

A laurel branch on its left and an olive one on its right, tied by a red and white ribbon, as well as a holm oak Civic Crown above it. These represent victory and glory.

El Gobierno

• Government-– constitutional republic

• Independence-– 28 July 1821 (from

Spain)


• Government-– constitutional republic

• Independence-– 28 July 1821 (from

Spain)


El PresidenteEl Presidente• President elected by

popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a nonconsecutive reelection)

• Presidential and congressional elections held 9 April 2006 with runoff election held 4 June 2006; next to be held in April 2011

• President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a nonconsecutive reelection)

• Presidential and congressional elections held 9 April 2006 with runoff election held 4 June 2006; next to be held in April 2011 President Ollanta HUMALA

Tasso (since 28 July 2011)


– $7,600 (2007 est.)


• Currency-– nuevo sol (PEN)

• Exchange-– nuevo sol per US

dollar - 3.1731 (2007)



• Currency-– nuevo sol (PEN)

• Exchange-– nuevo sol per US

dollar - 3.1731 (2007)

BoliviaBolivia• slightly less than three

times the size of Montana

• Capital- La Paz

• Location-– Central South America,

southwest of Brazil

• slightly less than three times the size of Montana

• Capital- La Paz

• Location-– Central South America,

southwest of Brazil


– varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid

• Terrain-– rugged Andes

Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowland plains of the Amazon Basin

• Climate-– varies with altitude;

humid and tropical to cold and semiarid

• Terrain-– rugged Andes

Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowland plains of the Amazon Basin

• Natural resources-– tin, natural gas,

petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower

• Natural Hazards-– flooding in the

northeast (March-April)

• Natural resources-– tin, natural gas,

petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower

• Natural Hazards-– flooding in the

northeast (March-April)


– 9,247,816 (July 2008 est.)

• Nationality- Bolivian

• Ethnic Groups-– Quechua 30%,

mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry) 30%, Aymara 25%, white 15%

• Population-– 9,247,816 (July 2008

est.)

• Nationality- Bolivian

• Ethnic Groups-– Quechua 30%,

mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry) 30%, Aymara 25%, white 15%


Protestant (Evangelical Methodist) 5%


Quechua (official), Aymara (official)


Protestant (Evangelical Methodist) 5%


Quechua (official), Aymara (official)

• 9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento)

– Beni, Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija

• 9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento)

– Beni, Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija

La BanderaOct. 31, 1851

La BanderaOct. 31, 1851

The red on the Bolivian flag represents the bravery of the Bolivian soldier. The green symbolizes the fertility of the land and the yellow represents the country's mineral resources.A central crest surrounded by Bolivian flags, muskets, laurel branches, and has an Andean condor on top.

The red on the Bolivian flag represents the bravery of the Bolivian soldier. The green symbolizes the fertility of the land and the yellow represents the country's mineral resources.A central crest surrounded by Bolivian flags, muskets, laurel branches, and has an Andean condor on top.

El Gobierno

• Government-– republic

• Independence-– 6 August 1825 (from

Spain)

• Constitution Day-– 2 February 1967; revised

in August 1994; possible referendum on new constitution to be held in 2008



Spain)

• Constitution Day-– 2 February 1967; revised

in August 1994; possible referendum on new constitution to be held in 2008

A central crest surrounded by Bolivian flags, muskets, laurel branches, and has an Andean condor on top.

El PresidenteEl Presidente

• President and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single five-year term.

• Election last held 18 December 2005

• President and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single five-year term.

• Election last held 18 December 2005

President Juan Evo MORALES Ayma (since 22 January 2006)


– $4,400 (2007 est.)

• Population Below Poverty- – 60% (2006 est.)

• Currency-– boliviano (BOB)

• Exchange-– bolivianos per US

dollar - 7.8616 (2007)



• Currency-– boliviano (BOB)

• Exchange-– bolivianos per US

dollar - 7.8616 (2007)

ParaguayParaguay• slightly smaller

than California

• Capital-Asuncion

• Location-Central South America, northeast of Argentina

• slightly smaller than California

• Capital-Asuncion

• Location-Central South America, northeast of Argentina


– subtropical to temperate; substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west

• Terrain-– grassy plains and wooded

hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere

• Climate-– subtropical to temperate;

substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west

• Terrain-– grassy plains and wooded

hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere

• Natural resources-– hydropower, timber,

iron ore, manganese, limestone

• Natural Hazards-– local flooding in

southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)

• Natural resources-– hydropower, timber,

iron ore, manganese, limestone

• Natural Hazards-– local flooding in

southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)


– 6,831,306

• Nationality- Paraguayan

• Ethnic Groups-– mestizo (mixed

Spanish and Amerindian) 95%, other 5%


• Nationality- Paraguayan

• Ethnic Groups-– mestizo (mixed

Spanish and Amerindian) 95%, other 5%

• Religion-– Roman Catholic 89.6%,

Protestant 6.2%, other Christian 1.1%, other or unspecified 1.9%, none 1.1% (2002 census)


Guarani (official)

• Religion-– Roman Catholic 89.6%,

Protestant 6.2%, other Christian 1.1%, other or unspecified 1.9%, none 1.1% (2002 census)


Guarani (official)

• 17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital city*; – Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay,

Asuncion*, Boqueron, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Concepcion, Cordillera, Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Paraguari, Presidente Hayes, San Pedro

• 17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital city*; – Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay,

Asuncion*, Boqueron, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Concepcion, Cordillera, Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Paraguari, Presidente Hayes, San Pedro

La Bandera1842

La Bandera1842

The flag is modeled after the colors and shape of the French Tricolore, and represent liberation.

The flag is modeled after the colors and shape of the French Tricolore, and represent liberation.

El Gobierno

• Government-– constitutional

republic

• Independence-– 14 May 1811 (from

Spain)

• Constitution Day-– promulgated 20 June

1992


republic

• Independence-– 14 May 1811 (from

Spain)

• Constitution Day-– promulgated 20 June

1992


• President and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single five-year term

• President and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single five-year term

President Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez (since 15 August 2008)


– $4,000 (2007 est.)


• Currency-– guarani (PYG)

• Exchange-– guarani per US dollar

- 5,031 (2007)



• Currency-– guarani (PYG)

• Exchange-– guarani per US dollar

- 5,031 (2007)

UruguayUruguay• slightly smaller than the

state of Washington

• Capital-Montevideo

• Location-Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Argentina and Brazil

• slightly smaller than the state of Washington

• Capital-Montevideo

• Location-Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Argentina and Brazil


– warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown

• Terrain-– mostly rolling plains and

low hills; fertile coastal lowland

• Natural resources-– arable land, hydropower,

minor minerals, fisheries

• Climate-– warm temperate; freezing

temperatures almost unknown

• Terrain-– mostly rolling plains and

low hills; fertile coastal lowland

• Natural resources-– arable land, hydropower,

minor minerals, fisheries

• Natural Hazards-– seasonally high winds

(the pampero is a chilly and occasional violent wind that blows north from the Argentine pampas), droughts, floods; because of the absence of mountains, which act as weather barriers, all locations are particularly vulnerable to rapid changes from weather fronts

• Natural Hazards-– seasonally high winds

(the pampero is a chilly and occasional violent wind that blows north from the Argentine pampas), droughts, floods; because of the absence of mountains, which act as weather barriers, all locations are particularly vulnerable to rapid changes from weather fronts


– 3,477,778

• Nationality- Uruguayan

• Ethnic Groups-– white 88%, mestizo

8%, black 4%, Amerindian (practically nonexistent)


• Nationality- Uruguayan

• Ethnic Groups-– white 88%, mestizo

8%, black 4%, Amerindian (practically nonexistent)

• Religion-– Roman Catholic 66%

(less than half of the adult population attends church regularly), Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, nonprofessing or other 31%

• Language-– Spanish, Portunol, or

Brazilero (Portuguese-Spanish mix on the Brazilian frontier)

• Religion-– Roman Catholic 66%

(less than half of the adult population attends church regularly), Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, nonprofessing or other 31%

• Language-– Spanish, Portunol, or

Brazilero (Portuguese-Spanish mix on the Brazilian frontier)

• 19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento);– Artigas, Canelones, Cerro Largo,

Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandu, Rio Negro, Rivera, Rocha, Salto, San Jose, Soriano, Tacuarembo, Treinta y Tres

• 19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento);– Artigas, Canelones, Cerro Largo,

Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandu, Rio Negro, Rivera, Rocha, Salto, San Jose, Soriano, Tacuarembo, Treinta y Tres

La BanderaJuly 11, 1830 La BanderaJuly 11, 1830

The sun emblem is the 'Sun of May'; it is a symbol of freedom and independence. The nine stripes represent the nine provinces of Uruguay, which existed at the time of the flags creation.

The sun emblem is the 'Sun of May'; it is a symbol of freedom and independence. The nine stripes represent the nine provinces of Uruguay, which existed at the time of the flags creation.

El Gobierno• Government-

– constitutional republic


Brazil)


republic


Brazil)

Constitution Day-27 November 1966, effective 15 February 1967; suspended 27 June 1973, new constitution rejected by referendum 30 November 1980; two constitutional reforms approved by plebiscite 26 November 1989 and 7 January 1997


president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for five-year terms (may not serve consecutive terms);

• Election last held 31 October 2009

• President and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for five-year terms (may not serve consecutive terms);

• Election last held 31 October 2009

President Jose "Pepe" MUJICA Cordano (since 1 March 2010)


– $10,700 (2007 est.)

• Population Below Poverty- – 27.4% of households

(2006)

• Currency-– Uruguayan peso (UYU)

• Exchange-– Uruguayan pesos per US

dollar - 23.947 (2007)


• Population Below Poverty- – 27.4% of households

(2006)

• Currency-– Uruguayan peso (UYU)

• Exchange-– Uruguayan pesos per US

dollar - 23.947 (2007)

ArgentinaArgentina• slightly less than three-

tenths the size of the US

• Capital- Buenos Aires

• Location- Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay

• slightly less than three-tenths the size of the US

• Capital- Buenos Aires

• Location- Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay


– mostly temperate; arid in southeast; sub-antarctic in southwest

• Terrain-– rich plains of the

Pampas in northern half, flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western border

• Climate-– mostly temperate;

arid in southeast; sub-antarctic in southwest

• Terrain-– rich plains of the

Pampas in northern half, flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western border

• Natural resources-– fertile plains of the pampas,

lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore, manganese, petroleum, uranium

• Natural Hazards-– San Miguel de Tucuman and

Mendoza areas in the Andes subject to earthquakes; pamperos are violent windstorms that can strike the pampas and northeast; heavy flooding

• Natural resources-– fertile plains of the pampas,

lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore, manganese, petroleum, uranium

• Natural Hazards-– San Miguel de Tucuman and

Mendoza areas in the Andes subject to earthquakes; pamperos are violent windstorms that can strike the pampas and northeast; heavy flooding


– 40,677,348

• Nationality- Argentine

• Ethnic Groups-– white (mostly Spanish and

Italian) 97%, mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry), Amerindian, or other non-white groups 3%


• Nationality- Argentine

• Ethnic Groups-– white (mostly Spanish and

Italian) 97%, mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry), Amerindian, or other non-white groups 3%


Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%


Italian, English, German, French


Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%


Italian, English, German, French

• 23 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 autonomous city* (distrito federal); – Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires Capital Federal*,

Catamarca, Chaco, Chubut, Cordoba, Corrientes, Entre Rios, Formosa, Jujuy, La Pampa, La Rioja, Mendoza, Misiones, Neuquen, Rio Negro, Salta, San Juan, San Luis, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santiago del Estero, Tierra del Fuego - Antartida e Islas del Atlantico Sur, Tucuman

• note: the US does not recognize any claims to Antarctica

• 23 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 autonomous city* (distrito federal); – Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires Capital Federal*,

Catamarca, Chaco, Chubut, Cordoba, Corrientes, Entre Rios, Formosa, Jujuy, La Pampa, La Rioja, Mendoza, Misiones, Neuquen, Rio Negro, Salta, San Juan, San Luis, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santiago del Estero, Tierra del Fuego - Antartida e Islas del Atlantico Sur, Tucuman

• note: the US does not recognize any claims to Antarctica

La BanderaFeb. 25, 1818

La BanderaFeb. 25, 1818

One theory states that the blue represents the Rio de la Plata, (River of Silver) which is the widest river in the world and that the white represents the metal silver, as the word Argentina originates from the Latin word 'Argentum' which means silver. Early conquerors thought there were large quantities of silver hidden in Argentine's river's banks.

One theory states that the blue represents the Rio de la Plata, (River of Silver) which is the widest river in the world and that the white represents the metal silver, as the word Argentina originates from the Latin word 'Argentum' which means silver. Early conquerors thought there were large quantities of silver hidden in Argentine's river's banks.


– republic


• Revolution Day, 25 May (1810)



• Revolution Day, 25 May (1810)

Constitution Day-1 May 1853; amended many times starting in 1860


president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);

• President and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term);

President Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER (since 10 December 2007)


– $13,000 (2007 est.)

• Population Below Poverty- – 23.4% (January-June

2007)

• Currency-– Argentine peso (ARS)

• Exchange-– Argentine pesos per

US dollar - 3.1105 (2007),


• Population Below Poverty- – 23.4% (January-June

2007)

• Currency-– Argentine peso (ARS)

• Exchange-– Argentine pesos per

US dollar - 3.1105 (2007),

ChileChile• slightly smaller than

twice the size of Montana

• Capital- Santiago

• Location-Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru

• slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana

• Capital- Santiago

• Location-Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru


– temperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region; cool and damp in south

• Terrain-– low coastal

mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in east

• Climate-– temperate; desert

in north; Mediterranean in central region; cool and damp in south

• Terrain-– low coastal

mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in east

• Natural resources-– copper, timber, iron

ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum, hydropower

• Natural Hazards-– severe earthquakes;

active volcanism; tsunamis

• Natural resources-– copper, timber, iron

ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum, hydropower

• Natural Hazards-– severe earthquakes;

active volcanism; tsunamis

Mas HechosMas Hechos


• Nationality- Chilean

• Ethnic Groups-– white and white-

Amerindian 95%, Amerindian 3%, other 2%


• Nationality- Chilean

• Ethnic Groups-– white and white-

Amerindian 95%, Amerindian 3%, other 2%


Evangelical 15.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.1%, other Christian 1%, other 4.6%, none 8.3% (2002 census)


Mapudungun, German, English


Evangelical 15.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.1%, other Christian 1%, other 4.6%, none 8.3% (2002 census)


Mapudungun, German, English

• 15 regions (regiones, singular - region); – Aisen del General Carlos Ibanez del

Campo, Antofagasta, Araucania, Arica y Parinacota, Atacama, Biobio, Coquimbo, Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, Los Lagos, Los Rios, Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena, Maule, Region Metropolitana (Santiago), Tarapaca, Valparaiso

• note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica

• 15 regions (regiones, singular - region); – Aisen del General Carlos Ibanez del

Campo, Antofagasta, Araucania, Arica y Parinacota, Atacama, Biobio, Coquimbo, Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, Los Lagos, Los Rios, Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena, Maule, Region Metropolitana (Santiago), Tarapaca, Valparaiso

• note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica

La BanderaOctober 18, 1817 La BanderaOctober 18, 1817

The red stripe represents the blood of patriots who fought for Chile's independence. The white stripe symbolizes the snow of the Andes Mountains; while the blue stripe represents the sky. The star on the flag stresses the fact that Chile is a Unitarian republic, and not a federal republic.

The red stripe represents the blood of patriots who fought for Chile's independence. The white stripe symbolizes the snow of the Andes Mountains; while the blue stripe represents the sky. The star on the flag stresses the fact that Chile is a Unitarian republic, and not a federal republic.


– republic

• Independence-– 18 September 1810 (from

Spain)


• Independence-– 18 September 1810 (from

Spain)

Constitution Day- 11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; amended 1989, 1991, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, and 2005

El PresidenteEl Presidente• President elected

by popular vote for a single four-year term;

• Election last held 11 December 2005, with runoff election held 15 January 2006

• President elected by popular vote for a single four-year term;

• Election last held 11 December 2005, with runoff election held 15 January 2006

President Sebastian PINERA Echenique (since 11 March 2010)


– $14,400 (2007 est.)


• Currency-– Chilean peso (CLP)

• Exchange-– Chilean pesos per US

dollar - 526.25 (2007)



• Currency-– Chilean peso (CLP)

• Exchange-– Chilean pesos per US

dollar - 526.25 (2007)

Equatorial GuineaEquatorial GuineaThe Only Spanish Speaking Country in

Africa…

The Only Spanish Speaking Country in

Africa…

Equatorial GuineaEquatorial Guinea

• slightly smaller than Maryland

• Capital --Malabo

• Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Cameroon and Gabon

• slightly smaller than Maryland

• Capital --Malabo

• Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Cameroon and Gabon

Los HechosLos Hechos• Climate:

tropical; always hot, humid

• Terrain: coastal plains rise to interior hills; islands are volcanic

• Climate:

tropical; always hot, humid

• Terrain: coastal plains rise to interior hills; islands are volcanic

• Natural Resources

petroleum, natural gas, timber, gold, bauxite, diamonds, tantalum, sand and gravel, clay

• Natural hazard

violent windstorms; flash floods-volcanism: Santa Isabel (elev. 3,007 m, 9,865 ft), which last erupted in 1923, is the country's only historically active volcano; Santa Isabel, along with two dormant volcanoes, forms Bioko Island in the Gulf of Guinea

• Natural Resources

petroleum, natural gas, timber, gold, bauxite, diamonds, tantalum, sand and gravel, clay

• Natural hazard

violent windstorms; flash floods-volcanism: Santa Isabel (elev. 3,007 m, 9,865 ft), which last erupted in 1923, is the country's only historically active volcano; Santa Isabel, along with two dormant volcanoes, forms Bioko Island in the Gulf of Guinea

Más HechosMás HechosPopulation:

668,225 (July 2011 est.)

Nationality:

Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s)

Ethic Groups:Fang 85.7%, Bubi 6.5%, Mdowe

3.6%, Annobon 1.6%, Bujeba 1.1%, other 1.4% (1994 census)

Population:

668,225 (July 2011 est.)

Nationality:

Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s)

Ethic Groups:Fang 85.7%, Bubi 6.5%, Mdowe

3.6%, Annobon 1.6%, Bujeba 1.1%, other 1.4% (1994 census)

Religion:nominally Christian and

predominantly Roman Catholic, pagan practices

Language:

Spanish (official) 67.6%, other (includes French (official), Fang, Bubi) 32.4%

Religion:nominally Christian and

predominantly Roman Catholic, pagan practices

Language:

Spanish (official) 67.6%, other (includes French (official), Fang, Bubi) 32.4%

Administrative DivisionsAdministrative Divisions

7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Annobon, Bioko Norte, Bioko Sur, Centro Sur, Kie-Ntem, Litoral, Wele-Nzas

7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Annobon, Bioko Norte, Bioko Sur, Centro Sur, Kie-Ntem, Litoral, Wele-Nzas

La BanderaLa Bandera

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red, with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side and the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms has six yellow six-pointed stars (representing the mainland and five offshore islands) above a gray shield bearing a silk-cotton tree and below which is a scroll with the motto UNIDAD, PAZ, JUSTICIA (Unity, Peace, Justice); green symbolizes the jungle and natural resources, blue represents the sea that connects the mainland to the islands, white stands for peace, and red recalls the fight for independence

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red, with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side and the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms has six yellow six-pointed stars (representing the mainland and five offshore islands) above a gray shield bearing a silk-cotton tree and below which is a scroll with the motto UNIDAD, PAZ, JUSTICIA (Unity, Peace, Justice); green symbolizes the jungle and natural resources, blue represents the sea that connects the mainland to the islands, white stands for peace, and red recalls the fight for independence

El GobiernoEl Gobierno

Government

Republic

Government

Republic

Independence

12 October 1968 (from Spain)

Independence

12 October 1968 (from Spain)

Constitutionapproved by national referendum 17 November 1991; amended January 1995


President Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO (since 3 August 1979 when he seized power in a military coup)

President Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO (since 3 August 1979 when he seized power in a military coup)

• Head of Government: Prime Minister Ignacio MILAM Tang (since 8 July 2008);

• Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

• Head of Government: Prime Minister Ignacio MILAM Tang (since 8 July 2008);

• Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

ElectionsElections• President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term

(no term limits); election last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be held in 2016); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president

• Election results: Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO reelected president; percent of vote - Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO 95.8%, Placido Mico ABOGO 3.6%

• note: Parliament has little power since the constitution vests all executive authority in the president

• President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (no term limits); election last held on 29 November 2009 (next to be held in 2016); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president

• Election results: Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO reelected president; percent of vote - Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO 95.8%, Placido Mico ABOGO 3.6%

• note: Parliament has little power since the constitution vests all executive authority in the president


– $37,900 (2010 est.)

• Population Below Poverty- – NA%

• Currency-– Afrique Centrale

francs

• Exchange-– 495.28 (2010)


• Population Below Poverty- – NA%

• Currency-– Afrique Centrale

francs

• Exchange-– 495.28 (2010)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars; population figures are uncertain for Equatorial Guinea; these per capita income figures are based on a estimated population of less than 700,000; some estimates put the figure as high as 1.2 million people; if true, the per capita GDP figures would be significantly lower

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Spanish Speaking Countries of South America

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