Capital City The Valley Government type Internally self-governing British overseas territory Head of State Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, represented by the Governor Geography Location Eastern Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Area 91 km² (35 sq. miles) Terrain Flat limestone and coral island with only a few rolling hills Climate Tropical; moderated by trade winds People Nationality Anguillan(s) Population 16,700 (2016 est.) Ethnic Groups black 90.1%, mulatto 4.6% Religions Christianity Languages English (official) Literacy 92% Natural resources Salt, fish, lobster Agriculture products Tobacco, vegetables; cattle raising Industries Tourism, boat building, offshore financial services
Anguilla' s beach
Curaçao (NL)
Capital City Willemstad (on Curaçao) Other Cities Kralendijk (Bonaire), Oranjestad (Sint Eustatius) Government type Parliamentary, Autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal and partly in foreign affairs
- note: each island has its own government Geography Location Caribbean, two island groups in the Caribbean Sea Area 800 km² (308 sq. mi.) Terrain Generally hilly, volcanic interiors Climate Tropical; ameliorated by northeast trade winds People Nationality Dutch Antillean(s) Population 220,000 GNI per capita PPP (year): $ 23 770 Ethnic Groups Mixed black 85%, Carib Amerindian, white, East Asian Religions Christianity, Jewish Languages Dutch (official) 7% , Papiamento 65%, English widely spoken 16%, Spanish 6% Literacy 96% Natural resources phosphates (on Curacao), Salt (on Bonaire) Agriculture products aloes, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables, tropical fruit Industries tourism (Curacao, Sint Maarten, and Bonaire), petroleum refining (Curacao), petroleum transshipment facilities (Curacao and Bonaire),
light manufacturing (Curacao)
Antigua and Barbuda
Capital City St. John's (Antigua, pop. 30 000) Other Cities Codrington (on Barbuda) Government type Constitutional monarchy with Westminster-style Parliament Head of State Queen ELIZABETH II Independence 1 November 1981 (from the UK) Constitution 1981 Geography Location Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico Area Antigua: 281 km² (108 sq. mi.) Barbuda: 161 km² (62 sq. mi.) Total area 442 km² (170 sq. mi.) Terrain partly volcanic and partly coral, generally low-lying, with highest elevation 405 m. (1,330 ft.) Climate Year-round tropical maritime, cooled by steady trade winds People Nationality Noun and adjective--Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s) Population 89,000 (2016 est) Annual population growth rate (1999) 1.1% Ethnic groups Almost entirely of African origin; some of British, Portuguese, and Levantine Arab origin Religions Principally Anglican, with evangelical Protestant and Roman Catholic minorities Languages English Literacy 90% Natural resources tourism Agriculture products Cotton, fruits, vegetables, bananas, coconuts, cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane; livestock Industries Tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, household appliances)
S. John' s, il porto
Argentina
Capital City Buenos Aires (pop. 3 million) Other Cities Córdoba (pop. 1 350 000), Rosario (pop. 1 158 000), Mendoza (pop. 800 000 ), Santa Fe (pop. 360 000), Mar del Plata, La Plata, Tucuman Government type Republic Independence 9 July 1816 (from Spain). Constitution: 1 May 1853; revised August 1994 Geography Location Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay Area 2.8 million km² (1.1 million sq. mi.); second-largest country in South America Terrain fertile South American lowlands of the Pampas in the northern half, flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in the south, the Andes mountain range
along the western border Climate Argentina's climate is varied; predominantly temperate with extremes ranging from subtropical in the north to arid/sub- Antarctic in the far south People Nationality Argentine(s) Population 45,377,000 (2020) GNI per capita PPP: $ $20,055 (year) Ethnic groups European 97%, mostly Spanish and Italian descent; Mestizo, Amerindian, or other nonwhite groups, 3% Religions Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4% Languages Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French Literacy 99% Natural resources Fertile plains (pampas); minerals--lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron, manganese, oil, and uranium Agriculture products Grains, oilseeds and by-products, lemons, soybeans, grapes, corn, tobacco, peanuts, tea, wheat; livestock Industries Food processing, motor vehicles, oil refining, machinery and equipment, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals
Ande in color
Aruba
Capital City Oranjestad Other Cities San Nicolaas (St. Nicolaas) Government type Parliamentary Democracy Dependency status Constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986;
responsible for defense and foreign affairs is the Dutch Government Geography Location Caribbean, island in the South Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela Area 180 km² (69 sq miles) Terrain Flat with a few hills Climate Tropical marine People Nationality Aruban(s), Dutch Population 110,000 (Dec. 2015) Ethnic Groups mixed white/Caribbean Amerindian 80% Religions Christian 90%, Hindu, Muslim Languages Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English dialect), English (widely spoken), Spanish Literacy 97% Natural resources sun, sand, sea, surf Agriculture products aloes; livestock; fish Industries Tourism, transshipment facilities, oil refining
Oranjestad, Aruba capital city
Bahamas
Capital City Nassau on the island of New Providence Second-largest Cities Freeport (on Grand Bahama) Government type Constitutional parliamentary democracy Independence 10 July 1973 (from the UK). Constitution: 10 July, 1973 Geography Location the Caribbean, a chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida, and northeast of Cuba Area 13,943 km². (5,383 sq. mi.) Terrain long, low flat coral formations with some low rounded hills Climate Semitropical to tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of the Gulf Stream People Nationality Bahamian(s) Population 397,000 (2021 est.) GNI per capita PPP: $ 19 139 (year) Ethnic groups African 85%, European 12%, Asian and Hispanic 3% Religions Baptist predominant (32%), Roman Catholic, Anglican, Evangelical Protestants, Methodist, Church of God Language English (official); some Creole among Haitian groups. Literacy: 93% Natural resources Salt, aragonite, timber, arable land Agriculture - products Citrus, vegetables; poultry
The capital city
Barbados
Capital City Bridgetown Government type Parliamentary democracy; independent sovereign state within the Commonwealth Head of State Queen Elizabeth II represented by a Governor General Independence 30 November 1966 (from the UK) Geography Location Caribbean, island in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela Area 431 sq. km. (166 sq. mi.) Terrain Generally flat, hilly in the interior Climate Tropical; rainy season (July to November) People Nationality Barbadian(s); informally "Bajan(s)" Population 290,000 (2016 estimated) GNI per capita PPP: $ 17 170 (year) Ethnic groups Black 90%, White 4%, Asian or mixed 6% Religions Protestant 67%, Roman Catholic 4%, none 17%, other 12% Language English Literacy 99,7% Natural resources petroleum, fish, natural gas Agriculture products sugarcane, vegetables, cotton Industries tourism, sugar, financial services, information services, light manufacturing, component assembly for export
The most Caribbean island in the Caribbean
Belize
Capital City Belmopan (pop. 2010 census 16,500) Other Cities Belize City (57,000), Corozal (10,000), Orange Walk (14,000), San Ignacio & Santa Elena (18,000), Dangriga (9,500), Punta Gorda (5,000),
San Pedro (11,000) Government type Parliamentary democracy Independence 21 September 1981 from the UK Constitution 21 September 1981 Geography Location Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico Area (mainland and cayes): 23,000 km² (8,867 sq. mi.) Terrain plain coastline covered with mangrove swamps, low mountains in interior, highest point Doyle's Delight (1124 m) Climate Tropical, hot and humid. Rainy season May to November; dry season February to May People Nationality: Noun and adjective--Belizean(s) Population 361,000 (2015) GNI per capita PPP: $ 7 635 (year) Ethnic groups Mestizo, Creole, Ketchi, Yucatec and Mopan Mayas, Garifuna and East Indian Religions Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, other Protestant, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist Languages English (official), Creole, Spanish, Garifuna, Mayan Literacy 76% Natural resources arable land, timber, seafood, minerals Agriculture Products sugar, citrus fruits and juices, bananas, mangoes, papayas, honey, corn, beans, rice, cattle (12.7% of GDP) Industries garment production, food processing, tourism, construction
El Castillo, the famous Mayan matryoshka pyramid
Bermuda
Capital City Hamilton (pop. 3461) Other Cities St. George (pop. 3306) Government type British Overseas Territory with significant autonomy Constitution 8 June 8 1968; amended 1989 and 2003 Geography Location North America, a group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean Area 53 km² (20.6 sq. mi.) Terrain Hilly islands surrounded by a wide platform of underwater coral reefs Climate Semi-tropical, mild, humid People Nationality Bermudian(s) Population 64,000 (2020) GNI per capita PPP: $ 86 000 (year) Ethnic Groups Black 55%, white 34%, mixed 7%, other Religions Christian Languages English (official), Portuguese Literacy 99% Natural resources Limestone, tourism Agriculture products Bananas, citrus, vegetables, flowers, dairy products, honey Industries Tourism, international business (insurance and other financial services), light manufacturing
Bird' s eye view of the island
Bolivia
Capital Cities La Paz (administrative, seat of the government; pop. 800,000) Sucre (legislative/judiciary; pop. 300 000) Other Cities Santa Cruz (1,500 000), Cochabamba (587,000), El Alto (860,000) Government type Republic Independence 6 August, 1825 Constitution 1967; revised 1994 Geography Location West-central South America Area 1 million km² (424.164 sq. mi.) Terrain High plateau (altiplano), temperate and semitropical valleys, and the tropical lowlands Climate Varies with altitude--from humid and tropical to semiarid and cold People Nationality Bolivian(s) Population 11.8 million (2021) GNI per capita PPP: $ 3,049 (year) Ethnic Groups Quechua 30%, mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry) 30%, Aymara 25%, white 15% Religions Predominantly Roman Catholic; minority Protestant Languages Spanish (official); Quechua, Aymara, Guarani Literacy 85.5% Natural resources tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower Agriculture products soybeans, coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, timber Industries mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco, handicrafts, clothing
Bolivia, important archaeological sites and suggestive natural landscapes
Brazil
Capital City Brasilia (pop. 2.1 million) GDF - Governo do Distrito Federal The Federal District Government. (in Portuguese) Other Cities Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Fortaleza, Recife, Porto Alegre, Curitiba Government type Federative Republic Independence 7 September 1822 (from Portugal) Geography Location Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean Area 8.5 million km² (3 290 000 sq. mi.); slightly smaller than the USA Terrain Dense rain forests in northern regions including the Amazon Basin; semiarid along the northeast coast; mountains, hills, and rolling plains in
the southwest, including Mato Grosso; and coastal lowland Climate Mostly tropical or semitropical with temperate zone in the south People Nationality Brazilian Population (in 2021) 212.7 million GNI per capita PPP: $ 16,461 (2019) Ethnic groups Brazil's population is derived from three main ethnic sources. To the original inhabitants (Indians) were added successive waves of
Europeans (mainly Portuguese) and Africans (mostly from the sub-Saharan west coast, belonging to the Bantu and to the Sudanic (Yoruba) ethnic groups) Religion Roman Catholic (64%), Protestant (22%) Language Brazilian Portuguese Literacy 92% of adult population Natural resourcesb> iron ore, manganese, bauxite, nickel, uranium, gemstones, oil, wood, and aluminum. Brazil has 12% of the world's fresh water Agriculture products Brazil is the biggest exporter of coffee, soybeans, beef, sugar cane, ethanol and frozen chickens Other products wheat, rice, corn, cocoa, and citrus Industries textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment
Brazil, aerial view of Rio de Janeiro, Mato Grosso, Iguazu waterfalls, on the border between Brazil and Argentina
Canada
Capital City Ottawa (pop. 1 million) Other Cities Toronto (4.5 million), Montreal (3.4 million), Vancouver (2.0 million), Calgary (1 million), Quebec (500.000) Government Type: Confederation with parliamentary democracy Independence 1 July 1867 (from the UK) Constitution The amended British North America Act of 1867 patriated to Canada on 17 April 1982, Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and unwritten custom.
(Constitution Act of 1982) Geography Location Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north Area 9.9 million km² (3.8 million sq. mi.); second-largest country in the world Terrain as large as the country is, it offers many different landscapes, towering mountains, vast prairies, desert-like areas, frozen arctic tundra,
17,000 glaciers, steep valleys, hilly promontories, huge rivers and lakes Climate Varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north People Nationality Noun and adjective--Canadian(s) Population 38 million (2020) GNI per capita PPP: $ 42,080 (2020) Ethnic groups people of British descent (28%), French descent (23%), Italian descent (3%), aboriginal peoples (2%), plus significant minorities of German,
Ukrainian, Dutch, Greek, Polish and Chinese Religions Religion: Catholic (45%), Protestant (36%), and minorities from most of the world's major religions Languages English 59.3% (official), French 23.2% (official), and 53 native languages Literacy 97-99% of the population aged 15 and over Natural resources Iron ore, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, potash, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas, hydropower Agriculture products Wheat, barley, oilseed, tobacco, fruits, vegetables; dairy products; forest products; fish Industries transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and unprocessed minerals, food products; wood and paper products; fish products, petroleum and
natural gas
Canadian Museum of the Civilization, Alberta' s Dinosaur Provincial Park, Banff National Park
Cayman Islands
- The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory located in the Western Caribbean
- It is comprised of three Islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman Location
- The Islands are situated 480 miles southwest of Miami, about 277 miles south of Cuba, and 310 miles northwest of Jamaica
- Cayman Brac is 89 miles northeast of Grand Cayman and Little Cayman is 5 miles west of Cayman Brac Capital the capital of the Cayman Islands is George Town, in Grand Cayman History reputed to be discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1503, the first settlers came here in 1638
- the Islands were handed over by Spain to Great Britain in 1670 with a larger influx of settlers arriving from early 18th Century
- he Cayman Islands were administered as a dependency of Jamaica from 1863
- upon Jamaica's independence, the Cayman Islands opted to become a direct dependency of the British Crown, and received its first constitution in 1959 British Overseas Territory the British Nationality Act 1981 came into force on 1 January 1983, which separated Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies
(CUKCs) into three categories: British Citizens, British Dependent Territories Citizens, and British Overseas Citizens
- British Overseas Territories Citizenship (BOTC) was called ‘British dependent territories citizenship’ before 26 February 2002
- Persons automatically became a British citizen on 21 May 2002 if they were connected to the following qualifying British overseas territories: Anguilla,
Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat,
Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and Turks and Caicos Islands Population
- While there are over 130 nationalities living and working in the Cayman Islands, the majority of work permit holders (about 75%) come from Jamaica,
the Philippines, the United Kingdom, India, Canada, and the United States
- As of Fall 2019, we are home to 69,914 persons (50.6% female and 49.4% male) with approximately 37,363 Caymanians
- Surnames such as McTaggart, Chisholm and Bodden abound, tracing our cultural links back to early settlers from across Great Britain, from Scotland
through to Cornwall
- Children younger than 15 years old account for 15.2 percent of the population, while the elderly (65 years or older) represent 7.9 percent
- Non-Caymanians comprise 46.7% of the workforce
- They are admitted under the government’s work permit system which controls the inflow of foreign skills and labour
- We expect these statistics to change as the impacts of COVID-19 are felt through our economy and workforce Religion
- Christianity has played a large role in the lives of Caymanians, and there are a variety of churches
- The largest according to the 2010 Census are: Church of God, Roman Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist, Presbyterian/United Church, Baptist
Residents also follow the Baha’i, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim faiths
- Although these communities are not large enough to support houses of worship, services are held in family homes and visitors are welcome
Grand Cayman
Chile
Capital City Santiago (pop. metropolitan area est. 6 million), the legislative body operates in Valparaíso Other Cities Concepcion-Talcahuano (840,000), Vina del Mar-Valparaíso (800,000), Antofagasta (245,000), Temuco (230,000) Government type Republic Independence 18 Sept 1810 (from Spain) Constitution Promulgated 11 September 1980; effective 11 March 1981; amended in 1989, 1993, and 1997 Geography Location Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru Area 756,100 km² (291,931 sq. mi.) Terrain Desert in north; fertile central valley; volcanoes and lakes toward the south, giving way to rugged and complex coastline;
Andes Mountains on the eastern border Climate Arid in north, Mediterranean in the central part, temperate oceanic and cool in south People Nationality Noun and adjective--Chilean(s) Population 19.7 million (2021) GNI per capita PPP: $ 11 537 (year) Ethnic groups Spanish-Native-American (mestizo), European, Native-American Religions Roman Catholic 69.9%; Protestant 15% Languages Spanish Literacy 95.8% Natural resources copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum, hydropower Agriculture products grapes, apples, pears, onions, wheat, corn, oats, peaches, wine, garlic, asparagus, beans, beef, poultry, wool; fish; timber Industries copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles
Mysterious ceremonials in the Atacama Desert, Mohai of Easter Island
Colombia
Capital City Bogotá formerly Santa Fe de Bogotá, (pop. about 6 million) Other Cities Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena Government type Republic Independence 20 July 1810 Geography Location Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama Area 1.134 million km² (440,000 sq. mi.), fourth-largest country in South America Terrain Flat coastal areas, with extensive coastlines on the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, three rugged parallel mountain chains, central highlands,
and flat eastern grasslands Climate Tropical on coast and eastern plains, cooler in highlands People Nationality Colombian(s) Population 49 million (2016) GNI per capita PPP: $ 7 303 (year) Ethnic groups Mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1% Religion Roman Catholic 90% Language Spanish Literacy 93% in urban areas, 67% in rural areas Natural resources coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nickel, gold, silver, copper, platinum, emeralds Agriculture products coffee, cut flowers, bananas, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseed, vegetables; forest products; shrimp Industries textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages, chemicals, cement; gold, coal, emeralds
Colombia Unesco heritage cultural landscape of coffee, the Ciudad Perdida
Costa Rica
Capital City San José (pop. 354 600, greater metropolitan area 2.1 million) Other Cities Puntarenas (pop. 103 000), Limon (pop. 90 000) Government type Democratic Republic Independence 15 September (1821 from Spain) Constitution 7 November 1949 Geography Location Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea in the north-east and the North Pacific Ocean in the south-west, between Nicaragua and Panama Area 51,100 km² (19,729 sq. mi.) Terrain Coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes Climate Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands People Nationality Costa Rican(s) Population 4.8 million (2015) Ethnic Groups European and some mestizo 94%, African origin 3%, Chinese 1%, indigenous 1%, other 1% Religions Roman Catholic 69%, Protestant approx. 18%, none 12%, others 1% Languages Spanish, with a southwestern Caribbean Creole dialect of English spoken around the Limon area Literacy 96% Natural resources hydroelectric power, forest products, fisheries products Agriculture products coffee, pineapples, bananas, sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef; timber Industries microprocessors, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products
The volcanoes of Costa Rica
Cuba
Capital City Habana (Havana, pop. 2 million) Other major Cities Santiago de Cuba, Camaguey, Santa Clara, Holguin, Guantanamo, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Pinar del Rio Government type Communist state; current government assumed power by force January 1, 1959 Independence 20 May 1902 (from Spain 10 December 1898; administered by the US from 1898 to 1902) Geography Location Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, 150 km south of Florida Area 109,886 km². (42,427 sq. mi.) Terrain Flat or gently rolling plains, hills; mountains up to 2,000 meters (6,000 ft.) in the southeast Climate Tropical, moderated by trade winds; dry season (November-April); rainy season (May-October) People Nationality Cuban(s) Population 11.4 million (2014); 70% urban, 30% rural Ethnic groups 51% mulatto, 37% white, 11% black, 1% Chinese (according to Cuban census data) Language Spanish Literacy 95% Natural resources nickel, cobalt, iron ore, copper, manganese, salt, timber Agriculture products sugar, tobacco, citrus and tropical fruits, coffee, rice, beans, meat, vegetables Industries sugar, petroleum, tobacco, construction, nickel, steel, cement, agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals
National School of Art, Habana
Dominica
Capital City Roseau (pronounced rose-oh) (population 13,500) Main towns Canefield (3,400), Portsmouth (3,300), Marigot (2,700), Salisbury (2,500), Atkinson (2,300), Berekua (2,100), St Joseph (1,900),
Castle Bruce (1,900), Wesley (1,600) and Mahaut (1,200) Government type Parliamentary democracy; republic within commonwealth Independence 3 November 1978 (from UK) Constitution November 1978 Geography Location Eastern Caribbean; North of Martinique and South of Guadeloupe Area 751 km² (290 sq. mi) Terrain Mountainous volcanic island with rainforest cover Climate Tropical; climate and temperatures can vary drastically dependent upon the season and region People Nationality Dominican (Dom-i-nee-can) Population 72,000 (2014) Ethnic groups Mainly African descent, some Carib Indians Religions Roman Catholic (80%), Anglican, other Protestant denominations Languages English. A french based Creole (Patois) is widely spoken by residents Literacy 94% Natural resources timber, hydropower, arable land Agriculture products bananas, citrus, mangoes, root crops, coconuts, cocoa; forest and fishery potential not exploited Industries soap, coconut oil, tourism, copra
Dominica Roseau Caribbean
Ecuador
Capital City Quito (pop. 1.4 million) Other Cities Cuenca, Guayaquil (largest city in Ecuador) Government Republic Independence 24 May 1822 (from Spain) Constitution 10 August 1998 Geography Location Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru Area 283,561 km² (109.483 sq. mi.) Terrain Jungle east of the Andes, a rich agricultural coastal plain west of the Andes, high-elevation valleys through the mountainous center of the
country and an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean Climate Varied, mild year-round in the mountain valleys; tropical, hot and humid in coastal and Amazonian jungle lowlands People Nationality Ecuadorian(s) Population 16.7 million (2017) Ethnic groups Mestizo (mixed Indian and Spanish) 65%, Indigenous 25%, Caucasian and others 7%, African 3% Religion Predominantly Roman Catholic (95%), but religious freedom recognized Languages Spanish (official), indigenous languages, especially Quichua, the Ecuadorian dialect of Quechua Literacy 90% Natural resources petroleum, fish, timber, hydropower Agriculture products bananas, coffee, cocoa, rice, potatoes, manioc (tapioca), plantains, sugarcane; cattle, sheep, pigs, beef, pork, dairy products;
balsa wood; fish, shrimp Industries petroleum, food processing, textiles, wood products, chemicals
Ingapirca, the most important archaeological site in Ecuador
El Salvador
Capital City San Salvador (pop. 600 000) Other Cities Santa Ana (pop. 237 000), San Miguel (pop. 222,000), Ahuachapán (pop. 100 000), Soyapango (pop. 222,096), La Union Government type Republic Independence on 15 September 1821 (from Spain). Constitution: 20 December 1983 Geography Location Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean in the south, between Guatemala and Honduras Area 21,041 km² (8,123 sq. mi.) Terrain Mountains separate country into three distinct regions--southern coastal belt, central valleys and plateaus, and northern mountains Climate Semitropical, tropical on coast; temperate in uplands, distinct wet and dry seasons People Nationality Salvadoran(s) Population 6.4 million (2015) Ethnic Groups mixed Indian and Spanish 90%, indigenous 1%, Caucasian 9% Religions Roman Catholic, Protestants Languages Spanish Literacy 75-80% Natural resources hydropower, geothermal power, petroleum, arable land Agriculture products coffee, sugar, livestock, corn, poultry, and sorghum Industries food and beverage processing, textiles, footwear and clothing, chemical products, petroleum products, electronics
Mayan archaeological site of Tazumal
Isole Falkland
- l'arcipelago delle Falkland si trova nell'Atlantico meridionale a circa 450 Km dalle coste sud dell'Argentina, che le rivendica e per le quali c'è stato
anche un conflitto nel 1982 con il Regno Unito
- due le isole più importanti, a Stanley vive oltre 2/3 della popolazione
- le attività principali sono la pesca e l'allevamento di ovini Forma di governo Dipendenza Britannica con autonomia interna (rivendicata dall'Argentina) Superficie 12.173 Km² (16.239 Km² con Georgia del Sud e Sandwich Australi) Popolazione 3.040 ab. (censimento 2016) Densità 0,25 ab/Km² Capitale Stanley (2.460 ab.) Moneta Sterlina delle Falkland Lingua Inglese (ufficiale), Spagnolo Speranza di vita M 76 anni, F 80 anni Posizione Sudamerica Confini Circondate dall'Oceano Atlantico GEOGRAFIA FISICA DELLE FALKLAND
- l'arcipelago delle Falkland/Malvinas è formato da due isole principali, East Falkland/Soledad (6.605 Km²) e West Falkland/Gran Malvina (4.532 Km²) e da altre 776
fra isole più piccole ed isolotti minori, per uno sviluppo costiero di ben 7.400 chilometri, grazie alla presenza di numerose baie, insenature e fiordi
- il territorio è in prevalenza collinare e montuoso, anche se le principali cime si attestano solo sui 700 metri d'altezza, Mount Usborne (705 m.) su East
Falkland e Mount Adam (700 m.) su West Falkland le due maggiori
- vista la conformazione dell'arcipelago non sono presenti fiumi di grande rilevanza, quattro quelli principali, San Carlos e Malo su East Falkland, Warrah e
Chartres su West Falkland
- anche i laghi non hanno grande estensione, Lake Sulivan su West Falkland quello più ampio
- il clima è di tipo oceanico freddo, con differenze nelle temperature medie non troppo marcate fra i mesi più caldi (12-13° C) e quelli invernali (4-5° C),
le precipitazioni non sono molto abbondanti e piuttosto costanti in tutto l'arco dell'anno, caratteristici i venti che sovente soffiano con particolare vigore GEOGRAFIA UMANA DELLE FALKLAND
- le Falkland (Malvinas in spagnolo) sono un territorio d'oltremare britannico auto-governato, l'unico vero centro urbano è il capoluogo Stanley (2.460 ab.),
situato sull'estremità orientale dell'isola di East Falkland, il resto degli abitanti vive nella base militare di Mount Pleasant, in piccoli agglomerati di
case o in fattorie più isolate
- il tasso di urbanizzazione è dell'86%
- la popolazione è in maggior parte di cittadinanza britannica (92%), con minoranze provenienti da Sudamerica (4%), Oceania (2%) ed Europa (1%)
- la religione cristiana, soprattutto protestante è professata dal 66% degli abitanti, mentre il 32% non è religioso
Pinguini delle isole Falkland
Giamaica
- la Giamaica è un'isola delle Grandi Antille e si trova circa 150 Km a sud-est di Cuba
- è indipendente dal 1962
- il territorio è caratterizzato da brevi catene montuose che sfiorano i 1.000 metri d'altezza, ad esclusione delle Blue Mountains, molto più elevate
- la bauxite è alla base dell'economia, col turismo che s'è ritagliato uno spazio sempre più importante nel corso degli anni Forma di governo Monarchia parlamentare Superficie 10.991 Km² Popolazione 2.698.000 ab. (censimento 2011) 2.726.000 ab. (stime 2019) Densità 248 ab/Km² Capitale Kingston (590.000 ab.) Moneta Dollaro giamaicano Indice di sviluppo umano 0,726 (96° posto) Lingua Inglese (ufficiale), Creolo-giamaicano Speranza di vita M 73 anni, F 76 anni Posizione Nord-Centro America Confini Circondata dall'Oceano Atlantico (Mar dei Caribbean) GEOGRAFIA FISICA DELLA GIAMAICA
- il territorio della Giamaica è in prevalenza montuoso, anche se solamente la parte orientale arriva ad altezze considerevoli con la catena delle Blue Mountains,
che raggiungono la loro massima elevazione e di conseguenza dell'intero Paese nel Blue Mountain Peak (2.256 m.)
- la parte centro-settentrionale è occupata da un altopiano che si eleva sui 500 metri, mentre lungo le coste, specialmente quelle meridionali che sono basse al
contrario di quelle settentrionali più aspre ed elevate, si aprono pianure comunque in genere non molto estese
- la superficie del Paese è costituita oltre che dall'isola omonima (10.911 Km²) da alcune altre piccole isole situate nella parte meridionale della Giamaica,
tutte di dimensioni abbastanza modeste; lo sviluppo costiero è di 1.020 chilometri
- sparsi nel territorio giamaicano scorrono oltre un centinaio di fiumi, ma vista la disposizione delle catene montuose nessuno di essi supera i cento chilometri
di lunghezza, il Rio Minho (93 Km) ed il Black River (53 Km) sono quelli principali
- i bacini lacustri naturali sono piuttosto rari e tutti di dimensioni alquanto limitate
- il clima è di tipo tropicale ed in genere caldo ed umido, ad esclusione delle zone più elevate e temperate
- le temperature subiscono variazioni stagionali decisamente limitate visto che le massime medie nella capitale sono comprese fra 30° e 33°C, con minime fra
21°-24°C
- le precipitazioni nel complesso sono piuttosto consistenti, ma alcune zone, come la fascia costiera meridionale raggiungono un totale più scarso attorno agli
800 mm annui, mentre al contrario le aree montuose possono arrivare anche a ben 5.000-6.000 mm ogni anno
- il Paese si trova inoltre in una zona colpita frequentemente da uragani GEOGRAFIA UMANA DELLA GIAMAICA
- la Giamaica è suddivisa a livello amministrativo in 14 parrocchie ed il tasso di urbanizzazione è del 55%, con la zona della capitale Kingston (590.000 ab.)
che accoglie da sola oltre 1/3 di tutta la popolazione e comprende seconda e terza città più popolate del Paese, Portmore (182.000 ab.) e Spanish Town (147.000 ab.)
- anche Montego Bay (110.000 ab.) sulla costa nord-occidentale supera le centomila persone
- quasi tutta la popolazione è di etnia nera (92%) e discende dagli schiavi africani deportati durante il periodo coloniale, i mulatti sono il 6% e gli asiatici
l'1%
- la religione protestante (65%) è praticata dai 2/3 degli abitanti (avventista del settimo giorno e pentecostale le due chiese con più fedeli), mentre i non
religiosi ammontano al 21%
Paesaggi mozzafiato a ritmo di reggae
Grenada
Capital City Saint George's (est. pop. 33 000) Government type Constitutional monarchy with Westminster-style Parliament Independence 7 February 1974 (from UK) Constitution 19 December 1973, Coming into operation 7 February 1974 Geography Location Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago, and south of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Area 344 km² (133 sq mi) Terrain Three volcanic islands (Grenada and the smaller islands of Carriacou and Petit Martinique) with mountainous rainforest Climate Tropical; tempered by the steady and cooling trade winds People Nationality Grenadian(s) Population 107,000 (2015) Ethnic groups African descent (75%), some South Asians (East Indians) and Europeans, trace Arawak/Carib Indian Religions Roman Catholic, various Protestant denominations, Islam, Rastafarianism Languages English (official) Literacy 95% Natural resources Timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harbors Agriculture products Bananas, cocoa, spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla, mace, citrus, avocados, root crops, sugarcane, corn, vegetables Industries Food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations, tourism, construction
Grenada, the capital citiy St. George' s
Greenland
Capital City Nuuk (Godthab, Godthåb) Other Cities Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg), Ilulissat (Jakobshavn), Qaqortoq (Julianehåb), Aasiaat (Egedesminde), Maniitsoq (Sukkertoppen) Government type Parliamentary Democracy within a constitutional monarchy Dependency status Part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1979 Geography Location Northern North America, island between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Canada Area 2,166,086 km² (836,297 sq. mi.) Terrain flat to gradually sloping icecap covers all but a narrow, mountainous, barren, rocky coast Highest point Gunnbjorn 3 700 m Climate Arctic to subarctic, cool summers, cold winters People Nationality noun: Greenlander(s) adjective: Greenlandic Population 56,100 (2016) Ethnic Groups Greenlander 88% (Inuit and Greenland-born whites), Danish and others 12% (2000) Religions Christianity Languages Greenlandic (East Inuit), Danish, English Literacy 100% Natural resources fish, seals, whales, gold, niobium, tantalite, uranium, iron, diamonds, ice, water, hydropower Agriculture products forage crops, garden and greenhouse vegetables; sheep, reindeer; fish Industries fish processing (mainly prawns and Greenland halibut), handicrafts, hides and skins, small shipyards, mining
the land of the Inuit
Guadeloupe
Capital City Basse-Terre Other Cities Gosier, Gustavia, Petit Bourg, Pointe-à-Pitre, Sainte Anne, Saint-François Government Overseas department of France Geography Location Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Puerto Rico Area 1,630 km² (629 sq mi) Terrain Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grande-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the seven other islands are
volcanic in origin Climate Subtropical tempered by trade winds; moderately high humidity People Nationality noun: Guadeloupian(s) adjective: Guadeloupe Population 403,000 (2014) Ethnic Groups black or mulatto 90%, white 5%, East Indian, Lebanese, Chinese less than 5% Religions Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 4%, Protestant 1% Languages French (official) 99%, Creole patois Literacy 90% Natural resources arable land, beaches and a climate that foster tourism Agriculture products Bananas, sugarcane, tropical fruits and vegetables; cattle, pigs, goats Industries Construction, cement, rum, sugar, tourism
High cliffs of the island of Guadalupa
Guatemala
Capital City Guatemala (City) (metro area pop. 2.5 million) Other Cities Quetzaltenango, Escuintla Government type Constitutional democratic republic Constitution May 1985; amended November 1993 Independence 15 September 1821 (from Spain) Geography Location Central America, bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) and the North Pacific Ocean Area 109,000 km² (42,085 sq. mi.) Terrain fertile coastal plains, mountainous Climate Tropical on coasts, temperate in highlands People Nationality Guatemalan(s) Population 15,8 million (2014) Ethnic groups Mestizo (mixed Spanish-Indian), indigenous Religions Christian, traditional Mayan Languages Spanish, 24 indigenous languages (principally K'iche', Kaqchikel, Q'eqchi', and Mam) Literacy 70% Natural resources Petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, hydropower Agriculture products Sugarcane, corn, bananas, coffee, beans, cardamom; cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens Industries Sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism
the archaeological ruins of Tikal
Guyana
Capital City Georgetown (pop. 250 000) Other Cities Linden (29,000) and New Amsterdam (18,000) Government type Republic within the Commonwealth Independence 26 May 1966 Republic, 23 February 1970 Constitution 1980 Geography Location Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Suriname and Venezuela Area 215,000 sq. km. (83 000 sq. mi.) Terrain Coastal plain, inland highlands, rain forest, savanna Climate Equatorial tropical People Nationality Guyanese (sing. and pl.) Population 748.000 (2012) Ethnic groups East Indian origin 49%, African origin 32%, mixed 12%, Amerindian 6%, White and Chinese 1% Religions Christian 57%, Hindu 33%, Muslim 9%, other 1% Languages English, Guyanese Creole, Amerindian languages (primarily Carib and Arawak) Literacy 96.5% of adults who have attended school Natural resources bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fish Agriculture products sugar, rice, wheat, vegetable oils; beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; fish, shrimp Industries bauxite, sugar, rice milling, timber, textiles, gold mining
Mount Roraima, on the border with Venezuela
French Guyana
Capital City Cayenne Other Cities Saint-Laurent-of-Maroni, Kourou Government Former French overseas département, became a French region and was made part of France proper Geography Location Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname Area 83,534 km² Terrain Low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains Climate Equatorial tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature variation People Population 250,000 (2014) Ethnic Groups black or mulatto 66%, white 12%, East Indian, Chinese, Amerindian 12%, other 10% Religions Roman Catholic Languages French Literacy 83% Natural resources bauxite, timber, gold (widely scattered), petroleum, kaolin, fish, niobium, tantalum, clay Agriculture products corn, rice, manioc (tapioca), sugar, cocoa, vegetables, bananas; cattle, pigs, poultry Industries construction, shrimp processing, forestry products, rum, gold mining
The wonderful beaches of French Guiana
Haiti
Capital City Port-au-Prince (pop. 2 million) Other Cities Cap Haitien (pop. 600 000), Cayes, Gonaïves, Jacmel, Saint-Marc, Jérémie Government type Republic with an elected government Independence 1 January 1804 (from France) Constitution of the Republic of Haiti March 1987 Geography Location Caribbean, western one-third of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean Area 27,750 km² (10,714 sq. mi.) Ile de la Gonave and Ile de la Tortue comprise Haiti's principal offshore territories Terrain Rugged mountains with small coastal plains and river valleys, and a large east-central elevated plateau Climate Tropical, semiarid, high humidity in many coastal areas, mountains in east cut off trade winds People Nationality Noun and adjective--Haitian(s) Population 10 million (2010) Ethnic groups African descent 95%, African and European descent 5% Religions Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant 16%, voudou (voodoo) practices pervasive, recognized by the government since 2003 Languages Creole and French (official) Literacy 50% (est.) Natural resources bauxite, copper, calcium carbonate, gold, marble Agricultural Products coffee, mangoes, sugarcane, rice, corn, cacao, sorghum, pulses, other fruits and vegetables Agriculture products coffee, mangoes, sugarcane, rice, corn, sorghum, wood Industries sugar refining, flour milling, textiles, cement, light assembly industries based on imported parts.
Cittadelle Laferriere, Cap-Haïtien
Honduras
Capital City Tegucigalpa (pop. 850 000); metropolitan area 1.2 million Other Cities San Pedro Sula the industrial capital of Honduras, (pop. 500 000); metropolitan area over 1 million Government type Democratic constitutional republic Independence 15 September 1821 (from Spain) Constitution 1982 Geography Location Central America/Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Nicaragua and bordering the North Pacific Ocean,
between El Salvador and Nicaragua Area 112,492 km² (43,433 sq. mi.) Terrain Mountainous Climate Tropical to subtropical, depending on elevation People Nationality Honduran(s) Population 8.5 million (2015) Ethnic groups 90% mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European); others of European, Arab, African, or Asian ancestry; and indigenous Indians 7% Religions Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant minority Languages Spanish, Amerindian dialects Literacy 72% Natural resources timber, gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron ore, antimony, coal, fish, hydropower Agriculture-products bananas, coffee, citrus; beef; timber; shrimp
Roatan, the treasure island off the coast of Honduras
Martinica
Capital City Fort-de-France Other Cities La Trinite, Le Marin, Le Robert, Le Vauclin, Marigot, Schoelcher, St. Pierre Government Overseas Department of France Geography Location Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean Area 1,100 km² (424 sq. mi.) Terrain Mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano Climate Maritime tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October) People Nationality Martiniquais Population 381,000 (2014) Ethnic Groups African and African-white-Indian Religions Christianity 90% Languages French (official), Creole patois Literacy 98% Natural resources touristy coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable land Agriculture products pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables, sugarcane Industries construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, tourism
Martinica, the little France of the Caribbean
Mexico
Capital City México (Distrito Federal; pop. 13 million, 2000 census metro area) Other Cities Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana, Acapulco, Merida, Leon, Veracruz Government type Federal Republic Independence First proclaimed 16 September 1810; republic established 1824 Constitution 5 February 1917 Geography Location Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the USA and bordering the North Pacific Ocean,
between Guatemala and the USA Area 1,964,000 km² (761 600 sq. mi.) Terrain Coastal lowlands, central high plateaus, and mountains up to 5 400 m. (18 000 ft.) Climate Tropical to desert People Nationality Mexican(s) Population (2017) 123.5 million Ethnic groups Indian-Spanish (mestizo) 60%, Amerindian 30%, European 9%, other 1% Religions Roman Catholic 90%, Protestant 5%, other 5% Language Spanish (official); 66 regional indigenous languages Literacy 90% Natural resources petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber Agriculture products corn, beans, oilseeds, feed grains, fruit, cotton, coffee, sugarcane, winter vegetables Industries food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism
the archaeological site of Tulum, bird's eye view of Mexico City
Montserrat (UK)
Capital City Plymouth (abandoned in 1997 due to volcanic activity; interim government buildings have been built at Brades Estate,
in Carr's Bay/Little Bay area Government UK overseas territory Geography Location Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico Area 102 km² (39 sq. mi.) Terrain Volcanic island, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland Climate Tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation People Nationality Noun and adjective--Montserratian(s) Population 4,922 (2011 census) Ethnic Groups Black, white, mixed Religions Christianity Languages English Literacy 97% Natural resources sun, volcano, sea, surf Agriculture products cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers, livestock products Industries tourism, rum, textiles, electronic appliances
Montserrat, unknown paradise of the Antilles
Nicaragua
Capital City Managua (pop. 1 million) Other Cities Granada, León, Jinotega, Matagalpa, Chinandega, Masaya Government type Republic Independence 1821 (from Spain) Constitution The 1987 Sandinista-era Constitution was changed in 1995 to provide for a more even distribution of power among the four branches
of government and again in 2000 to increase the Supreme Court and the Controller General's Office and to make changes to the electoral laws Geography Location Central America Area 130,370 km² (50,336 sq. mi.) Terrain Extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes Climate Tropical in lowlands; cooler in highlands People Nationality Nicaraguan(s) Population 6.2 million (2017) Ethnic groups Mestizo (mixed European and indigenous) 69%, white 17%, black (Jamaican origin) 9%, indigenous 5% Religion Predominantly Roman Catholic, with rapidly growing percentage of Evangelical Protestants Languages Spanish (official), English and indigenous languages on Caribbean coast Literacy 75% Natural resources Arable land, livestock, fisheries, gold, timber Agriculture products Coffee, bananas, sugarcane, cotton, rice, corn, tobacco, sesame, soya, beans; beef, veal, pork, poultry, dairy products Industries Food processing, chemicals, machinery and metal products, textiles, clothing, petroleum refining and distribution, beverages, footwear, wood
Isleta de Granada, volcan Mombacho, lago de Nicaragua N3
Panama
Capital City Panama City (830 000) Other Cities Colon (140 000), David (100 000) Government type Constitutional democracy Independence 3 November 1903 (from Colombia) Constitution 11 October 1972; amended 1983 and 1994 and reformed in 2004 Geography Location Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica.
Panama occupies the southeastern end of the isthmus forming the land bridge between North and South America Area 74,177 km² (28,640 sq. mi.) Terrain Mountainous (highest elevation Cerro Volcan, 3,475 m.--11,468 ft.), upland plains; coastal areas Climate tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season, short dry season (January to May) People Nationality Panamanian(s) Population 3.97 million (2015) Annual growth rate 1.31% Ethnic groups Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European ancestry) 70%, Amerindian and mixed (West Indian) 14%, Caucasian 10%, Amerindian 6% Religions Roman Catholic 84%, Protestant 15%, other Languages Spanish (official); 14% speak English as their native tongue; various indigenous languages. Many Panamanians are bilingual Literacy 93% Natural resources copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, hydropower Agriculture products bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane, vegetables; livestock; shrimp Industries construction, brewing, cement and other construction materials, sugar milling
Panama City
Paraguay
Capital City Asunción (pop. 612 000) Other Cities Ciudad del Este, San Lorenzo, Capiatá, Fernando de la Mora, Encarnación Government type Constitutional Republic Independence May 1811 (from Spain) Constitution June 1992 Geography Location Central South America, northeast of Argentina Area 406,752 km² (157,047 sq. mi.) Terrain East of the Paraguay River--grassy plains, wooded hills, tropical forests; west of the Paraguay River (Chaco region)--low, flat, marshy plain Climate Temperate east of the Paraguay River, semiarid to the west People Nationality Noun and adjective--Paraguayan(s) Population 6.8 million (2014) Ethnic groups Mixed Spanish and Amerindian (mestizo) 95% Religions Roman Catholic 90%; Mennonite and other Protestant denominations Languages Spanish, Guaraní Literacy 91.6% Natural resources hydroelectric sites, forests Agriculture products cotton, sugarcane, soybeans, corn, wheat, tobacco, cassava (tapioca), fruits, vegetables; beef, pork, eggs, milk; timber Industries sugar, cement, textiles, beverages, wood products, steel, metallurgic, electric power
Asuncion
Peru
Capital City Lima; The Lima/Callao metropolitan area has a population of 8.27 million. (2000) Other Cities Arequipa, Trujillo Government type Constitutional republic Independence 28 July 1821 Constitution 31 December 1993 Geography Location Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Chile and Ecuador Area 1.28 million km² (496,225 sq. mi.) third-largest country in South America Terrain Varies widely between western coastal plains, central Andean highlands, and eastern tropical lowlands in Amazon Basin Climate Arid and mild in coastal area, temperate to frigid in the Andes, and warm and humid in jungle lowlands People Nationality Peruvian(s) Population 31 million (2015) Ethnic groups Indigenous (45%), mestizo (37%), European (15%), African, Japanese, Chinese, and other (3%) Religion Roman Catholic (90%) Languages Spanish is the principal language. Quechua, Aymara and other indigenous languages also have official status Literacy 95% in urban areas, 77% in rural areas Natural resources copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal, phosphate, potash, hydropower, natural gas Agriculture products coffee, cotton, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, corn, plantains, grapes, oranges, coca; poultry, beef, dairy products; fish Industries mining and refining of minerals and metals, petroleum extraction and refining, natural gas, fishing and fish processing, textiles, clothing,
food processing, steel, metal fabrication
Costa Verde de Lima
Puerto Rico (US)
Capital City San Juan (pop. 435 000) Other Cities Bayamón (224 000), Carolina (186 000), Ponce (186 000), Caguas (140 502) Government type Commonwealth, Chief of state: President of the US Independence none (commonwealth associated with the US) Constitution ratified 3 March 1952; effective 25 July 1952 Geography Location Caribbean island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic Terrain Mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north; mountains precipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastal areas Climate Tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation, south coast relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north People Nationality noun: Puerto Rican(s), adjective: Puerto Rican Population 3,41 million (2016) Ethnic Groups white (mostly Spanish origin) 80.5%, black 8%, Amerindian 0.4%, Asian 0.2%, mixed and other 10.9% Religions Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15% Languages Spanish, English (both official) Literacy 94.1% Natural resources Some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and offshore oil Agriculture products Milk (dairy), Poultry, Plantains, Ornamental Plants, Coffee, Beef and Veal, Bananas, Pork, Fighting Cocks, Seeds and Seedlings Industries Pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, tourism
San Juan
Dominican Republic
Capital City Santo Domingo (pop. 3 million) Other Cities Santiago de los Caballeros (pop. 690 548) Government type Representative democracy Independence 27 February 1844 (from Haiti). Restoration of independence, 16 August 1863 Constitution 28 November 1966; amended 25 July 2002 Geography Location Caribbean, eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, east of Haiti, between Cuba and Puerto Rico. the north of Caribbean Sea to south
of the North Atlantic Ocean Area 48,310 km² (18,652 sq. mi.) Terrain Highlands and mountains with fertile valleys Climate Maritime semitropical, with an average yearly temperature of 26°C (78°F) People Nationality Noun and adjective--Dominican(s) Population 9.9 million (2015) Ethnic groups European 16%, African origin 11%, mixed 73% Religion Roman Catholic 95% Language Spanish Literacy 83% Natural resources nickel, bauxite, gold, silver Agriculture products sugarcane, coffee, cotton, cocoa, tobacco, rice, beans, potatoes, corn, bananas; cattle, pigs, dairy products, beef, eggs Industries tourism, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold mining, textiles, cement, tobacco
Santo Domingo
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Capital City Basseterre (Saint Kitts), Charlestown (Nevis) Government Constitutional monarchy with Westminster-style parliament Head of State Queen Elizabeth II Independence 19 September 1983 (from UK) Geography Location Caribbean, islands in the Caribbean Sea, about one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago Area total: 261 km² (Saint Kitts 168 km²; Nevis 93 km²) Terrain Mountainious of volcanic origin, sheltered beaches Climate Tropical tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November) People Nationality noun: Kittitian(s), Nevisian(s) adjective: Kittitian, Nevisian Population 52,000 (2011) Ethnic groups predominantly black; some British, Portuguese, and Lebanese Religions Anglican, other Protestant, Roman Catholic Languages English Literacy 96% Natural resources arable land, sugar, cotton, salt, copra Agriculture products sugarcane, rice, yams, vegetables, bananas; fish Industries sugar processing, tourism, cotton, salt, copra, clothing, footwear, beverages
Basseterre port
Saint Lucia
Capital City Castries (pop. 65 000) Other Cities Micoud, Gros-Islet; Vieux Fort; Soufriere Government Westminster-style parliamentary democracy Independence 22 February 1979 (from UK) Constitution 1979 Geography Location Caribbean, an island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of the islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and
south of Martinique Area 539 km² (208 sq mi) Terrain Mountainous; highest point: Mount Gimie 950 m. Climate Tropical; dry season from January to April, rainy season from May to August People Nationality St. Lucian(s); (Lushuns) Population 172,000 (2013 est.) Ethnic groups African descent 90%, mixed 6%, East Indian 3%, European 0.8% Religions Christianity Languages English (official); a French patois is common throughout the country Literacy 85% Natural resources Forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice), mineral springs Agriculture products Bananas, coconuts, vegetables, citrus, root crops, cocoa Industries Clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated cardboard boxes, tourism, lime processing, coconut processing
Breathtaking landscapes in Santa Lucia, Caribbean
Saint Pierre Miquelon
- dipendenza francese formata dall'isola di Miquelon a nord e da quella più piccola di Saint Pierre a sud, dove si concentra la maggior parte della popolazione
- questo arcipelago si trova nell'Oceano Atlantico all'altezza del 47° parallelo nord, poche decine di chilometri a sud-ovest dell'isola canadese di Terranova
- l'attività principale è la pesca del merluzzo Forma di governo Collettività Francese d'Oltremare Superficie 242 Km² Popolazione 6.010 ab. (2016) 5.800 ab. (stime 2020) Densità 24 ab/Km² Capitale Saint-Pierre (5.400 ab.) Moneta Euro Lingua Francese Speranza di vita M 78 anni, F 83 anni Posizione Nord-Centro America Confini Circondato dall'Oceano Atlantico GEOGRAFIA FISICA DI SAINT PIERRE E MIQUELON
- questo arcipelago è formato dalle due isole maggiori di Miquelon (216 Km²) e di Saint-Pierre (25 Km²) ed altri isolotti minori ampi al massimo qualche decina di
ettari, Île aux Marins e Grand Colombier, entrambi distanti meno di un chilometro dalle coste di Saint-Pierre, quelli principali
- l'isola di Miquelon si è originata da 3 isole, Miquelon (110 Km²) al centro, Langlade (91 Km²) a sud e Le Cap (15 Km²) a nord, collegate ora da istmi di sabbia
formatisi in maniera naturale e rafforzati in seguito dall'intervento umano
- il territorio delle isole è roccioso ed è parte delle propaggini montuose nord-orientali dei Monti Appalachi, anche se l'altezza massima raggiunta è piuttosto
bassa, Morne de la Grande montagne (240 m.) su Miquelon
- lo sviluppo costiero complessivo è di 120 chilometri
- le due isole maggiori sono separate da uno stretto ampio 5-7 Km con correnti molto pericolose e turbolente
- diversi i corsi d' acqua presenti, ma hanno tutti carattere torrentizio e lunghezza modesta, vista l'estensione limitata delle isole
- notevole il numero di laghi quasi tutti di origine glaciale, se si escludono quelli costieri separati dal mare da sottili striscie di sabbia, si tratta comunque
di piccoli bacini lacustri
- il clima è abbastanza particolare visto che ha carattere sia continentale umido che oceanico sub-polare, soltanto fra Luglio e Settembre le temperature massime
medie superano i 15°C, con minime che si attestano attorno ai -5°C nei mesi invernali e quindi in realtà non particolarmente rigide
- le precipitazioni sono pressoche costanti durante l'arco dell'anno, con poco più di 100 mm di pioggia ogni mese; forti venti si alternano a giornate più calme,
ma caratterizzate da fitte nebbie GEOGRAFIA UMANA DI SAINT PIERRE E MIQUELON
- la dipendenza è suddivisa a livello amministrativo in 2 comuni, il capoluogo Saint-Pierre (5.400 ab.) e Miquelon-Langlade (600 ab.), con i restanti abitanti che
vivono in zone più isolate, facenti sempre parte di uno di questi due comuni
- il tasso di urbanizzazione è del 90%
- la popolazione è quasi completamente di origine francese, discendente di pescatori baschi, bretoni e normanni, una piccola parte è invece canadese
- la religione cattolica (99%) è l'unica fede praticata sull'arcipelago
territorio francese d' oltremare, Saint Pierre Miquelon
United States
Capital City Washington D.C. Major US Cities Chicago (pop. 2 896 016), Denver (pop. 554 636), Detroit (pop. 951 270), New York City (pop. 8 008 278), Los Angeles (pop. 3 694 820),
Phoenix (pop. 1 321 045), Philadlephia (pop. 1 517 550), San Diego (pop. 1 223 400), San Francisco (pop. 776 733) Government type Constitution-based federal republic Independence 4 July 1776 (from Great Britain) Declaration of Independence Constitution 17 September 1787, effective 4 March 1789 Geography Location North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean in the east and the North Pacific Ocean in the west, between Canada and Mexico Area 9,630 million km² Terrain vast central plain, mountains in west, hills and low mountains in east; rugged mountains and broad river valleys in Alaska; rugged, volcanic
topography in Hawaii Climate Mostly temperate, tropical in Hawaii and Florida, arctic in Alaska People Nationality American(s) Population 330 million people (in 2021) Ethnic groups white 77.1%, black 13.3%, Asian 5.6%, Amerindian and Alaska native 1.2%, native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander 0.2%,
two or more races 2.6%; Hispanic 17.6%, White alone, not Hispanic or Latino 61.6% (2015 est.) Religions Protestant 56%, Roman Catholic 28%, Jewish 2%, other 4%, none 10% (1989) Languages English 82.1%, Spanish 10.7%, other Indo-European 3.8%, Asian and Pacific island 2.7%, other 0.7% Literacy total population: 97% Real GDP per capita $62,530 (2019 est.) Natural resources coal, copper, lead, molybdenum, phosphates, uranium, bauxite, gold, iron, mercury, nickel, potash, silver, tungsten, zinc,
petroleum, natural gas, timber Agriculture products wheat, corn, other grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton; beef, pork, poultry, dairy products; forest products; fish Industries leading industrial power in the world, highly diversified and technologically advanced; petroleum, steel, motor vehicles, aerospace,
telecommunications, chemicals, electronics, food processing, consumer goods, lumber, mining
the statue of liberty in New York harbor, evocative natural landscapes
Suriname
Capital City Paramaribo (pop. 250 000) Other Cities Nieuw Nickerie, Moengo Government type Constitutional democracy Constitution 30 September 1987 Independence 25 November 1975 Geography Location Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between French Guiana and Guyana Area 163,820 km² (63,251 sq. mi.) Terrain Varies from coastal swamps to savanna to hills Climate Tropical; moderated by trade winds People Nationality Noun--Surinamer(s). Adjective--Surinamese Population 580,000 (in 2015) Ethnic groups Hindustani (East Indian) 37%, Creole 31%, Javanese 15%, Bush Negro 10%, Amerindians 3%, Chinese 1.7% (percentages date from 1972 census,
the last in which ethnicity data was collected) Religions Hindu, Muslim, Roman Catholic, Dutch Reformed, Moravian, several other Christian denominations, Jewish, Baha'i Languages Dutch (official), English, Sranan Tongo (Creole language), Hindustani, Javanese Literacy 90% Natural resources timber, hydropower, fish, kaolin, shrimp, bauxite, gold, and small amounts of nickel, copper, platinum, iron ore Agriculture products paddy rice, bananas, palm kernels, coconuts, plantains, peanuts; beef, chickens; forest products; shrimp Industries bauxite and gold mining, alumina production, oil, lumbering, food processing, fishing
Paramaribo
Saint Vincent and Grenadine
Capital City Kingstown (pop 20 000) Other Cities Georgetown, Chateaubelair, Port Elizabeth Government type Parliamentary democracy; independent sovereign state within the Commonwealth Independency 27 October 1979 (from UK) Constitution 26 July 1979 Geography Location Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, between St. Lucia and Grenada Area 389 km² (150 sq mi) Terrain Volcanic and mountainous, with the highest peak, Soufriere, rising to 1,234 m (4,000 ft.) Climate Tropical; rainy season (May to November) People Nationality Vincentian Population 110,000 (2015) Ethnic groups African descent (66%), mixed (19%), West Indian (6%), Carib Indian (2%) Religions Christian, Hindu Languages English (official); some French Patois spoken Literacy 98% Natural resources hydropower, cropland Agriculture products bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes, spices, small numbers of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, fish Industries food processing, cement, furniture, clothing, starch
Wonderful beaches in Sant Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Capital City Port of Spain (metropolitan pop. 300 000) Other Cities San Fernando, Arima, Chaguanas (Trinidad); Scarborough (Tobago) Government type Parliamentary Democracy Independence 31 August 1962 (from UK) Present constitution 31 August 1976 Geography Location Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela Area 5,130 km² (1,980 sq. mi.) Terrain Plains and low mountains Climate Tropical; rainy season (June through December) People Nationality Trinidadian(s) and Tobagonian(s) Population 1.3 million (2015) Ethnic groups African 40%, East Indian 40%, mixed 14%, European 1%, Chinese 1% Religions Christians 60%, Hindu 24%, Muslim 6%, other 10% Languages English Literacy 98% Natural resources petroleum, natural gas Agriculture products cocoa, sugarcane, rice, citrus, coffee, vegetables; poultry Industries petroleum, chemicals, tourism, food processing, cement, beverage, cotton textiles
Port of Spain
Turks e Caicos
- dipendenza inglese nell'Oceano Atlantico, formata da due arcipelaghi situati ad est delle Bahamas ed a nord di Hispaniola, per un totale di circa 40 fra isole
ed atolli, di cui solo 12 abitate
- sia le Turks che le Caicos sono di origine corallina e quindi non raggiungono una gran elevazione
- turismo, pesca e finanza off-shore le fonti di reddito Forma di governo Dipendenza Britannica con autonomia interna Superficie 616 Km² Popolazione 31.600 ab. (censimento 2012) 43.000 ab. (stime 2019) Densità 70 ab/Km² Capitale Cockburn Town (4.800 ab.) Moneta Dollaro USA, Dollaro delle Bahamas Lingua Inglese (ufficiale), Creolo-inglese, Spagnolo Speranza di vita M 76 anni, F 78 anni Posizione Nord-Centro America Confini Circondate dall'Oceano Atlantico GEOGRAFIA FISICA DI TURKS E CAICOS
- le isole Turks e Caicos sono di origine corallina e quindi pianeggianti, i punti più elevati, Blue Hills (49 m.) su Providenciales e Flamingo Hill (48 m.) su
East Caicos, arrivano appena a sfiorare i 50 metri d'altezza
- le isole maggiori di questa dipendenza del Regno Unito si trovano nell'arcipelago delle Caicos e sono nell'ordine Middle Caicos (144 Km²), North Caicos (116 Km²),
Providenciales (98 Km²) ed East Caicos (91 Km²), mentre Grand Turk (18 Km²) è quella più estesa nel gruppo delle Turks
- lo sviluppo costiero complessivo è di 389 chilometri
- vista la tipologia di queste isole non vi sono fiumi
- mentre sono presenti diversi stagni, che ospitano una ricca fauna aviaria
- il clima è tropicale, con temperature medie massime che variano dai 27°C dei mesi invernali ai 31°C di quelli estivi e minime di soli 4-5 gradi inferiori
- le precipitazioni sono modeste e maggiori fra Settembre e Dicembre, quando cadono fra 60 e 90 millimetri di pioggia al mese GEOGRAFIA UMANA DI TURKS E CAICOS
- le isole Turks e Caicos sono suddivise amministrativamente in 6 distretti (4 nelle Caicos, 2 nelle Turks), il tasso di urbanizzazione è del 92%, piuttosto alto
- a partire dagli ultimi anni dello scorso secolo le Turks e Caicos hanno registrato un forte boom demografico dovuto all'immigrazione, che continua tuttora e
riguarda quasi esclusivamente l'isola di Providenciales, dove vive il 75% della popolazione e che può essere considerata come un unico agglomerato urbano
- mentre la capitale Cockburn Town (4.800 ab.) si trova sull'isola di Grand Turk, la seconda per numero di abitanti
- i Neri (88%) sono la componente etnica più rappresentata, circa 11.000 fra questi sono arrivati negli ultimissimi decenni dalla vicina Haiti, seguono Bianchi
(8%) ed Indiani (1,5%), presenti con poche centinaia di individui
- quasi 3/4 degli abitanti professa la religione protestante (73%), battista nella metà dei casi, seguono per numero di fedeli i cattolici (11%)
Isole Turks e Caicos, tra coralli e tartarughe
Uruguay
Capital City Montevideo (pop.: 1.3 million) Other Cities Maldonado Government type Constitutional Republic Independence 25 August 1825 (from Brazil) Constitution First 1830, current 1967, most recently amended December 1996 Geography Location Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Argentina and Brazil Area 176,000 km² (68,000 sq. mi.) Terrain Plains and low hills; 84% agricultural Climate Temperate People Nationality Uruguayan(s) Population 3.25 million (2011 census) Ethnic groups (est.) European descent 93%, African descent 5%, mestizo 1%, Amerindian (practically nonexistent) Religions Roman Catholic 52%, Protestant and other Christian 16%, Jewish 2%, non-professing or other 30% Languages Spanish Literacy 97% Natural resources Arable land, hydropower, minor minerals, fisheries Agriculture products Rice, wheat, corn, barley; livestock; fish Industries Food processing, electrical machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum products, textiles, chemicals, beverages
Montevideo
Venezuela
Capital City Caracas (pop. 6 million) Other major Cities Maracaibo, Valencia, Barquisimeto Government type Federal Republic Independence 5 July 1811 Constitution 30 December 1999 Geography Location Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean Area 912,050 km² (352,143 sq. mi.) Terrain Andes Mountains and Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest; central plains; Guiana Highlands in southeast Climate Varies from tropical to temperate, depending on elevation People Nationality Venezuelan(s) Population 31.1 million (2015) Ethnic groups Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, Amerindian Religion Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2% Languages Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects Literacy: 93%Natural resources petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other minerals, hydropower, diamonds Agriculture products corn, sorghum, sugarcane, rice, bananas, vegetables, coffee; beef, pork, milk, eggs; fish Industries petroleum, iron ore mining, construction materials, food processing, textiles, steel, aluminum, motor vehicle assembly
the largest plain in Venezuela, Canaima National Park
American Virgin Islands
Capital City Charlotte Amalie (on St. Thomas) Other Towns Frederiksted and Christiansted on St. Croix Government Organized, unincorporated territory of the USA with policy relations between the Virgin Islands and the US under the jurisdiction of the
Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior Geography Location Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico Area 347 km² (133 sq mi) Terrain Mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land Climate subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season September to November People Nationality Virgin Islander(s) Population 107,000 (2010 census) Ethnic Groups black 75%, white 13%, Asian 2%, other 6%, mixed 4% Religions Baptist, Roman Catholic, Episcopalian Languages English 76%, Spanish or Spanish Creole 17%, French or French Creole 7% Literacy NA Natural resources sun, sand, sea, surf Agriculture products fruit, vegetables, sorghum; Senepol cattle Industries tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics
San Croix island
British Virgin Islands
Capital City Road Town (on Tortola) Other Towns Spanish Town (on Virgin Gorda) Government Overseas territory of the UK with internal self-governing Geography Location Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico Area 153 sq km (59 sq miles) Terrain Coral islands are relatively flat; the volcanic islands steep and hilly Climate subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds People Nationality British Virgin Islander(s) Population 28,000 (2012) Ethnic Groups Black 83%, White, Indian, Asian and mixed Religions Christianity Languages English, Spanish Literacy 98% Natural resources sun, sand, sea, surf Agriculture products fruits, vegetables; livestock, poultry; fish Industries tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore financial sevice