Flag of Guyana
Guyana celebrates Republic Day. Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America. Various European countries laid claim to the country, located on the northeastern coast of South America. According to the CIA World Factbook, Guyana is about the size of Idaho. Because the country has a tropical climate, inhabitants grow sugar, rice, and timber. It also exports gold and bauxite. Over 700,000 people live in Guyana. Georgetown is the capital.
Pedro Alvares Cabral discovered Brazil in 1500. Brazil was claimed by Portugal, and it is the only South American country where Portuguese is the principal language.
Flag of Paraguay
Paraguay recognizes its Independence Day of May 14 and celebrates that day on May 15. Paraguay became free of Spanish rule in 1811. The country, about the size of the state of California, is located in South America. About 6.6 million people live in this land-locked country. It exports cotton and soybeans, and Asuncion is the capital. Children can learn more at: Paraguay.
Flag of Venezuela
Venezuela celebrates Independence Day. Spain gave up control of the country in 1821. Located in northern South America, Venezuela is about twice the size of California. It has a tropical climate, and petroleum provides a major portion of its economy. About 28.5 million people live in the country, and most of the cities are located along the Caribbean coastline. Caracas is the capital. Over eight million people live in Venezuela.
Flag of Argentina
Argentina celebrates Independence Day. The country became free of Spanish control in 1816. About one-fourth the size of the United States, Argentina exports beef and wheat. This South American country is the eighth largest country in the world. Almost 43 million people live in Argentina, and Buenos Aires is the capital.
Colombia celebrates Independence Day. It declared its autonomy from Spain in 1810. Colombia is a bit less than twice the size of Texas. Bogota is the capital of this country, located on the northwest coast of South America. It exports coffee, bananas, and petroleum. Almost 46 million people live in Colombia. Children can learn more at: Colombia.
Flag of Peru
Peru celebrates Independence Day. It gained its freedom from Spain in 1821. Lima is the capital of this South American country. Its area is a bit smaller than the area of Alaska, and natural resources include silver, gold, copper, and petroleum. Almost 30 million people live and work there. Idea: The Incas once controlled portions of what is now Peru. Children could find out more about the Incas and the Spanish conquistadors.
Flag of Bolivia
Bolivia celebrates Independence Day. A landlocked country in South America, Bolivia gained its freedom from Spain in 1825. La Paz is the capital, and at one time the region was under Inca control. Although the country is presently bigger than the state of Texas, it was once much larger. Parts of the country were sold, and parts were given away as spoils of war. Its natural resources include silver, tin, oil, and natural gas. About 11.7 million people live in the country.
Flag of Ecuador
Ecuador celebrates Independence Day. It declared its autonomy from Spain in 1809. Located on the western coast of South America, the country is slightly smaller than the state of Nevada. The geography includes a coastal plain, a portion of the Andes Mountains, and an interior plain. Petroleum reserves help support the economy. Over fifteen million people live in Ecuador, and Quito is the capital. Ecuador owns the Galapagos Islands. Children can learn more at: Ecuador.
Flag of Uruguay
Uruguay celebrates Independence Day. It became free from Brazilian rule in 1825. Located on the southeastern coast of South America, the country is about the size of the state of Washington. The country’s rolling plains and mild climate allow ranchers to raise a great deal of livestock. Over three million people live in Uruguay, and Montevideo is the capital. Children can learn more at: Uruguay.