An Overview of South America

By David Southwell

In the late 15th century, European explorers made forays west in search of new sea routes to Asia. After Christopher Columbus discovered the New World on behalf of Spain, and Pedro Cabral planted Portugal's flag on a coast farther south, tensions arose between the two countries. The pope intervened in 1494, and a line of demarcation was drawn; Portugal would own all lands to the east, while Spain claimed those to the west.

The two countries sent conquistadors to occupy the New World in the name of king and church. Spain's Pizarro finally overpowered the Inca empire in 1533 and Portugal secured its holdings in their newly discovered land. Both countries soon realized a whole new continent was theirs for the taking. Stretching from 300 miles off the coast of Antarctica to 1,000 miles north of the Equator, it represented 13% of the world's land mass! We call it South America.

Geography

Beyond the sense of adventure, why was this continent so inviting to the conquistadors?

The Andes Mountains extend for 4,500 miles-nearly the full length of the continent-and 48 of its peaks reach heights of over 20,000 feet. Machu Picchu stands as a reminder of ancient civilizations that inhabited the Andes. The world's deepest canyon is located in these mountains. On the Pacific coast in southern Peru and northern Chile lies the driest desert in the world, the Atacama.

The Pampas in the south, and the many fertile plains spread around the center of the continent, are valuable agricultural lands. In the same region are found the famous Iguaçu Falls, larger than those at Niagara. The Chaco-a large, uninhabited swampland-covers parts of Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia.

Tropical rain forests cover vast areas on both sides of the Equator, while temperate rain forests are found on South America's southwest coast. Although being harvested on many fronts, these forests are still green and lush.

The mighty Amazon River begins only 80 miles from the Pacific Ocean and flows 4,000 miles before emptying into the Atlantic. Tributaries from six different nations flow into it, creating a drainage basin larger than the continental United States. More water flows out of the Amazon than ten Mississippi Rivers-enough every day to supply the water needs of the USA for five months.

History and People

Prior to the arrival of the conquistadors, indigenous populations abounded in South America. Many had developed advanced civilizations, but others still practiced tribal warfare and cannibalism. Great numbers of the so-called Indians died from western diseases and massacres, as well as during enslavement. Native groups, however, still inhabit the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Basin, and the Central Plains. Their languages, such as Guarani in Paraguay, and Quechua in the continent's northwestern region, are still spoken. The physical features of these indigenous peoples have left their mark on present-day inhabitants.

The conquistadors were followed to the New World by colonizers from Spain and Portugal. The impact of their settlement is visible today in the predominant cultures and languages of South America. In Brazil, which occupies about half of the land mass, Portuguese is the official language. In Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina, Spanish is spoken.

A thriving slave trade brought Africans to South America as early as 1538. Immigration from Germany and Italy flourished in the 19th century, while intense Japanese immigration began in the early 20th century. The present ethnic diversity now includes Middle Eastern and other Asian peoples. In this way, social conquistadors made inroads into the continent and added new values, religions, and customs to the South American way of life.

With the changes in the make-up of the populace came a change in the make-up of government. Infamous South American dictators eventually replaced the conquistadors and ruled with iron fists. Later, fledgling democracies evolved. Interruptions to that process occurred, but political tranquility is most often the norm.

The present population growth in South America is among the most rapid in the world. The average age in South America is 17-about half that of the United States. Today more than 325 million people inhabit the continent. At least 15 cities have over one million residents, and another eight cities have over two million. Five million people reside in Santiago, Chile; six million in Bogota, Colombia; and nearly seven million in Lima, Peru; Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro both have over 12 million residents. São Paulo, Brazil, with over 20 million, is the world's second-largest city.

Economy

Agricultural exports are essential to the economy of South America, with coffee, sugar, and a great variety of fruits heading the list. Mining has also played a major role in the continent's economy. Gold, silver, and semi-precious stones are taken from a wide range of locations, while petroleum and iron ore fuel industry around the world.

Micro-chips, cellular phones, televisions, audio equipment, and many other products are manufactured in mass quantities to satisfy the consumer appetites of South Americans, who also represent the world's fastest growing auto market.

The Mercosur agreement established free trade among Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. Promotion of a free-trade zone for the western hemisphere manifests a positive attitude about South America's future as a world player in business.

Stroll down the street of any major South American city and you will see many familiar fast-food restaurants. Supermarkets have become commonplace; even Wal-Mart has a presence.

South Americans with time and money enjoy a variety of recreational activities, however, soccer (called football) dominates all others. It is played in massive stadiums by highly-paid professionals cheered on by loyal fans, or in the streets by young boys using a ragball.

As in most cities, development brings problems as well as progress. Traffic jams and pollution have become a nemesis in the mega-cities. Robbers and street thieves are present in South America, as are alcohol and drug abuse.

Another long-term difficulty continues to be the division between the "haves" and the "have-nots." A great amount of the wealth remains in the hands of a small minority. Shanty towns and homeless people abound across the continent.

The surge in industry has helped create a middle class, a growing percentage of the population. Chile has outpaced others, surpassing even Brazil and Argentina in its standard of living.

Progress in education is also helping to prepare citizens for better jobs. Several countries have made good strides toward eradicating illiteracy, and the number of universities is growing.

Religion

The Spanish and Portuguese conquistadors brought Jesuit missionaries to spread their religion. Roman Catholicism, often in a syncretized form, replaced the indigenous religions of the local inhabitants. Upon the arrival of slaves from Africa, the Roman church adopted some of their religious customs as well. Many nominal Roman Catholics are practicing spiritists.

Less than 100 years ago, Protestants began making inroads into South America. They became known as "evangelicals." Many were persecuted, driven out of town, or hanged in effigy.

By the middle of the 20th century the gospel had a well established beachhead. While it is true that many people responded to the gospel and Bible-teaching churches exist, many mainline denominations moved away from the true gospel. Of South Americans who call themselves evangelicals 78% are charismatic, and many teach a health/wealth message.

Cults such as Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons have greatly influenced the religious scene. Eastern religions have gained increasing prominence, as has Islam. All of these ideologies are zealous to conquer the minds of South American people.

South America still needs missionaries. In the midst of religious confusion, many people are looking for the Truth found only in Jesus Christ. Planting Bible-believing churches, and training pastors and other leaders are high priorities. To accomplish these tasks, it is important to partner with national believers.

May God give us the vision to be modern day conquistadors conquering the hearts of South Americans for Christ!

David Southwell is the Executive Administrator for South America.