Caribbean South America

8 Caribbean South America Caribbean South America is a region of varied landscapes. The fertile valleys in the Andes and the rich land near the Caribbean shore were important to Spain s empire. My name is Jorge and I live in Armenia in northwestern Colombia. Armenia is a big city about 8 hours from the capital, Bogotá. I live in a big house in the northern part of the city with my three younger brothers, my mother and father, my grandmother, and our big black dog, Rocca. Our house has two floors around a courtyard with flowers it is pink with yellow shutters. My father is a merchant and a farm-owner. The farm, or hacienda, is in the country about 45 minutes away by car. About 60 people work for my father there, growing coffee, plantains, yucca, and fruits like strawberries and oranges. We also raise chickens and pigs. My dad has a fleet of five trucks to carry our produce into the city for sale to groceries and restaurants. My mom has three people to help with the cooking at the farm. Hola! Cómo estás? Translation: Hello! How are you? 168 Chapter 18 8

50 W 1 Physical Geography Read to Discover 1. What are the major landforms and rivers of Caribbean South America? 2. What climate and vegetation types are found in the region? 3. What are the natural resources of this region? Vocabulary cordillera tepuís Llanos Places Andes Guiana Highlands Orinoco River Reading Strategy READING ORGANIZER As you read, create a concept map on a sheet of paper by using the headings in the section. List details you learn that support each heading. 80 W Caribbean South America: Physical-Political CARIBBEAN SEA 70 W SCALE 0 200 400 Miles 0 200 400 Kilometers Projection: Modified Chamberlin Trimetric 60 W ELEVATION National capitals Other cities FEET 13,120 6,560 1,640 656 METERS 4,000 2,000 500 200 (Sea level) 0 0 (Sea level) Below sea level Below sea level 10 N CENTRAL AMERICA N PACIFIC OCEAN A Cauca River N D E S Pico Cristóbal Colón 19,020 ft. (5795 m) Bogotá Magdalena River COLOMBIA Lake Maracaibo L L A N O S Caracas VENEZUELA Orinoco River Orinoco River Angel Falls GUYANA G U I A N A H I G H L A N D S ATLANTIC OCEAN Georgetown SURINAME Paramaribo Kourou FRENCH GUIANA (FRANCE) Devil s Island (FRANCE) Cayenne Equator Equator 80 W A M A Z O N B A S I N Amazon River SOUTH AMERICA Size comparison of Caribbean South America to the contiguous United States 50 W Caribbean South America 169

GO TO: go.hrw.com KEYWORD: SG5 CH8 FOR: Web sites about Caribbean South America Environments in the Andes change with elevation. Five different elevation zones are commonly recognized. Interpreting the Visual Record Region In which elevation zones can farmers grow crops? Physical Features A rugged landscape and dense forests have often separated peoples and cultures in this region. In the west, the Andes (AN-deez) rise above 18,000 feet (5,486 m). Here the mountain range forms a three-pronged cordillera (kawr-duhl-yer-uh). A cordillera is a mountain system made up of parallel ranges. Many active volcanoes and earthquakes shake these mountains. In the east the Guiana Highlands have been eroding for millions of years. However, some of the steep-sided plateaus are capped by sandstone layers that have resisted erosion. These unusual formations are called tepuís (tay-pweez). They can reach approximately 3,000 to 6,000 feet (914 to 1,829 m) above the surrounding plains. Between these two upland areas are the vast plains of the Orinoco (OHR-ee-NOH-koh) River basin. These plains are the Llanos (LAH-nohs) of eastern Colombia and western Venezuela. The northeastern edge of the Guiana Highlands slopes down to a fertile coastal plain in Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Of the region s many rivers, the Orinoco is the longest. It flows for about 1,281 miles (2,061 km) through the region on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. Large oceangoing ships can travel upriver on the Orinoco for about 225 miles (362 km). Some remarkable animals live in and around the Orinoco. They include aggressive meat-eating fish called piranhas (puh-rah-nuhz), 200-pound (90-kg) catfish, and crocodiles as long as 20 feet (6 m). More than 1,000 bird species live in the Orinoco River basin. Elevation Zones in the Andes READING CHECK: landforms? Places and Regions What are the region s major Tierra helada Paramo Tree Line Tierra fría Tierra templada Tierra caliente Sea Level Tierra helada Above 16,000 feet (4,877 m) Permanently covered with snow Paramo 10,000 to 16,000 feet (3,048 to 4,877 m) Potatoes, grasslands and hardy shrubs, grazing Tierra fría 6,000 to 10,000 feet (1,829 to 3,048 m) Potatoes, wheat, oats, barley, beans, corn, rye Tierra templada 3,000 to 6,000 feet (914 to 1,829 m) Coffee, corn, wheat, cotton, potatoes, sugarcane, tobacco Tierra caliente Sea Level to 3,000 feet (914 m) Bananas, cacao, rice, sugarcane 170 Chapter 8

Climate and Vegetation The climates of the Andes are divided by elevation into five zones. The tierra caliente (tee-e-ruh kal-ee-en-tee), or hot country, refers to the hot and humid lower elevations near sea level. There is little difference between summer and winter temperatures in this region. Crops such as sugarcane and bananas are grown here. Higher up the mountains the air becomes cooler. Moist climates with mountain forests are typical here. This zone of pleasant climates is called tierra templada (tem-plah-duh), or temperate country. Coffee is a typical crop grown in this area. The next zone is the tierra fría (FREE-uh), or cold country. The tierra fría has forests and grasslands. Farmers can grow potatoes and wheat. Bogotá, Colombia s capital, lies in the tierra fría. Above the tree line is a zone called the paramo (PAH-rah-moh). Grasslands and hardy shrubs are the usual vegetation. Frost may occur on any night of the year in this zone. The tierra helada (el-ah-dah), or frozen country, is the zone of highest elevation. It is always covered with snow. South America s capybara is the world s largest rodent. Capybaras can weigh up to 145 pounds. Also called water hogs, capybaras live along lakes and rivers in wet tropical climates. What are the region s climate ele- READING CHECK: vation zones? Places and Regions Resources Good soil and moderate climates help make the region a rich agricultural area. The region has other valuable resources, including oil, iron ore, and bauxite. Lowland forests provide timber. Coastal areas yield fish and shrimp. Some rivers in the region are used to produce hydroelectric power. READING CHECK: Environment and Society affect economic activities in this region? How do geographic factors 1 Define and explain: cordillera, tepuís, Llanos Working with Sketch Maps On a map of Caribbean South America that you draw or that your teacher provides, label the following: Andes, Guiana Highlands, and Orinoco River. Reading for the Main Idea 1. Physical Systems What effect do the Andes have on the region s climate? 2. Environment and Society Why is the Orinoco River important? Critical Thinking Homework Practice Online Keyword: SG5 HP8 3. Drawing Inferences and Conclusions How might Colombia s location affect its trade? 4. Analyzing Information Which physical features make farming easier in the region? Why? Organizing What You Know 5. Analyzing Information Use the graphic organizer to describe the climate and vegetation found in traveling from Bogotá to Paramaribo, Suriname. Bogotá Paramaribo Caribbean South America 171

2 Colombia Read to Discover 1. What are the main periods of Colombia s history? 2. What is Colombia like today? Vocabulary El Dorado cassava Places Colombia Bogotá Cauca River Magdalena River People Chibcha Reading Strategy FOLDNOTES: TRI-FOLD Create the FoldNote titled Tri-Fold described in the Appendix. Your Tri-Fold will be a brochure titled Colombia. Use these themes to title panels of the brochure: Location, Place, Human-Environment Interaction, Movement, and Region. As you read, record details about Colombia that support the themes. Illustrate your brochure if time permits. Giant stone figures near the headwaters of the Magdalena River are part of the San Agustín culture. Interpreting the Visual Record What types of animals does the sculpture show? Early History Advanced cultures have lived in Colombia for centuries. Some giant mounds of earth, stone statues, and tombs found in Colombia are more than 1,500 years old. The Chibcha In western Colombia, the Chibcha people had a welldeveloped civilization. The Chibcha practiced pottery making, weaving, and metalworking. Their gold objects were among the finest in ancient America. The Chibcha had an interesting custom. New rulers were covered with gold dust and then taken to a lake to wash the gold off. Gold and emerald objects were thrown into the water as the new ruler washed. This custom inspired the legend of El Dorado (el duh-rah-doh), or the Golden One. The old legend of El Dorado describes a marvelous, rich land. Colombia Magdalena River Peru Venezuela Brazil Spanish Conquest Spanish explorers arrived on the Caribbean coast of South America about 1500. They were helping to expand Spain s new empire. The Spanish conquered the Chibcha and seized much of their treasure. Spaniards and their descendants set up large estates. Powerful Spanish landlords forced South American Indians and enslaved Africans to work the land. 172 Chapter 8

Independence In the late 1700s people in Central and South America began struggling for independence from Spain. After independence was achieved, the republic of Gran Colombia was created. It included Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. In 1830 the republic dissolved, and New Granada, now Colombia, was created. Present-day Panama was once part of New Granada. After independence, debate raged in Colombia. People argued over how much power the central government and the Roman Catholic Church should have. Part of the problem had to do with the country s rugged geography. The different regions of Colombia had little contact with each other. They developed separate economies and identities. Uniting these different groups into one country was hard. Outbreaks of violence throughout the 1800s and 1900s killed thousands of people. Colombia COUNTRY POPULATION/ LIFE LITERACY PER CAPITA GROWTH RATE EXPECTANCY RATE GDP Colombia 41,662,073 67, male 92% $6,500 1.6% 75, female United States 290,342,554 74, male 97% $37,600 0.9% 80, female Source: Central Intelligence Agency, The World Factbook 2003 Interpreting the Chart How much larger is the U.S. population than that of Colombia? READING CHECK: Environment and Society influenced Colombia s ability to control its territory? What geographic factors Colombia Today Colombia is Caribbean South America s most populous country. The national capital is Bogotá, a city located high in the eastern Andes. Most Colombians live in the fertile valleys and basins among the mountain ranges because those areas are moderate in climate and good for farming. Rivers, such as the Cauca and Magdalena, flow down from the Andes to the Caribbean. They help connect settlements between the mountains and the coast. Cattle ranches are common in the Llanos. Few people live in the tropical rain forest regions in the south. The guard tower of an old Spanish fort stands in contrast with the modern buildings of Cartagena, Colombia. Cartagena Colombia Venezuela Peru Brazil

Fighting Malaria Malaria is a disease usually transmitted by mosquitoes. It is common in the tropics. For centuries malaria was also widespread in Europe, but Europeans had no remedy. Native peoples in the South American rain forest did have a treatment, though. They used the powdered bark of the cinchona tree, which contains the drug quinine. The history of quinine and the struggle to obtain it is a story of great adventure. The Spanish first discovered cinchona in the 1500s, when they conquered Peru. Shipments of the bark were soon arriving in Europe, where quinine was produced. Later, some countries tried to control the supply of bark. However, the Dutch smuggled cinchona seeds out of South America. They set up their own plantations in the East Indies. Before long, the Netherlands controlled most of the world s supply of quinine. Botanical print of a gray cinchona During World War II, the Axis Powers seized the Netherlands. As a result, the Allies lost their source of quinine. A crisis was prevented when some quinine was smuggled out of Germany and sold on the black market. Since then, scientists have developed synthetic drugs for the treatment of malaria. However, quinine remains an important drug. It is used to treat heart disease and is a key ingredient in tonic water. Understanding What You Read 1. How did native peoples use of the cinchona tree change the world? 2. How did political decisions during World War II affect the use of quinine? Economy Colombia s economy relies on several valuable resources. Rich soil produces world-famous Colombian coffee. Only Brazil produces more coffee. Other major export crops include bananas, corn, rice, and sugarcane. Cassava (kuh-sah-vuh), a tropical plant with starchy roots, is an important food crop. Colombian farms also produce flowers that are exported around the world. In fact, only the Netherlands exports more cut flowers than Colombia. In recent years oil has become Colombia s leading export. Oil is found mainly in eastern Colombia. Other natural resources include iron ore, gold, coal, and tin. Most of the world s emeralds also come from Colombia. Even with these rich resources, many Colombians have low incomes. Colombia faces the same types of problems as other countries in Central and South America. For example, urban poverty and rapid population growth remain a challenge in Colombia. 174 Chapter 8

Folk dancers get ready to perform in Neiva, Colombia. Interpreting the Visual Record Place What aspects of culture can you see in this photograph? Colombia Neiva Venezuela Peru Brazil Cultural Life The physical geography of Colombia has isolated its regions from one another. This is one reason why the people of Colombia are often known by the area in which they live. African traditions have influenced the songs and dances of the Caribbean coast. Traditional music can be heard in some remote areas. In addition to music, many Colombians enjoy soccer. They also play a Chibcha sport called tejo, a type of ringtoss game. Roman Catholicism is the country s main religion. Conflict is a serious problem in Colombia today. Border conflicts with Venezuela have gone on for many years. Many different groups have waged war with each other and with Colombia s government. These groups have controlled large areas of the country. Many farmers have been forced off of their land, and the economy has been damaged. Because of this instability, the future of Colombia is uncertain. READING CHECK: Human Systems life in Colombia today? 2 Define or identify: Chibcha, El Dorado, cassava Working with Sketch Maps On the map you created in Section 1, label Colombia, Bogotá, and the Cauca and Magdalena Rivers. How have historical events affected Reading for the Main Idea 1. Human Systems Why did Spanish explorers come to Colombia? 2. Human Systems What are some characteristics of Colombia s culture? Critical Thinking Homework Practice Online Keyword: SG5 HP8 3. Finding the Main Idea How have Colombia s varied landscapes affected its history? 4. Summarizing How have conflicts in Colombia affected its economy? Organizing What You Know 5. Sequencing Copy the following graphic organizer. Use it to describe Colombia s historical periods. Early history Spanish period Independence Colombia today Caribbean South America 175

3 Venezuela Read to Discover 1. How did the Spanish contribute to Venezuela s history? 2. What are some characteristics of Venezuela s culture? Vocabulary indigo caudillos llaneros pardos Places Venezuela Caracas Lake Maracaibo Reading Strategy READING ORGANIZER Before you read, create a spider map. Label the map Venezuela. Create a leg for each heading in the section. As you read the section, fill in the map with details about each heading. History of Venezuela There were many small tribes of South American Indians living in Venezuela before the Spanish arrived. Most were led by chiefs and survived by a combination of hunting and farming. Spanish Conquest Christopher Columbus landed on the Venezuelan coast in 1498. By the early 1500s the Spanish were exploring the area further. They forced South American Indians to dive for pearls and pan for gold. There was little gold, however. The settlers had to turn to agriculture. They grew indigo (IN-di-goh) and other crops. Indigo is a plant used to make a deep blue dye. South American Indians were forced to work the fields. When many of them died, plantation owners brought in enslaved Africans to take their place. Some slaves were able to escape. They settled in remote areas and governed themselves. Margarita Island in Venezuela was the site of a Spanish fort in the 1500s. Colombia Margarita Island Venezuela Peru Brazil 176 Chapter 8

Independence Partly because the colony was so poor, some people in Venezuela revolted against Spain. Simón Bolívar led the fight against the Spanish armies. Bolívar is considered a hero in many South American countries because he led wars of independence throughout the region. The struggle for independence finally ended in 1830, when Venezuela became an independent country. Throughout the 1800s Venezuelans suffered from dictatorships and civil wars. The country s military leaders were called caudillos (kow-thee-yohs). After oil was discovered, some caudillos kept the country s oil money for themselves. In 1958 the last dictator was forced out of power. Venezuela is home to the anaconda the longest snake in the world. Adult anacondas are more than 15 feet (4.6 m) long. Oil Wealth By the 1970s Venezuela was earning huge sums of money from oil. This wealth allowed part of the population to buy luxuries. However, about 80 percent of the population still lived in poverty. Many of these people moved to the cities to find work. Some settled on the outskirts in shacks that had no running water, sewers, or electricity. Venezuela s wealth drew many immigrants from Europe and from other South American countries. However, in the 1980s oil prices dropped sharply. Because Venezuela relied on oil for most of its income, the country suffered when prices decreased. READING CHECK: Venezuela s history? Human Systems How did the Spanish contribute to Venezuela Today Most Venezuelans live along the Caribbean coast and in the valleys of the nearby mountains. About 85 percent live in cities and towns. Caracas (kuh-rahk-uhs), the capital, is the center of Venezuelan culture. It is a large city with a modern subway system, busy expressways, and tall office buildings. However, slums circle the city. Poverty in rural areas is also widespread. Still, Venezuela is one of South America s wealthiest countries. It is developing rapidly. Economy Venezuela s economy is based on oil production. Lake Maracaibo (mah-rah-ky-boh) is a bay of the Caribbean Sea. The rocks under the lake are particularly rich in oil. However, the country is trying to reduce its dependence on oil income. The Guiana Highlands in the southeast are rich in other minerals, such as iron ore for making steel. Dams on tributaries of the Orinoco River produce hydroelectricity. Ve n e z u e l a COUNTRY POPULATION/ LIFE LITERACY PER CAPITA GROWTH RATE EXPECTANCY RATE GDP Venezuela 24,654,694 70, male 93% $5,500 1.5% 77, female United States 290,342,554 74, male 97% $37,600 0.9% 80, female Source: Central Intelligence Agency, The World Factbook 2003 Interpreting the Chart What is the average life expectancy for someone from Venezuela? Caribbean South America 177

Llaneros herd cattle on the large ranches of the Llanos. Interpreting the Visual Record How do these llaneros look similar to cowboys in the United States? 3 Define and explain: indigo, caudillos, llaneros, pardos Agriculture Northern Venezuela has small family farms and large commercial farms. Llaneros (lah-ne-rohs) cowboys of the Venezuelan Llanos herd cattle on the many ranches in this region. Few people live in the Guiana Highlands. Some small communities of South American Indians practice traditional slash-and-burn agriculture there. Cultural Life More than two thirds of Venezuela s population are pardos. They are people of mixed African, European, and South American Indian ancestry. Native groups make up only about 2 percent of the population. They speak more than 25 different languages. Spanish is the official language. Most of the people are Roman Catholics. Some Venezuelan Indians follow the religious practices of their ancestors. The joropo, a lively foot-stomping couples dance, is Venezuela s national dance. Toros coleados is a local sport. In this rodeo event, the contestant pulls a bull down by grabbing its tail. Baseball and soccer are also popular in Venezuela. READING CHECK: culture? Working with Sketch Maps On the map you created in Section 2, label Venezuela, Caracas, and Lake Maracaibo. How does elevation affect the climate of Caracas? Reading for the Main Idea 1. Environment and Society Why did Spanish settlers in Venezuela have to turn to agriculture? 2. Human Systems Who led Venezuela s revolt against Spain? Human Systems Critical Thinking What are some aspects of Venezuela s Homework Practice Online Keyword: SG5 HP8 3. Drawing Inferences and Conclusions Why might Venezuela try to reduce its dependence on oil exports? 4. Comparing Compare the population densities of the Caribbean coast and the Guiana Highlands. Organizing What You Know 5. Analyzing Information Copy the following graphic organizer. Use it to explain how oil is related to the history, urban poverty, and economy of Venezuela. Oil History Urban poverty Economy 178 Chapter 8

4 The Guianas Read to Discover 1. Which countries influenced the early history of the Guianas? 2. How are Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana similar today? Vocabulary indentured servants pidgin languages Places Guyana Suriname French Guiana Georgetown Paramaribo Devil s Island Kourou Cayenne Reading Strategy READING ORGANIZER Before you read, create a chart with these column headings: 2 facts I have already learned about the Guianas, 2 new interesting facts I learned in this section, and 2 questions I still have about the Guianas. Fill in the chart as you read. Early History of the Guianas Dense tropical rain forests cover much of the region east of Venezuela. Rugged highlands lie to the south. The physical environment of this region kept it somewhat isolated from the rest of South America. Thus, the three countries known as the Guianas (gee-ah-nuhz) have a history quite different from the rest of the continent. European Settlement Spain was the first European country to claim the Guianas. The Spanish eventually lost the region to settlers from Great Britain, France, and the Netherlands. Sometimes a war fought in Europe determined which country held this corner of South America. The Europeans established coffee, tobacco, and cotton plantations. They brought Africans to work as slaves on these plantations. Sugarcane later became the main crop. This Hindu temple is located in Cayenne, French Guiana. Guyana Suriname Brazil Cayenne French Guiana Asian Workers European countries made slavery illegal in the mid-1800s. Colonists in the Guianas needed a new source of labor for their plantations. They brought indentured servants from India, China, and Southeast Asia. Indentured servants agree to work for a certain period of time, often in exchange for travel expenses. As these people worked together, they developed pidgin languages. Pidgin languages are simple so that people who speak different languages can understand each other. READING CHECK: Human Systems influenced the early history of the Guianas? What countries Caribbean South America 179

The Guianas COUNTRY POPULATION/ LIFE LITERACY PER CAPITA GROWTH RATE EXPECTANCY RATE GDP French Guiana 186,917 73, male 83% $6,000 2.7% 80, female Guyana 702,100 60, male 98% $4,000.07% 65, female Suriname 433,449 67, male 93% $3,500 0.3% 72, female United States 290,342,554 74, male 97% $37,600 0.9% 80, female Source: Central Intelligence Agency, The World Factbook 2003 Interpreting the Chart Place Why might the populations of Guyana and Suriname be growing slowly? The Guianas Today The area formerly known as British Guiana gained its independence in 1966 and became Guyana. In 1975 Dutch Guiana broke away from the Netherlands to become Suriname. French Guiana remains a part of France. Guyana Guyana (gy-ah-nuh) is a South American Indian word that means land of waters. Nearly all of Guyana s agricultural lands are located along the narrow coastal plains. Guyana s most important agricultural products are rice and sugar. The country s major mineral resource is bauxite. Guyana has a diverse population. About half of its people are of South Asian descent. Most of these people farm small plots of land or run small businesses. About one third of the population is descended from African slaves. These people control most of the large businesses and hold most of the government positions. More than one third of the country s population lives in Georgetown, the capital. The goliath bird-eating spider of northeastern South America is the largest spider in the world. The record holder had a leg span more than 11 inches (28 cm) across. That is as big as a dinner plate! Suriname The resources and economy of Suriname (soohr-uh-nahmuh) are similar to those of Guyana. Many farms in Suriname are found in coastal areas. Aluminum is a major export. Interior forests also supply lumber for export to other countries. Like Guyana, Suriname has a diverse population. There are South Asians, Africans, Chinese, Indonesians, and people of mixed heritage. Muslim, Hindu, Roman Catholic, and Protestant houses of worship line the streets of the national capital, Paramaribo (pah-rah-mah-ree-boh). Nearly half of the country s people live there. Bigi Guyana Poika French Guiana Suriname Brazil A woman cooks cassava cakes in Bigi Poika, Suriname. 180 Chapter 8

Carnival is a time for celebration in Cayenne, French Guiana. Guyana Cayenne Suriname Brazil French Guiana French Guiana French Guiana (gee-a-nuh) has a status in France similar to that of a state in the United States. It sends representatives to the French Parliament in Paris. France used to send some of its criminals to Devil s Island. This island was a prison colony just off French Guiana s coast. Prisoners there suffered terribly from overwork. Devil s Island was closed in the early 1950s. Today, forestry and shrimp fishing are the most important economic activities. Agriculture is limited to the coastal areas. The people of French Guiana depend heavily on imports for their food and energy. France developed the town of Kourou (koo-roo) into a space center. The European Space Agency launches satellites from this town. More than 180,000 people live in French Guiana, mostly in coastal areas. About two thirds of the people are descended from Africans. Other groups include Europeans, Asians, and South American Indians. The national capital is Cayenne (keye-en). READING CHECK: Human Systems Guyana and Suriname? 4 Define and explain: indentured servants, pidgin languages How is French Guiana different from Working with Sketch Maps On the map you created in Section 3, label Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Georgetown, Paramaribo, Devil s Island, Kourou, and Cayenne. Reading for the Main Idea 1. Environment and Society What crops did early settlers raise in the Guianas? 2. Human Systems Why did colonists in the Guianas bring indentured servants from Asia? Critical Thinking Homework Practice Online Keyword: SG5 HP8 3. Drawing Inferences and Conclusions Why might the people of French Guiana prefer to remain a part of France? 4. Drawing Inferences and Conclusions Why do you think few people live in the interior of the Guianas? Organizing What You Know 5. Categorizing Copy the following graphic organizer. Use it to describe the Guianas. Fill in the ovals with features of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. In the center, list features they have in common. Caribbean South America 181

8 Review and Practice Define and Identify Identify each of the following: 1. cordillera 7. indigo 2. tepuís 8. caudillos 3. Llanos 9. llaneros 4. Chibcha 10. pardos 5. El Dorado 11. indentured servants 6. cassava 12. pidgin languages Review the Main Ideas 13. How did the tepuís form? 14. What is the region s longest river? What are some animals that live in and near the river? 15. What are the five elevation zones in the Andes region? 16. Why did the Spanish conquer the Chibcha? 17. Which precious jewel is an important Colombian export? 18. What kinds of conflicts have caused problems in Colombia? 19. What resource were the Spanish explorers hoping to find in Venezuela? 20. What has happened to much of Venezuela s oil wealth throughout the country s history? 21. What are some features of Caracas? 22. Which four European countries have controlled the Guianas? 23. How does French Guiana s political status differ from that of Guyana and Suriname? Think Critically 24. Drawing Inferences and Conclusions Why would different animals live in the five elevation zones? 25. Finding the Main Idea How has geography contributed to conflict in Colombia s history? 26. Comparing How are Venezuelan llaneros like American cowboys? 27. Drawing Inferences and Conclusions Why do you think most Venezuelans live along the Caribbean coast and in the valleys of the nearby mountains? 28. Analyzing Information How are pidgin languages in the Guianas an example of cultural cooperation? Map Activity 29. On a separate sheet of paper, match the letters on the map with their correct labels. Andes Lake Maracaibo Guiana Highlands Devil s Island Orinoco River Llanos Magdalena River C E B D A G N F 182 Chapter 8

Writing Activity Imagine that you are a teacher living in Caracas, Venezuela. Use the information in this chapter to write a quiz, with answers, for students in your geography class. Ask questions on the history, geography, economy, and people of Venezuela. Use the chapter map and the population figures in the Venezuela chart. Be sure to use standard grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation. Internet Activity: go.hrw.com KEYWORD: SG5 GT8 Choose a topic to explore about Caribbean South America: Trek through the Guiana Highlands. Search for the treasures of El Dorado. Ride with the llaneros of Venezuela. Social Studies Skills Practice Interpreting Charts Study the following chart comparing age structure of the populations of the Guianas and the United States. Then answer the questions. Age Structure of the Guianas and the United States Age French United Range Suriname Guyana Guyana States 0 14 years 30.7% 27% 29.9% 20.9% 15 64 years 63.3% 67.9% 64.4% 66.7% 65 and over 6% 5.1% 5.7% 12.4% Source: Central Intelligence Agency, The World Factbook 2003 1. Which country has the largest percentage of its population under the age of 14? 2. Which country has the largest percentage of people aged 65 and over? 3. Which age group is most equally represented in all of the countries? 4. Can you tell from the chart which country has the highest population growth rate? Why or why not? Analyzing Primary Sources The Chibcha custom of dusting their new chiefs with gold gave rise to the legend of El Dorado. Read the following account of the practice, written by Spanish historian Gonzalo Fernandez de Oviedo in 1535. Then answer the questions. He [the new chief] went about all covered with powdered gold, as casually as if it were powdered salt. For it seemed to him that to wear any other finery was less beautiful, and that to put on ornaments or arms made of gold worked by hammering, stamping, or by other means, was a vulgar [tacky] and common thing. 1. Why do you think Oviedo compared the gold to salt? 2. In the second sentence, what is a synonym that could be substituted for arms? 3. How did the chief feel about the other ornaments described? 4. Do you think Oviedo was impressed by the custom he described? Why or why not? Caribbean South America 183