The surface area of the South American continent is 17 million square kilometers. The population of South America is approximately 390 million. It is the fourth largest continent in terms of surface area. It consists of only 12 nations, as well as the French territory of Guyana. 

At the time of European settlement during the 16th century, the native Inca and Aztec cultures were truly advanced civilizations. These civilizations suffered at the hands of their new European neighbors. European explorers brought many important food crops from South America to Europe. These crops included tomato, maize and potato.

South America is home to a varied and rich animal population. The Amazon rainforest contains a staggering diversity of plant and animal species. The rich plant and animal life of the continent is used as a powerful tool in attracting tourists to South America. In fact, tourism is quickly developing into one of the most important domains of the continent's economy.