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Article: South America: how well do you know your neighbor?
- Article from:
- Junior Scholastic
- Article date:
- October 31, 2005
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 Scholastic, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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How much do you know about the world's fourth-largest continent? Rich in natural resources, this vast landmass is home to about 373 million people. Its present-day politics, economy, and culture are rooted in its colonial past.
Long before Christopher Columbus and other European explorers reached the New World, South America was home to many civilizations. The Inca, for example, built a vast empire, which lasted more than a century. In the early 16th century, the Spanish and Portuguese conquered most of the native civilizations. They stole riches and forced many of the people into slavery.
The Culture's Colonial Roots
Today's South Americans ...