Ch. 8- Section 2- Caribbean South America

Venezuela- Maracaibo basin- Lake Maracaibo- largest lake-

South America

Caribbean South America continued

• Andean Highlands- most people live here• Guiana Highlands- rain forests, few people live here,

llanos- large grassy plains- ranches, farms, oil fields• Orinoco River- most important river- hydroelectric power-

power generated by falling water• Climate- tropical rain forest- altitude- height above sea

level• Economy- oil- world leader- OPEC• Mining- coal, diamonds, bauxite, gold• Farming- beef, bananas, coffee

Caribbean South America continued

• 1500’s- 1800’s- Spanish colony• 1821- Simon Bolivar- gain independence from Spain• 1830- Venezuela- republic• 1840’s- 1900’s- caudillo- military dictator- controlled

country• 1960’s- Democracy• Pop.- 23 million• Language- Spanish- religion- Roman Catholic• Caracas- largest city and capital• High standard of living- oil

Caribbean South America continued

• Guyana- size- South Dakota

• Climate- tropical rain forest

• 1800’s- British control Guyana

• 1966- Guyana wins independence

• Georgetown- capital and major city

• Economy- sugar cane

Caribbean South America continued

• Suriname- lowest pop.- South America

• 1600’s- Dutch control Suriname

• 1975- Suriname independent

• Paramaribo- capital and chief port

• Rice- largest crop

• Lumber industry

Caribbean South America continued

• French Guiana- climate- hot and humid- 80 degrees F

• 1600’s- French control area

• Today- part of France

• Cayenne- capital and largest city