South America-Pacific Countries

Have you ever wondered what lays to the south of Mexico? Of Central America? Well here is some insights on what youll find that will interest you, surprise you, and make you want to know more. Chile is long thin country. Where its widest spot is its bottom, an area full of islands, The area is about 250 miles at the bottom. Chiles population is about 15.5 million. Chiles largest city is Santiago. With a population of about 5,000,000 people, its no wonder its Chiles capital. The climate of Chile is varied due to it covering so much land. Part of Chile is above the Tropical of Capricorn, while the rest of it is below it. Its climate is fairly temperate. Its a lot of desert in the north, and is cool and damp in the south. Chile celebrates its Independence Day on September 18th. It averages about 15 inches of rain a year. Chiles average temperature in January is 67F, while in July its only 47F. That is because while we receive more sun in the summer, they receive less sun. But they receive more sun in the winter while we dont. Its main religion is Roman Catholic. Since Chile is so small width wise you wouldnt think of Chile having a desert, but it does. Its called the Atacama Desert. Chile also includes a major island called Chiloe Island. And an Archipelago called Chonos. Chile goes from gentle rolling plains, to a desert, then becomes mountainous in the Eastern part. The mountains are called the Andes Mountains.

Next we move onto Columbia, which is the furthest north. Part of its coast line is one the Pacific, the other part is on the Caribbean. Columbia is a little over 1,000,000 sq. km. Columbias population is about 43.5 million. Thats about 30 million more people than Chile. Its largest city is Bogota with a population of about 6.5 million. Its climate is more tropical in the coastal areas and cooler along the highlands. Its average temperatures dont vary much through-out the year. In-fact July and Januarys average temperature is only one degree off of each other. In January the temperature averages 54.9F, while in July its 55.2F. The reason for the average temperatures being so close is because Columbia is right above the equator, meaning it gets about the same amount of sun all year long. Columbias average rainfall is about 35 inches. Most peoples ethnic division comes from Mestizo. Again, like Chile, its religion is Roman Catholic. Unlike Chile, Columbias physical appearance goes from Costal, to Mountainous, to flat plains. The mountains again are the Andes Mountains. One fairly major river runs in Columbia, it is called the Rio Negro, which means Black River. Columbia also has an island called Malpelo Island about 300 miles from Columbias shore.

Next we are going to take a visit to Ecuador. Its South West of Columbia. Ecuadors population is about 12 million people. Its largest city is Guayaquil, with a population of about 2 million people. But this is one of those different countries. Its largest city, Guayaquil, is NOT Ecuadors capital. Quito is. Quito is the second largest city in Ecuador with a population of about 1.5 million. Ecuadors climate is tropical along the coast, and becomes cooler has you come in ward. Ecuadors official language is Spanish, just like Chiles and Columbias official language. They celebrate their Independence day on the 10th of August. Ecuadors average temperature is the same in July and January, 56.5F. Ecuadors main religion is Roman Catholic. Ecuador also own the Galapagos Is.

Our next country is Peru. It is exactly in the middle of the Western Pacific South American Countries. Perus population is about 26.5 million people. Its largest city is Lima which is about 7.5 million people. Lima is also Perus capital. Perus climate varies from tropic in the East to desert like in the West. Perus official languages are Spanish and Quechua. Its average temperature in January is about 70.5F and in July is about 59.5F. Perus annual rainfall averages in most areas to be only about 1. Perus whole country is 100% Roman Catholic. Peru shares a lake with Bolivia. The lake is called Lake Titicaca. It has two major rivers, the Ucayali River and the Maranon River. Peru is also home to the highest spot in South America. The highest spot is called Mount Huascaran, its elevation is 22,205 feet above sea level.