South America is the southern continent of the Americas and is located in three hemispheres at the same time. It is found wholly in the Western Hemisphere and in large part in the Southern Hemisphere. Nevertheless a small portion of the continent exists in the Northern Hemisphere in addition. South America is bounded on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east by the Atlantic Ocean. It is bordered by North America and the Caribbean Sea on the northwest.
The continent spreads over an area of 17,840,000 square kilometers or 6,890,000 sq mi. that indicates it covers almost 3.5% of the surface of the planet. In respect of area it ranks fourth in the globe and follows Asia, Africa, and North America respectively. Well, regarding population the rank of South America is fifth and comes after Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America only.
South America occupies the significant southern portion of the landmass that is by and large referred to as the New World, the Western Hemisphere, the Americas, or simply America. On the northwest the continent is generally delimited by the Darién watershed along the Colombia-Panama border. However, according to many, the Panama Canal which transects the Isthmus of Panama competently also delimits the continent. In the context of geopolitics and geography the whole of Panama which includes the segment east of the Panama Canal in the isthmus is in North America and among the countries of Central America as well. The greater part of the mainland South America is situated on the South American Plate.
The whole of South America is regarded as the perfect abode of rattling natural features. The continent is proud to contain the world's tallest waterfall, driest desert, largest salt flat along with longest river, second highest peak and largest rain forest. South America is also regarded as one of the most biodiversity continents on Earth and is the home of several unique species of animals.
The largest country in South America by means of both area and population is Brazil.
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