Is South America Considered Part of the Southern Hemisphere?
Yes, South America is predominantly part of the Southern Hemisphere. While specific geographical regions vary, the vast majority of the continent falls within this geographical boundary. To understand this in more detail, let's explore the positioning of South America relative to the equator.
The Southern Hemisphere and South America
Geographically, the southern hemisphere is defined as the area below the equator, the imaginary line that divides the Earth into two equal halves. According to this definition, a significant portion of South America is indeed in the Southern Hemisphere. This is due to the position of the equator, which crosses the northern part of the continent.
Geographical Division: North and South of the Equator
South America is typically split into two major parts: the northern regions situated above the equator and the southern regions below it. To visualize this, imagine a line drawn across the continent from east to west, marking the equator. This line divides South America into two distinct zones.
Rough Division with Ecuador as a Point of Reference
Ecuador, the Spanish-speaking country, is a notable example. It sits precisely on the equator, thus serving as a central reference point. Countries like Ecuador, northern parts of Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and some southern regions of Guyana and Suriname are located on the northern side of the equator and, therefore, are in the Northern Hemisphere. On the other hand, countries such as Argentina, Chile, and most of Brazil's territory are south of the equator and are part of the Southern Hemisphere.
Brazil and Its Geographic Spread
Brazil, the largest country in South America, is predominantly located in the Southern Hemisphere. The majority of its territory, roughly 85%, falls within the latitude range that places it in the southern hemisphere. However, a small portion, particularly in the northernmost regions, extends into the Northern Hemisphere, just north of the equator.
Encompassing More than 85% of South America
When considering the entire continent of South America, it is essential to note that over 85% of its territory is in the Southern Hemisphere. Countries like Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and most of Colombia and Brazil are indeed in the Southern Hemisphere. This makes it clear that South America as a whole is predominantly part of the Southern Hemisphere.
It's worth mentioning that while Brazil's northernmost regions are positioned in the Northern Hemisphere, this region is very close to the equator, making the national geography predominantly Southern Hemisphere-based.
Conclusion
In summary, South America is primarily within the Southern Hemisphere. While a small percentage of the continent does lie in the Northern Hemisphere, the vast majority of South America's territory is in the southern half of the Earth. Understanding this geographical division is crucial for various geographical, climate, and cultural discussions.