A Child's Eye View of South America Quiz

Answer: Italy

Venezuela is located in the northern part of South America. Although the first Europeans to reach the area came from Spain, their navigator was Amerigo Vespucci, who came from Venice. The houses built over the lakes reminded him of his home, and the country was named 'little Venice' as a result.

The photo clue is of some spaghetti, which is associated with Italy.

Answer: Andes

The Andes mountain range runs through seven countries in the western part of South America, beginning in Venezuela in the north and ending in Argentina in the south. The mountains extend for over 4,000 miles, or 7,000 kilometres, and the highest mountain in the range is Aconcagua in Argentina.

The photo clue shows some ampersands, which is the symbol for the word 'and', which is found at the start of the correct answer.

Answer: Inca

The Inca Empire was at its height in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, and was based in the mountainous areas of Peru. The invasion of the Spanish explorers led to the end of the Incas, although remains of their buildings can still be seen at sites such as Machu Picchu. The Aztecs were from Mexico, the Mayas were mainly in Central America and Mesopotamia was a region in Asia.

Your photo clue is of some ink blots.

Answer: Brazil

The languages spoken in the countries of South America are based on the European countries who colonised them originally. Most of the invaders came from Spain, so many countries use Spanish. Brazil, though, was claimed by Portuguese explorers so this is the language spoken there. Because Brazil is such a large country, there are many more speakers of the Portuguese language living there than in Portugal itself. Argentina and Colombia both have Spanish as their official language, while Suriname uses Dutch.

The photo clue shows some shelled nuts, including Brazil nuts.

Answer: Cowboys

The Pampas is a large area of grasslands, or plains, located across several countries in the south eastern regions of South America. The area is used for raising cattle, and the gauchos are the horsemen who herd the animals in the same way cowboys were used in the USA.

The photo is of a pair of cowboy boots to help you choose the right answer.

Answer: Chile

The Atacama Desert is the highest desert in the world and is also one of the coldest and driest. There are no records of any rainfall in parts of it, with some scientists believing that there is evidence that no rain has fallen for millions of years. Even when rain does fall, the amounts are very small. The major part of the desert is in Chile, with some parts in Peru.

The photo gives you a hint as it shows some chilli peppers growing.

Answer: Football (soccer)

Not only was the tournament held in Uruguay, their team won it to become the first champions. They beat Argentina in the final. Because travelling was difficult in those times, only a few European teams took part - France, Belgium, Yugoslavia and Romania. Since then, the tournament has become much bigger. Uruguay won again, in 1950, and Brazil won four times in the twentieth century.

The photo shows a soccer ball. The balls used in the other sports look very different.

Answer: Sugar

The mountain is called Sugarloaf Mountain. When sugar was first produced, it was made in a cone shape and the mountain looks very like this. The name was given to the mountain by the Portuguese explorers because of the resemblance. Visitors can be taken to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain by two cable cars - the first one travels to the top of the shorter mountain at the front of the picture and then a second one goes to the top of the higher peak.

The photo I've chosen was taken during an air race. If you click on the picture, you'll be able to see the aeroplane clearly.

Answer: Silver

Argentina is the second largest country of South America and the largest country which has Spanish as its official language. The Europeans who came to the area were in search of the mythical silver mountains. The Latin name for silver is argentum, and the country became known as Argentina in English.

The photo is of some silver ingots.

Answer: Paraguay

Bolivia and Paraguay border each other, with Bolivia in the west of the continent and Paraguay on the east. The name of the country is the same as that of its main river. It is a native name, rather than one given to the country by the Europeans, although the exact origin of it has several explanations. All of them agree that it relates to the river.

The photo has nothing to do with Paraguay, apart from both the country and the parachute starting with the same four letters. I hope that was a big enough clue.