SOUTH AMERICA

South America, is the planet's 4th largest continent, it includes (12) countries and (3) major territories. It contains the massive Amazon River and surrounding basin - the largest tropical rain forest in the world; the toothy-edged Andes Mountains, that stretch the entire length of the continent, and some of the most diverse and spectacular landforms on the planet.

Continent Size:
17,819,000 sq km
6,879,000 sq miles

Population: 379,500,000

Highest Point: Cerro Aconcagua
Andes Mountains, Argentina - 22,833 ft (6,959m).

Lowest Point: Peninsula Valdes
Argentina coastline -151 ft (-40m) below sea level.

Now that you know more about the continent, some of the specific details about Peru might shock you. Did you know that over 36% of Peru's total population is poor, and almost 14% is considered extremely poor. To be considered extremely poor Peruvians must live on less than $35 a month. Many children die every day due to malnutrition in Peru. Malnutrition is defined as insufficient, excessive or imbalanced consumption of nutrients. Donating money to people like Viviana can help families be able to purchase cheaper, healthier food for more filling meals to help prevent malnutrition throughout the country. To learn more about malnutrition, follow this link. Peru is a country that is on the rise out of poverty and every little bit can help them.

Did you know that Peru's life expectancy is almost 10 years less than those of people who live in the USA?