South America South America is southern to the United States and is covered by 60 percent of the Amazon Rainforest. The Panama Canal connects North America to South America and has locks to lift the boats and ships to reach sea/lake level. South America is home to the world's highest waterfall, Angel Falls in Venezuela. The largest river in South America is the Amazon River. The longest mountain range is the Andes Mountains. If you live in or near the Andes Mountains the only available jobs are mining, which are very dangerous but is the only way of income for most people. Another popular job near the Andes Mountains is raising sheep for their wool to make sweaters, blankets, and clothes to keep them warm. The driest place on earth is located in South America and is the Atacama Desert. The largest rainforest in South America is the Amazon Rainforest. The highest capital city in South America is La Paz, located in Bolivia. The highest commercially navigable lake in the world is Lake Titicaca. South America's major mineral resources are gold, silver, and tin. South America is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east by the Atlantic Ocean. North America and the Caribbean Sea lie to the northwest. South America is made up of twelve countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The South American nations that border the Caribbean Sea are Colombia, Venezuela,