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Southern Cone

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The Southern Cone is a distinct geographical and cultural subregion located at the southernmost tip of South America. Most of this area sits south of the Tropic of Capricorn.

Cono Sur
Cono Sur

While definitions can vary, the term most commonly refers to the countries of Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. These three nations share many geographical, cultural, and economic similarities. Sometimes, the region is expanded to include Paraguay and the four southernmost states of Brazil: Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo. Geographically, the area is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

Köppen-Geiger Southern Cone Map
Köppen-Geiger Southern Cone Map

The climate and landscape of the Southern Cone are incredibly diverse. Much of the region experiences temperate climates, but many other zones exist. You can find humid subtropical, maritime temperate, and even sub-Antarctic temperate regions. There are also highland tropical, highland cold, desert, and semi-arid temperate zones.

Southern cone density
Southern cone density

The Andes Mountains run north to south, forming a massive natural divide. This range serves as much of the border between Argentina and Chile. To the east, the river systems of the La Plata basin create natural barriers and sea lanes. These waters connect Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. In the north, the Atacama Desert stands as the driest place on Earth. Some parts of this desert have no recorded rainfall in history.

Vegetation in the region is also quite varied. Central Chile features Mediterranean vegetation and a Mediterranean climate. As you move south, this transitions into an oceanic climate. The Pampas are vast prairies found in central Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. One of the most unique plants is the Araucaria tree. This is a type of conifer native to the Southern Hemisphere. The species *Araucaria angustifolia* was once widespread in southern Brazil but is now a critically endangered species.

Southern Cone at night
Southern Cone at night

History and migration have deeply shaped the modern identity of the Southern Cone. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the region saw massive waves of immigration from Europe and the Middle East. This influx of people reshaped the demographics, culture, and politics of Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. These migrations heavily influenced the local languages as well. In Argentina and Uruguay, the Rioplatense Spanish dialect developed a unique intonation. This accent was influenced by the many Italian immigrants who settled in cities like Buenos Aires and Montevideo. In Chile, the Spanish dialect is known for common traits like omitting the letter "s" in speech.

Socially and economically, the Southern Cone is a highly developed region. It holds the second highest Human Development Index (HDI) and standard of living in the Americas, following only Northern America.

Southern cone density
Southern cone density

For example, Chile has an HDI of 0.851, Argentina has 0.845, and Uruguay has 0.817. The four southernmost Brazilian states also maintain high standards of living and high levels of industrialization. While Paraguay is sometimes included due to its proximity, it is often excluded from the subregion. Paraguay has a different climate, economy, and cultural identity rooted in its Guaraní heritage. Its economy is less diversified and focuses more on agriculture and hydroelectric power.

Culture in the Southern Cone is vibrant and globally recognized. Football, or association football, is a major passion for residents. Argentina has won the FIFA World Cup three times, and Uruguay has won it twice. These are the only two teams from outside Europe, along with Brazil, to have won the cup.

CS aglo
CS aglo

Culinary traditions are also central to daily life. The *asado*, or barbecue, is a typical tradition developed by *gauchos* in Argentina and Uruguay and *huasos* in Chile. Another widespread custom is drinking *mate*, a traditional infusion shared among people.

Mate-gourds
Mate-gourds

Religion and language continue to define the subregion's complexity. While many residents are Catholic, there are significant Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim communities. Uruguay is notable for being one of the most secular countries in the Americas, with a strong separation of church and state. Languages include Spanish and Portuguese, but native American languages like Mapudungun, Quechua, Aymara, and Guarani are also spoken.

By looking at the world through its latitudes, the Southern Cone shares similarities with parts of Europe and North America.

Planisferio Latitud templada comparada
Planisferio Latitud templada comparada

It is a region where diverse landscapes and histories meet.

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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Cono Sur.svg
Cono Sur.svg
File:Köppen-Geiger Southern Cone Map.png
Köppen-Geiger Southern Cone Map.png
File:Planisferio Latitud templada comparada.png
Planisferio Latitud templada comparada.png
File:Mate-gourds.jpg
Mate-gourds.jpg
File:Southern cone density.png
Southern cone density.png
File:Southern Cone at night.jpg
Southern Cone at night.jpg
File:CS_aglo.png
CS_aglo.png
File:Ethnic map of the Southern Cone.png
Ethnic map of the Southern Cone.png
File:Ethnic map of Argentina and Uruguay.png
Ethnic map of Argentina and Uruguay.png
File:Southern Cone's subnational entities by Human Development Index.png
Southern Cone's subnational entities by...
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