1. Guatemala in Central America is surrounded by Belize, Mexico, El Salvador and
Honduras. The history of Guatemala speaks of constant wars, conflicts, and bloodshed commencing from the
ancient
Mayan Civilization till date. After a long history of a series of invasions, Guatemala earned freedom in 1839.
Languages of Guatemala:
A wide variety of language variations can be witnessed in Guatemala. However, Spanish serves as the most
important language in Guatemala. The other languages such as Cakchiquel, Xinca, Kekchi, and Garifuna are
substantially spoken in Guatemala.
Currency, Population and Total Area Coverage of Guatemala:
The Guatemalan currency is termed as Quetzal. Guatemala displays an impressive figure of estimated 12,293,545
people. The total area coverage taking into account the land as well as the water bodies is 108,890 sq km.
Different Races of Guatemala:
Guatemala shows a heterogeneous trend with regard to racial communities. Guatemala shows a unique mixture of
the two races the native American Indians and the Spanish which has resulted in the creation of a new race, which
inherit all the significant qualities of both the races. The heterogeneous trend is also highlighted by the existence of
the other minority races as the Kaqchikel, Q'eqchi, a number of more diverse Mayan races as well as non Mayan and
foreign ethnic groups also. The different European races also contribute to its population.
Religions of Guatemala:
Taking in consideration the existence of diverse ethnic communities, it can be said that the Guatemalans follow
varied religions. Though Christianity is followed by the majority of people, in both the Roman Catholic and Protestant
forms, the remnants of native Mayan as well as foreign religions are also followed in Guatemala.
Attractions of Guatemala:
The main attractions of the country are the beautiful highlands, the splendid Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and the
thrilling jungles in the lowlands.
Argentina economy has undergone a consistent growth since 2002 after t suffered during 2001 and 2002. The
economic conditions affected the political systems of the country. Most of the debts were cleared and economic
stability has been restored.
Argentina has an abundance of natural resources. Majority of the population of the country is literate. An agricultural
sector which serves Argentina's exports and a wide ranging industrial base make up Argentina economy. A century
ago Argentina was one of the richest countries of the world. This status suffered a shock during the 20th century
when theeconomy of Argentina was characterized by economic crises, growing fiscal and current account deficits,
uncontrolled rising inflation, increasing external debts and capital flight. Towards the end of 1990s Argentina faced a
steep economic recession and an economic depression. Though the government tried to reconstruct the economy in
1999 by lowering fiscal deficits nothing happened. Argentina's economy was in a mess by the beginning of 21st
century and it led to internal political disturbances.
President Eduardo Duhalde, in 2002, ended the peso's 1-to-1 peg to US dollar. As the value of peso came down and
infation increased the president immobilized utility tarrifs, restricted creditor's rights and imposed huge taxes on
exports. Soon Argentine economy showed signs of improvement and inflation came down. The new government of
Kirchner kept up the economic policies of President Duhalde and also reformed the country's debt in 2005. Argentina
economy is in a good state at present with the country paying off its debts and the revenues increasing largely.

2. The GDP of Argentina is $608.8 billion. The rate of unemployment is 8.7% and the rate of inflation is 9.8%. The
agricultural products include sunflower seeds, lemons, soybeans, grapes, corn etc. major industries are food
processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles etc. Its export partners are Brazil, Chile, US and China.
After going through a period of severe economic crisis in the first few years of 1980s, Bolivia
economyrecovered fully and economic stability was established. One of the poorest countries of South
America, Bolivia witnesses an uneven economic condition over years.
Economic reforms increased real GDP growth and poverty in Bolivia came down. But in 1999 economic growth of
Bolivia staggered once again because of international and domestic factors. Bolivia economy suffered again. Political
instability and rising fiscal deficits hit theeconomy of Bolivia badly. The economic policies of ex-president Sanchez
de Lozada supporting foreign investments in Bolivia led to unrest within the country and he had to resign. That
brought an end to his plans of exporting the newly found natural gas reserves to foreign markets.
Taxes on natural gas and oil firms increased in 2005. The oil company owned by the state which became
dysfunctional is under reconstruction. The state is also trying to gain ownership of gas production companies along
with transportation, refining and storage companies. Though the real GDP improved as a result of more natural gas
exports to Brazil the standard still was not up to the mark. Bolivia's economy improved due to a rise in fiscal
surpluses in 2006. Help from the IMF and World bank has lightened fiscal burdens from Bolivian economy.
The GDP of Bolivia is $27.87 billion. Rates of unemployment and inflation are 7.8% and 4.3% respectively.
Agricultural products of the country include soybeans, coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane etc. Major industries are
mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages etc. Export partners of Bolivia are Brazil, US, Argentina, Colombia
and Peru. Bolivia imports from Brazil, Argentina, US, Chile, Peru, Japan and China.
Brazil is the largest country in South America with the maximum population. Today, Brazil economy is on
the rise. Blessed with an abundant natural resources, Brazil has become the most powerful country in South America
in economic terms and thus is leading the other countries of South America.
With large and growing Agricultural, mining, manufacturing and service sectors, Brazil economy ranks highest among
all the South American countries and it has also acquired a strong position in global economy. As a result of falling
real wages during 2001 to 2003 theeconomy of Brazil grew only 2.2% per year(average).
The country was hit by a number of global and internal economic crises. But Brazil economy did not collapse. The
reason behind this is the strong Brazilian economy and the economic policies and programs taken up by President
Cardoso and strengthened by President Lula Da Silva.
Brazil's economy has been undergoing a continuous growth and development from 2004 which has led to a rise in
employment and real wages. The economic system of Brazil is standing on a floating exchange rate, a regime that
is inflation targeting and a compressed fiscal policy.
Brazil had to face a sharp depreciation in the currency which led to a drastic adjustment in current account from 2003
to 2006. This was followed by trade surpluses. Surplus agricultural production also led to an increase in exports.
Economy of Brazil also has weaknesses. These are mostly related to debts. Domestic debts went up from 1994 to
2003. But Brazil controlled this rise in 2006. The president has introduced economic programs to control taxes and
increase public investment.
The present GDP is $1.6 trillion and the real growth rate of GDP is 3.7%. rate of unemployment is 9.6% and inflation

3. is 3%.Major industries are textiles, shoes, chemicals, aircraft, steel, motor vehicles, etc. Agricultural products includes
coffee, wheat, rice, sugarcane etc.
Brazil has the most advanced economy in South America, and it is undergoing rapid development at present.
InBrazil, jobs are abundantly available and there is great demand for professionals and workers in
various sectors.
Brazil is a large economy with well developed sectors of agriculture, mining, industries, manufacturing and service. It
is still undergoing constant improvement and development, both in these and other sectors like education, technology
and communications. As a result, there are a number of job and employment opportunities available in Brazil, and
newworkers and professionals are being regularlyrecruited.
There are number of sectors which offer jobs inBrazil. The education and research sector is an important part of
these. Brazil is rich is oil and mineral deposits, so there is demand forprofessionals in the fields of mining, oil
processing, environmental scientists and waste management professionals. Tourism is an important part of the
economy of Brazil. A number of jobs and employment opportunities are available in this sector too. Marketing and
management are currently developing sectors in Brazil, and have a significant amount of job opportunities.
Brazil has a rapidly expanding technology sector, specially in the fields of software and information technology. A
number of international technology firms hire workers and professionals in these fields, resulting is a large demand
for software professionals and engineers.
Brazil has some job and recruitment agencies which offer employment options to job seekers and those wishing
to build careers. These agencies work closely with hiring companies and institutions to facilitaterecruitment and
hire workers as per the requirement of the companies.
Chile economy once served as an ideal for several other South American nations. At present Chile
economy is based mainly on open trade and several other sectors.
The main pillars of Chile economy, apart from the trade and commerce, are, the agricultural industry, mineral
resources and also other industries. There are a wide range and variety of crops that are produced in Chile and they
contribute hugely in the economy of Chile. Mineral resources also play a very good role in Chile economy along with
other industrial sectors.
Chile economy is dependent largely on agriculture. A wide number of crops, vegetables and fruits are produced in
Chile. The main agricultural area in Chile is the Vale of Chile. The main crops of this South American country are
beans, potatoes, sweet beets and wheat. The large vineyards in the Vale of Chile is the main source of the industry of
wine in Chile. But Chile does not produce more than adequate foodstuffs and that is one of the main economic
problem of this country.
Chile economy is also largely dependent on the mining of several mineral resources. Copper is most important
among other minerals in this country. Copper is also the main mineral that is exported from Chile and also the chief
mineral resource of this country. In fact, Chile economy is dependent on copper very much. But this dependence can
create economic problem as in the international market copper price is not that much stable. The other industries that

4. have been developed in Chile and are important part of the Chile economy, are also related with these two main
fields, namely the agricultural fields and the mineral industries.
Colombia economy is mainly based on agriculture. But there are many
other sectors in Colombia, which play a huge role in keep the economy of Colombia rolling.
Previously, Colombia economy was somewhat restricted in many different sectors. But now theeconomy of this
South American country can be said to be based on the open market policies and activities. The main pillars
of Colombia economy are the agricultural sector, mineral resources and related trade and also the exportindustry.
Colombia economy is largely dependent on theagricultural field. There are a huge variety of crops that are grown
in Colombia. Commercialagriculture yield many other crops that are exported also. Some of the main crops that are
grown in Colombia are, grains, potatoes, beans and also a wide variety of fruits. The commercial crops that are
grown in Colombia are coffee, sugarcane, oil palm, cotton, banana and some other. But coffee is the main
commercial crop in Colombia and is an important part of Colombia economy.
Colombia economy has the mineral resources as one of the important part of the economic scenario. There are a
number of mineral deposits in Colombia and many mines also. The minerals that are usually found inColombia are,
gold, platinum, copper, manganese, lead and mercury. Another important mineral deposit ofColombia is the
petroleum resource of this country. In fact, at present petroleum is the main export material from Colombia that has
replaced coffee. Colombia is also a part of many economic organizations like the Andean Group of which many
South America countries are members. Moreover, it has economic connections with other South American countries
and with United States also.
Costa Rica economy is quite stable and this stability is not new. Over the years of its existence
Costa Rica has been able to maintain stable economic condition.
though the country has a large agricultural sector Costa Rica's economy has grown to encompass well developed
technology and tourism sectors. The country has a high standard of living.
Tourism, Agriculture and electronics exports form the strong foundation on which Costa Rica Economy lies. For
nearly 20 years poverty in Costa Rica is at 20%. The social safety that was established by the government has come
down as the financial restraints on the expenditures of the government has risen. A major concern for the government
is the increase in the immigration from Nicaragua. On one hand the Nicaraguans have fulfilled labor requirements of
Costa Rica, but they are an adverse effect on social security.
Political stability along with high standard education and tourism has pulled a lot of foreign investors who in turn have
brought with them a large amount of foreign exchange. Internal and external deficits with domestic debt have caused
a problem for economy of Costa Rica. The government is trying to deal with these problems together with rising

5. inflation. The reasons which have led to a hike in inflation are increase in import prices, inflexibility of labor market
and fiscal deficits.
Two aspects of Costa Rican economy need revision. These are tax system and public expenditure. The
implementation of US-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) would lead to a transformation in the
investment scenario of the country for the better. GDP of Costa Rica is %50.89 billion. The GDP real growth rate is
7.9%. The rate of unemployment is 6.6% and that of inflation is 12.1%. Currency of the country is Costa Rican colon.
Agricultural products include bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons etc. Industries are microprocessors, food
processing, textiles and clothing etc.
Guatemala economy is dependent largely on the agricultural sector from its young days. The
agricultural sector makes up nearly one fourth of Guatemala's GDP, two-fifth of the country's exports and 50% of its
labor force.
The major agricultural products are Coffee, sugar, and bananas. In 1996 Guatemala signed peace treaties which
marked the end of a 36 year long civil war. This opened up the way for foreign investments in the country. Guatemala
economy which had been severely affected by the war improved. Reforms and economic stabilization followed,
leading to a development of the economy of Guatemala.
The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) was followed by Guatemala in the year 2006. One of the
features of Guatemala's economy is unequal distribution of income. Thus poverty is rampant in the country with
56% of the people being poor.
Guatemala economy is faced with a number of challenges. Government revenue is on the rise. The country is trying
to get assistance from international financial organizations. Guatemala government has to improve governmental and
private financial functions. Trade deficits and drug trafficking are harming Guatemalan economy and should be
taken care of.
Payments from the large number of people who moved off to USA during the war and tourism lead to a large amount
of foreign income. The GDP of the country is $61.38 billion. Rate of unemployment and inflation are 3.2% and 5.8%
respectively. Agricultural products of the country are sugarcane, corn, bananas, coffee, beans, cardamom, cattle,
sheep, pigs and chickens. major industries include sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum,
metals, rubber and tourism.
Export commodities of Guatemala are coffee, sugar, petroleum, apparel, bananas etc. The export partners are US, El
Salvador, South Korea and Panama. Products like fuels, machinery and transport equipment, construction materials
etc are imported from US, Mexico, El Salvador, South Korea and Panama.

6. Panama economy is based on a well established and growing service sector. This sector make up
three fourth of the country's GDP. the services are running the panama canal, banking, Colon Free Zone, insurance,
container ports, flagship registry and tourism.
The economy of Panama received a severe backlash due to a mess in the Colon Free Zone, a fall in the agricultural
products, an international economic recession and the moving away of US military forces from the country. Panama
economy started growing during 2004, 2006 stimulated by services which were export oriented and an increase in
construction due to tax incentives.
Panama government has enforced tax reforms and social security reforms. It is also supporting regional trade and
tourism industry. This was to improve the state of Panama economy. But the country is suffers from high rate of
unemployment. Panama entered into a free trade agreement with USA in December 2006. this will lead to economic
development and thus help to raise the standard of Panama's economy.
The GDP of Panama is $26.04 billion. The rate of unemployment is 8.8% and the rate of inflation is 2.6%. These
statistics help to provide a picture of the Panaman economy. Public debt amounts to 61.3% of the total GDP.
Agricultural products include bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane, vegetables etc. The major industries of Panama
are construction, brewing, cement and other construction materials and sugar milling. the goods that are exported are
bananas, shrimp, sugar, coffee and clothing. The export partners of Panama are US, Sweden, Spain, Netherlands
and Costa Rica. Panama imports capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods and chemicals from US, Netherlands
Antilles, Costa Rica and Japan.
South America real estate market is hot with a number of enviable real estate
properties for sale. South America has fourteen countries that have a very wide range of real estate properties for
sale.
Almost all of the South American countries are full of exotic and exciting travel destinations, lively cities and towns
and many other important places. Real estate properties in these places are in high demand. Moreover, there are
several hotels, resorts, buildings, houses and apartments that are in the list of the real estate properties in South
America.
South America real estate properties are available in all of its countries. In Argentina, Brazil, Peru and all
other South Americancountries there are innumerable hot real estate property listings at several prices. A few of
thesereal estate properties in South America are,
Recoleta Apartment: This beautiful, French style apartment is situated in Recoleta, one of the
prime destinations in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This real estate property is for sale on about
$1,65000. In this flat there are many modern facilities available along with a quiet surrounding.
Rio De Janeiro House: This house in one of the most important Brazilian city will cost around
$3,40000. Thisreal estate property is situated in Buzios, one of the travel destinations in Brazil.
This beach house all the modern facilities that are expected by the customers and is very
spacious.
Lima Beach Property: This is a very nice beach house in Lima, Peru that has a number of
spacious rooms. From this real estate property beautiful view of sea is available and the house
is also located near a hill that creates a perfect scenario. This beach property costs around
$5,12000.

7. South American industries are one very important part of the economy of this
continent. South America has fourteen countries within it and all of them are not equally developed in terms
of industries and industrialgrowth.
Those countries in South America that have enough petroleum reserve or other natural reserves, are more
developed in industrialgrowth.
South America industries previously, especially before the World War II were dependent on the developed
European nations like, Spain, United Kingdom, United States and some other. Burt after the war South
American countries ventured to develop their industries by themselves and thus created a number of well known
industry centers. A new trend also developed as more heavy industries were on rise than the previous light
industries.
It is seen that, those South American countries that have enough sources of fuel, developed in industrial rise more
than those which do not have that much fuel reservation. At the beginning of the era, when South Americawas
taking initiative of building industries of its own, one of the pressing problems was the scarcity of coal. That is why,
many of the countries of this continent used the petroleum reserve and started developing independent industries.
Some of these countries are, Venezuela, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Colombia and also Ecuador.
One important part of the industrial field of South America is agriculture and related industries. Agriculture on
the basis of commercial production, is one very important part of the total industries in South America. Coffee,
sugarcane, tobacco and many other agricultural products are exported from South America.
South America Christmas
Christmas in South America
is an important celebration and it has religious sentiments attached to it and displays the traditional South America
Culture. Christmas Traditions In South America is totally celebrated in Roman Catholic way and it can be called
as the summation of European and Native American Culture along with the modern influence of American Culture.
All the traditional customs and gift giving themes are prevalent from the history of
Christmas in South America
. Santa Clause dressed in white and red comes and distributes the gifts and chocolates to the children and this
tradition of gift distribution has started off from the Chile and Brazil. Gift giving is seen in Argentina in Christmas and
even in King's Day on first week of January.
Celebration of Christmas in South AmericaMexico country is different as village processions displaying the birth of
Jesus is a common event,followed by the an awesome Christmas dinner accompanied by family and friends is an
heartwarming moment. Gorgeous Light works and fireworks make the celebration of Christmas a more eventful
moment and is much popular in the countries like Brazil and Argentina. In Chile the catholics keeps nine day fast

8. before Christmas and Brazil on the other hand follows a very traditional and homely way of celebrating the Christmas.
It mainly follows the European traditions mainly from Portugal.
Other south American countries generally celebrate Christmas by decorating the houses with electric light displaying
the native scenes and Christmas tree is a must in the celebration of Christmas in south America. Visiting the
churches and signing the carols in group is an important part of Christmas and lastly the Christmas dinner with some
exotic traditional food and drink is a must and the gathering is between the near and dear ones and a night party
follows by great music and dance. The Christmas in South America is an important eve and is also one of the
important day of South America