South America

South America is the fourth largest continent in terms of land area

and is home to 12 independent countries. They include, Brazil,
Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Guyana,
Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, Suriname. Each country has its
own unique culture, history, and geographical settings.
1. Brazil- Brazil is the largest country in south America and fifth in
the world it covers
8.51km² and population of 215.3 million (2022). 88,252,121 White
people, 92,083,286 Mixed people, 20,656,458 Black people, 850,1
32 Asian people, and1227640 Indigenous people.
Political view- Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is the president of Brazil,
He is the 39th president and was sworn in 1st January 2023. Brazil
government structure has presidential, and federal system of
government.

Cities- Brazil has a high level of urbanization with 87.8% of the

population residing in urban and metropolitan areas. Her capital is
in Brasilia. The most populated City is Sao Paulo- over 10 million,
Reo de Janeiro- over 6 million, Salvador over 2 million, Fortaleza
over 2 million, Belo Horizonte- over 2 million, Brasilia- over 2
million, Curitiba- over 1.5 million, Manaus- over 1.5 million, Recife,
over 1.2 million, and many more.
Embassy of the Republic of Kenya is in Brasilia under the
ambassador Lemarron Kaanto address shis QL 10,
Conjunto 08, Casa 08, Lago-Sul, Brasilia-DF CEP: 71630-
085, BRASIL.
Language- Portuguese is the official language in Brazil, followed
by Spanish, English, and German.
Economy- The economy of Brazil is the largest in South America.
Her GDP is 1.9 trillion USD. The main source of income is
Agriculture, manufacturing, arts, and tourism. Brazil is the major
exporter of oranges, soybeans, sugar cane, coffee, beef, poultry
and cassava.
Brazil is third in Americas after USA and Canada and first in South
America in Industrial sector. They include automobiles, steel,
petrochemicals, computers, air crafts, and consumer durables.
Around 70% of employment is in the service Industries i.e.
wholesale and retail trade, public administration, health and
education, and manufacturing.
Culture- family set up- Brazilian ties both immediate and
extended families. The family live proximity to each other.
Extended family meets in ranch but this varies with wealth of the
family.
The common dish is feijoada completa [a mixture of up to 20
different dried, salted, or smoked meats simmered in a stew of
black beans( feijoadas)}, the other dish is vatapá an African dish
which is made of rice flour, coconut oil, fish, shrimps, red peppers,
and assorted condiments, churrascarias an Italian dish, also
MacDonals are also found in urban areas.
bus trips is the only practical way to commute to work or, on the
weekend, to the beach or countryside, followed by taxis, cycling,
walking and ferries. Cash is commonly used to pay for the
services.
Carnival is common festival in that people spend their leisure
preparing for it. It is full of competition ‘ escolas de samba’ (samba,
forró, and capoeira)
Dos- learn some Portuguese (ola- hello, obrigando- thank
you, de nada- your are welcome), be casual in public
areas, avoid political discussion,respect their flag and
other customs.
Don’ts- ignore your safety, in most areas there are issues
of insecurities, ignore weather, isolate yourself, lack
necessary documents,
Colombia- Colombia is located at North-West of South America.
Her size is 1.142 million km² with 51.5 (2022) million people
50.3% of the population are Mestizo or around 26 million people,
26.4% are White, 9.5% are Indigenous or around 5 million people,
9.0% are Black, 4.4% are Mulatto, and 0.4% are Asian.
Weather- Colombia is warm country 80% of its territory lies
below 1,000 m above sea level in a wide variety of Colombian
regions, with an average temperature of 27°C (80,6 °F).
Cities- The capital is in Bogotá- over 7 million, Medelin- over 2.6
million, Cali- over 2.3 million, Barranquilla- over1.33 million,
Cartagena- over 1 million, Cúcuta- over 800,000, Soacha,
Soledad, Bucaramanga over 400000 people.
Colombia is accredited to Embassy of the Republic of Kenya is in
Brasilia under the ambassador Lemarron Kaanto address shis QL
10, Conjunto 08, Casa 08, Lago-Sul, Brasilia-DF CEP: 71630-085,
BRASIL.

Language- The official language in Colombia is Spanish. There

are also other indigenous languages such as Wayuu, Nasa Yuwe,
and Emberá, and Palenquero.
Economy- Colombia economy is the third largest in South
America. Her GDP 1099.5 billion USD. her currency is Colombia
peso (COP), the rates is 1 USD= 3,868.7, 1 KSH= 29.03 COP.
The main source of income is natural resources such as petroleum
which covers 40% of her economy, followed by manufacturing,
agriculture (coffee), information technology industry, ship building
industry, automobiles, tourism, construction and mining.
Culture- Colombia has many religions and beliefs the main
one being Christianity followed by Judaism, Islam,
Buddhism, and Sikhism.
Family set up is equivalent to the Kenya i.e. respect for
the elders and children taking care of aging parents.
Coffee farming is highly valued and attract a number of
tourists across the world.
The Carnival of Barranquilla, Feria de Cali, and Semana
Santa (Holy Week), salsa are famous festivals and
celebrations in Colombia.
Cuisine/food- Arepas is the common in Colombia. It’s
made of maize flour, which are then grilled, baked, or
fried. Arepas can be eaten plain or stuffed with various
fillings such as cheese, meat, eggs, or avocado.
Chicharrón- fried pork belly or pork rinds. It's crispy and
flavorful and is often served as a side dish or eaten on its own as
a snack
Political events- Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego ODB ODSC
ODIC is the 34th president Colombia since 2022.
Dos- because of insecurity You only fly and not drive. The
government/ hotels provide security caravans to popular
destinations. Have clear guidance when moving around, learn
some Spanish and remain calm when dealing with locals, address
people with their titles (señora).
Don’ts- walk around with valuable items, taking tax from street,
visit Arauca and border of Venezuela since it’s not safe, forget to
honor national anthem played twice 6.00 AM and 6.00 PM on all
radio and television stations, import animals or plants.

Argentina- Argentina is the second largest Country in South

America after Brazil. It covers 2 780 400 km² It shares the bulk of
the Southern Cone with Chile to the
west, and is also bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, B
razil to the northeast, Uruguay and the South Atlantic Ocean to
the east, and the Drake Passage to the south.
Governments- The president of Argentina is Javier Gerardo
Milei since December 2023. Argentina is a federal
state subdivided into twenty-three provinces, and
one autonomous city, which is the federal capital and largest
city of the nation, Buenos Aires. The provinces and the capital
have their own constitutions, but exist under a federal system.
Argentina claims sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, South
Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, the Southern Patagonian
Ice Field, and a part of Antarctica.
Argentina is accredited to Embassy of republic of Kenya in
Brasilia, Brazil
Culture- Argentina is multicultural country with significant
European influences such as Italia, Spanish, France, Russia, United
Kingdom and many more.
Tango, born in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires in
the late 19th century, is Argentina's most famous cultural export.
It's not just a dance but also a musical genre and a way of life,
embodying passion, nostalgia, and sensuality.

Tradition- The gaucho, Argentina's equivalent of the cowboy,

represents the rugged spirit of the Argentine countryside.
Traditional gaucho culture includes horsemanship, folk music, and
a deep connection to the land.

Cuisine-Argentine cuisine is known for its delicious flavors and

hearty dishes. Asado, or Argentine barbecue, is a cornerstone of
Argentine gastronomy, featuring grilled meats such as beef,
chorizo, and morcilla (blood sausage). Other popular foods include
empanadas (stuffed pastries), dulce de leche (a sweet caramel
spread), and mate (a traditional herbal tea).
Economy- The GDP of Argentina in 2024 is estimated to fall to
1423.93 billion USD from 1464.95 in 2023.
Agriculture-Argentina is the largest producer in the world
of yerba mate (due to the large domestic consumption of mate),
one of the five largest producers in the
world of soybeans, maize, sunflower seed, lemon, pear,
barley, grape, artichoke, tobacco, cotton, wheat, sugarcane.
Industrial Sector- Argentina is among the largest producer of
wine in the world, lithium, gold, silver. Industries covers 20% of
her GDP second after Agriculture.
Currency- Argentine peso (ARS) symbol of Argentine peso is ($).
The rates 1 USD= 889.21 ARS, I KSH = 6.82 ARS.
Language- The official language is Spanish but there are
different languages in Argentina depending with the location.
Dos- Use proper name when addressing someone, show
enthusiasm when offered mate (traditional herbal tea), use public
transport, learn some Spanish, embrace late night culture.
Don’ts- Talk about Chile (Patagonia border dispute), Malvinas
(Dispute with UK), avoid random street money exchange, mixing
Hispanic with Latins.
Chile- The republic of Chile is a country in western South
America. It is the southernmost country in the world and the
closest to Antarctica, stretching along a narrow strip of land
between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Chile had a
population of 17.5 million as of the latest census in 2017 and has
a territorial area of 756,102 square kilometers.
Chile is Accredited to Embassy of the Republic of Kenyan in
Brasilia, Brazil.
Economy- The GDP of Chile is 33.76 (2024*) and her
currency is Chilean peso (CLP) and the rate is, 1 USD=
908.78 CLP, 1 KSH= 6.97 CLP.
Agriculture is the main source of income in Chile. It employs
13.6% of the population in Chile. The main produce is cherry and
blueberry, grape, kiwi, peach, plum, hazelnut, other products are
pears, onions, wheat, maize, oats, garlic, asparagus, beans, beef,
poultry, wool, fish.
Language- Spanish is the official language in Chile, though there
are other indigenous languages in Chile such as Mapudungun,
Quechua, Aymara, and Rapa Nui.
Cuisine- Empanadas- are savory pastries filled with various
ingredients such as meat, cheese, seafood, or vegetables,
Cazuela- a traditional Chilean stew made with meat (usually
chicken, beef, or pork), potatoes, pumpkin, corn, rice, and other
vegetables, Pastel de Choclo- a filling of ground beef, onions,
olives, chicken, and hard-boiled eggs, topped with a layer of
sweet corn mixture and baked until golden brown, and Chilean
sea food.
Government- Gabriel Boric is the president of Chile since 11
March 2022. He previously served two four-year terms as a
deputy in the Chamber of Deputies. government is
a representative democratic republic, whereby the President of
Chile is both head of state and head of government, and of a
formal multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the
president and by their cabinet. Legislative power is vested in both
the government and the two chambers of the National Congress.
The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature
of Chile.
Dos- Maintain eye contact when shaking hands, bring wine
or bouquet of flowers when invited, finish everything on
the plate, wear hats and sunscreens, learn Spanish, get
used to people standing too close.
Don’ts- say no, be upset when called gringo, take pictures
of native communities, pour wine with left hand while
grasping on the neck of the bottle, hold your fist upward
and level to your head- it is considered communist, make
a fist and slap it against other it can be misinterpreted as
‘screw you’.
Uruguay- Republic of Uruguay is a country in South America. It
shares borders with Argentina to its west and southwest
and Brazil to its north and northeast, while bordering the Río de la
Plata to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. It is
part of the Southern Cone region of South America.
Uruguay is Accredited to Embassy of the Republic of Kenyan in
Brasilia, Brazil.
Economy- the GDP of Uruguay is 82.61 billion USD (2024*. Her
currency is Peso Uruguayo/Uruguayan Peso (UYU). The rate is 1
USD= 38.44 UYU, 1 UYU= 3.39 KSH.
Uruguay's Agriculture and Livestock Ministry indicate that meat
and sheep farming in Uruguay occupies 59.6% of the land
employing 13% of the economy. Uruguay is one of the world’s
largest producer of soybeans, wool, horse meat, beeswax, and
quinces.
Uruguay is also doing great in tourism, telecommunication,
transportation industries.
Language- Spanish is the official language. But there are other
native languages such as guaraní and Quechua.
Cuisine- Asado- a traditional barbecue-style grilling method that
is central to Uruguayan culinary culture. It typically involves
grilling various cuts of beef, pork, chicken, and sausages over an
open flame or hot coals - It’s enjoyed in public events, chivito is a
popular Uruguayan sandwich made with sliced steak, ham,
cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and sometimes other
ingredients like bacon, eggs, or olives, pasta, mate, and dulce de
lechefe are common dishes.
Government- Uruguay is a representative democratic republic with a presidential
system. The members of government are elected for a five-year term by a universal suffrage
system. Uruguay is a unitary state: justice, education, health, security, foreign policy and
defense are all administered nationwide. The president’s name is Lacalle Pou.
Dos- learn common local greatings like ‘hola’= “Hello”, “Adiós” =
“Goodbye” “Por favor” = “Please”.
Don’ts- insult Uruguay national team, compare Uruguay to Argentina, disrespect
male circle, disrupt a comparsa.
Paraguay- is a landlocked country in South America. It is bordered
by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and
northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. It has a population of
around 6.1 million, nearly 2.3 million of whom live in
the capital and largest city of Asunción, and its surrounding metro
area, covering 406, 752 km². her weather consists of high
humidity and warm temperature.
Economy- Paraguay has a GDP of 45.82 billion USD (2024*)
and her currency is Paraguayan Guarani (PYG). the rate 1
USD- 7,512.78 PYG, 1 KSH= 57.64 PYG.
For many years, the country's image was associated with the illicit
trade in electronic products, weapons and drugs. However, this
scenario began to change in the 2000s, with the rise of legalized
businesses such as the production of soybean, maize, beef,
among others.
Paraguay's most important urban areas are located along
the Argentina-Paraguay
border: Asunción, Alberdi, Encarnación, Pilar and Ciudad del Este,
the latter being the third most important free commercial zone in
the world, only trailing behind Miami and Hong Kong.
Language- The official language is Spanish while Guaraní is
recognized as co-official language.
Religion- The main religion in Paraguay is Roman Catholic.
Dos- as a woman wear Rebozo or Ninduti, a traditional shawl
which are worn on special occasion. As a man wear Bomachas,
learn Spanish, appreciate mate.
Don’ts- Forget to put your back straight and your feet on ground,
expect punctuality, ignore the rainy month that is December to
March.
Venezuela- officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a
country on the northern coast of South America, consisting of
a continental landmass and many islands and islets in
the Caribbean Sea. Venezuela comprises an area of 916,445 km2,
and its population was estimated at 29 million in 2022.
Venezuela is presidential republic consisting of 23 states. It’s
bordered on the North by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic
Ocean on the west by Colombia, Brazil on the south, Trinidad and
Tobago to the North-east, and Guyana on the East. The president
is Nicolás Maduro.
The continental territory is bordered on the north by
the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, on the west
by Colombia, Brazil on the south, Trinidad and Tobago.

Law & Crime- in Venezuela, a person is murdered every 21

minutes. Violent crimes have been so prevalent in Venezuela that
the government no longer produces the crime data. The capital
Caracas has one of the greatest homicide rates of any large city in
the world, with 122 homicides per 100,000 residents.
Economy- The GDP of Venezuela is 102.33 billion USD (2024),
and her currency is Venezuelan Bolívar (VES). The rates are 1
USD= 36.58 VES, 1 VES= 3.57 KSH.
Venezuela has a market-based mixed economy dominated by the
petroleum sector, which accounts for roughly a third of GDP,
around 80% of exports, and more than half of government
revenues.
Venezuela manufactures and exports heavy industry products
such as steel, aluminum and cement, with production
concentrated around Ciudad Guayana, near the Guri Dam, one of
the largest in the world and the provider of about three-quarters
of Venezuela's electricity.
Language- the official language of the country is Spanish, which
has taken root since the presence of Spanish colonialism, but the
new Venezuelan Constitution recognizes the various tribes of the
country's population indigenous languages.
Transport- There are only limited passenger train services in
Venezuela, so buses are the main mode of long-distance
transport. In cities, trams and local bus services are most
common, with metro systems in Caracas, Maracaibo and Valencia.
Cuisine- Pabellón Criollo This is considered Venezuela's national
dish. It consists of shredded beef, black beans, white rice, and
fried plantains. The combination of these flavors creates a
satisfying and hearty meal. Other meals are Cachapa,
Empandasm, Hallaca, Tequeños, Pisca Adina, and many more.
Religion- Catholic is predominant religion in Venezuela.
Dos- learn some Spanish, be informed about security situation
before traveling to any town, exchange currency at official
exchange houses (casas de cambio).
Don’ts- forget to shake hands with direct high contact,
friends generally kiss each other on the cheeks, be late for
a meal invitation, don’t do the ok sign, offended by local’s
nickname, back away when conversing, accept taxis ride
from strangers- always use radio-dispatched taxis or taxis
from reputable hotels, make jokes about drug trafficking,
travel to borders of Colombia kidnapping is high.
Bolivia- officially the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked
country located in western-central South America. It is bordered
by Brazil to the north and east, Paraguay to the
southeast, Argentina to the south, Chile to the southwest,
and Peru to the west. The seat of government and administrative
capital is La Paz, which contains the executive, legislative, and
electoral branches of government, while the constitutional capital
is Sucre, the seat of the judiciary. The largest city and principal
industrial center is Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
Bolivia has an area of 1,098,581 km2 with a population of over 12
million that includes Amerindians, Mestizos, European, Asians,
Africans, and other indigenous tribes. The official languages of
Bolivia are Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara. And the main religion
is Catholicism.
Economy- The GDP of Bolivia is 188 billion USD (2024) and her
currency is Bolivian Boliviano (BS) the rates are 1 USD= 6.90 BS,
1BS= 19.28 KSH.
Agriculture- The country produces close to 10 million tons
of sugarcane per year and is the 10th largest producer
of soybean in the world. It also has considerable yields of maize,
potato, sorghum, banana, rice, and wheat.
is a major sector of the economy, with most of the
Mining- Mining
country's exports being dependent on it, these include lithium,
tin, antinomy, zinc, tungsten, boron, amethyst.
Cuisine- the popular delicacy in Bolivia is salteñas, sopa de maní,
pique mancho, quionia, and many more.
Dos- learn Spanish, use public transportation and always
have cash, know something about Bolivia sports (football,
cycling, car racing, and bull fighting), shake hands when
meeting and departing, and maintain eye contact.
Don’ts- Avoid discussing USA drug policy, praise Chile,
Brazil or Paraguay, be part of demonstrations, being in
crowded area, cross road blocks set by protesters.
Peru- is a country in western South America. It is bordered in the
north by Ecuador and Colombia, in the east by Brazil, in the
southeast by Bolivia, in the south by Chile, and in the south and
west by the Pacific Ocean. has a population of over 32 million, and
its capital and largest city is Lima. At 1,285,216 km2 the main
religion is Roman Catholic. The main Language is Spanish,
Quechua and Aymara.
The sovereign state of Peru is a representative
democratic republic divided into 25 regions. Its main economic
activities include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, fishing,
telecommunications, and biotechnology.
Currency- the currency of Pery is Peruvian sol (SOL). The rates are
1 USD= 3.74 SOL, 1 SOL= 35.54 KSH. Her GDP is $661.98 billion
(2024*).
Cuisine- Ceviche- a delicacy that consists of raw fish marinated in
lime juice, mixed with onions, chili peppers, and cilantro. It's
typically served with sweet potato, corn, and sometimes cancha,
other main dishes are lomo saltado, aji de gallina, and anticuchos.
Dos- give up seats for elders in buses, learn Spanish, appreciate
their food, engage in sports.
Don’ts- make fun of illicit drugs, refer to indigenous people as
cholo , get offended when called gringo, use (estados Unidos)
when referring to Americans, praise Chile.
Ecuador- is a country in northwestern South America, bordered
by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and
the Pacific Ocean on the west. Ecuador also includes
the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific. The country's capital is Quito,
but its largest city is Guayaquil. Her population is around 18
million, and her size is 283,561 km² and the main religion is
Roman Catholicism.
Government- Ecuador is a representative
democratic presidential republic and a developing country whose
economy is highly dependent on exports of commodities,
primarily petroleum and agricultural products.
The Ecuadorian State consists of five branches of government:
the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch, the Judicial Branch,
the Electoral Branch, and Transparency and Social Control.
Economy- Ecuador GPD is $121.59 billion and her currency is
USD.
Cuisine- Seco de pollo is the main dish in Ecuador, the other
delicacies are ceviche, encebollado, locro de papa, and many
more.
Dos- prioritize working in the morning because of tropical
weather, use taxis and ask for prices, mindful of pick pocketers,
carry a photocopy of your passport and leave original in your
hotel.
Don’ts- drink water from tap, drink alcohol when in higher
elevation, yawn in public, don’t point finger to anyone, twisting
hands back and forth means no, stay in crowed area.
Guyana- is a country located on the northern mainland of South
America. It shares borders with Venezuela to the west, Brazil to
the south, and Suriname to the east. It also has a coastline along
the Atlantic Ocean to the north. Georgetown is the capital and
largest city of Guyana.
Economy- Guyana is primarily based on agriculture, mining, and
forestry, with significant exports including sugar, rice, gold,
bauxite, and timber. The country is also rich in natural resources,
including oil and natural gas, which have become increasingly
important to its economy in recent years with the discovery of
significant offshore reserves.
Cuisine- Dishes often feature rice, roti (Indian flatbread), curry,
jerk chicken, and seafood. Popular dishes include pepper pot (a
spicy meat stew), cook-up rice (a one-pot rice dish), and chow
mein (stir-fried noodles).