History of South America in Timeline

South America is a continent located primarily in the Southern and Western Hemispheres, also considered the southern portion of the Americas. While most of its landmass lies south of the equator, a smaller section extends into the Northern Hemisphere.

1900: South America as a Peaceful Continent

Relative to Africa, Asia, and Europe, post-1900 South America has been a peaceful continent with few wars, although high rates of violent crime remain a concern in some countries.

1902: Brazil acquires Acre

In 1902 Brazil entered into a small conflict with Bolivia for the possession of the Acre, which was acquired by Brazil.

1913: Opening of the Buenos Aires Subte

In 1913, the Buenos Aires subte opened, marking the introduction of metro and subway trains as a public transport option in South America.

1916: Inaugural Copa América Tournament

In 1916, the Copa América, the longest-running international football tournament, was first contested.

1917: Brazil Declares War on Central Powers

In 1917, Brazil declared war on the Central Powers and joined the allied side in the First World War. Brazil sent a small fleet to the Mediterranean Sea and troops to integrate with British and French forces.

1919: Birth of Oswaldo Guayasamín

In 1919, Oswaldo Guayasamín, an artist from Ecuador, was born.

1930: First FIFA World Cup Held in Uruguay

In 1930, the first edition of the FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay.

1930: Growth and Diversification in Economic Sectors

Since 1930, the continent has experienced growth and diversification in most economic sectors. The export of agricultural products is essential for the balance of trade in most countries.

1932: Colombia and Peru Armed Conflict

In 1932, Colombia and Peru entered a short armed conflict for territory in the Amazon. Paraguay declared war on Bolivia for possession of the Chaco.

1932: Birth of Fernando Botero

In 1932, Fernando Botero, a Colombian artist, was born.

1941: Peru and Ecuador Armed Conflict

Between 1941 and 1942, Peru and Ecuador fought for territories claimed by both countries that were annexed by Peru.

1942: Peru and Ecuador Armed Conflict

Between 1941 and 1942, Peru and Ecuador fought for territories claimed by both countries that were annexed by Peru.

1942: Brazil Declares War on Axis Powers

In 1942, the first major naval battle of World War II took place in the South Atlantic: the Battle of the River Plate. Numerous attacks on Brazilian ships led Brazil to declare war on the Axis powers, sending naval and air forces to combat German and Italian submarines and an expeditionary force to fight in the Italian Campaign.

1950: FIFA World Cup Held in Brazil

In 1950, the FIFA World Cup was held in Brazil.

1962: FIFA World Cup Held in Chile

In 1962, the FIFA World Cup was held in Chile.

1964: Start of Colombian Internal Conflict

In 1964, the ongoing internal conflict in Colombia began with the creation of Marxist guerrillas (FARC-EP), later involving illegal armed groups and private armies of drug lords.

1978: FIFA World Cup Held in Argentina

In 1978, the FIFA World Cup was held in Argentina.

1978: First South American Games Held in La Paz

In 1978, the first edition of the South American Games was held in La Paz.

1982: Argentine Invasion of the Falkland Islands

In 1982, Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, a British dependent territory. The Falklands War began and 74 days later Argentine forces surrendered.

1982: Argentina-UK War

In 1982, a brief war was fought between Argentina and the UK, following an Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands, which ended with an Argentine defeat.

1982: Angra I Reactor Connected to Power Grid

In 1982, the Angra I reactor, with a capacity of 657 MW, was connected to the power grid at the Central Nuclear Almirante Álvaro Alberto (CNAAA) in Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro.

1991: Nuclear Cooperation Agreement

In 1991, Brazil and Argentina signed a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement.

1995: First South American Cricket Championship

In 1995, the South American Cricket Championship, an international one-day cricket tournament, was first played.

1995: Cenepa War

In 1995, the last international war to be fought on South American soil was the Cenepa War between Ecuador and Peru along their mutual border.

1998: Economic Crisis in Brazil and Argentina

Between 1998 and 2002, Brazil and Argentina experienced an economic crisis, leading to economic recession, rising unemployment and falling income.

1998: Election of Hugo Chávez in Venezuela

Starting in 1998 with the election of Hugo Chávez in Venezuela, the region experienced a "pink tide" with the election of leftist and center-left administrations in most countries, except the Guianas and Colombia.

1999: Death of Oswaldo Guayasamín

In 1999, Oswaldo Guayasamín, an artist from Ecuador, died.

2000: Agrarian Communities Settled

By 2000 BC, many agrarian communities had been settled throughout the Andes and surrounding regions. Fishing became widespread, and irrigation systems were developed, aiding the rise of an agrarian society.

2000: Angra II Reactor Connected to Power Grid

In 2000, the Angra II reactor, with a capacity of 1,350 MW, was connected to the power grid at the Central Nuclear Almirante Álvaro Alberto (CNAAA) in Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro.

2002: Economic Recovery in South America

Since the end of the economic crisis in Brazil and Argentina between 1998 and 2002, the industrial and service sectors have recovered. South America has shown good signs of economic stability.

2005: Tourism Promotion Negotiations

In 2005, negotiations began to promote tourism and increase air connections within the region.

2006: Colombia's Gold Production

Between 2006 and 2017, Colombia produced 15 tonnes of gold per year until 2007, when its production increased significantly.

2006: Brazil Achieves Oil Self-Sufficiency

In 2006, Brazil achieved self-sufficiency in oil production, marking a significant shift from previously importing over 70% of its oil needs.

2007: Brazil Achieves Oil Self-Sufficiency

In 2007, Brazil achieved self-sufficiency in oil production, marking a significant shift from previously importing over 70% of its oil needs.

2007: Increase in Colombia's Gold Production

In 2007, Colombia's gold production increased significantly, breaking a record of 66.1 tonnes extracted in 2012.

2012: Colombia's Record Gold Extraction

In 2012, Colombia broke a record of 66.1 tonnes of gold extracted.

2013: Brazil's Textile Industry

Although Brazil was in 2013 among the five largest producers of textiles in the world, its textile industry still lacks proper integration in the world trade.

2013: Southeast Region Consumes 50% of Brazil's Energy Load

In 2013, the Southeast Region of Brazil consumed approximately 50% of the National Integrated System's (SIN) load, making it the country's main energy consuming region. The region's installed electricity generation capacity totaled almost 42,500 MW, about a third of Brazil's total capacity, with 58% from hydroelectric generation and 42% from thermoelectric generation.

2013: Religions in South America (2013)

Religions in South America (2013).

2013: South American Cricket Championship is held annually

Until 2013, the South American Cricket Championship was usually played every two seasons. Since 2013, it is played annually.

2014: Ecuador Ranked 22nd Largest Oil Exporter

In 2014, Ecuador was the 22nd largest oil exporter in the world.

2014: FIFA World Cup Held in Brazil

In 2014, the FIFA World Cup was held in Brazil.

2014: South American Games Held in Santiago

In 2014, the South American Games took place in Santiago.

2015: Bolivia's Natural Gas Production

In 2015, Bolivia stood out as the 31st largest producer of natural gas in the world.

2015: Colombia Ranked 19th Largest Petroleum Exporter and 40th Largest Natural Gas Producer

In 2015, Colombia was the 19th largest exporter of petroleum and the 40th largest producer of natural gas in the world.

2015: Venezuela's Oil Production in 2015

In 2015, Venezuela was one of the world's largest oil producers, producing about 2.5 million barrels per day.

2015: Top Ten Largest South American Metropolitan Areas by Population in 2015

The top ten largest South American metropolitan areas by population as of 2015, based on national censuses.

2015: Decline in Venezuela's Oil Production

Venezuela's oil production had a big drop after 2015 (where it produced 2.5 million barrels / day), falling in 2018 to 1.4 million and in 2019 to 877 thousand, due to lack of investment.

2016: Brazil Hosts Summer Olympics

In 2016, Brazil hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics.

2016: Brazil's Pulp and Paper Production

In 2016, Brazil was the 2nd largest producer of pulp and the 8th largest producer of paper.

2016: Rio de Janeiro Hosts the Olympic Games

In 2016, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, hosted the first Olympic Games in South America.

2016: Venezuela's Oil Production Drops to 2.2 Million Barrels Per Day

In 2016, Venezuela's oil production dropped to 2.2 million barrels per day.

2017: Argentina Ranked 18th Largest Natural Gas Producer

In 2017, Argentina was the 18th largest producer of natural gas in the world and the largest producer in Latin America, also being the 28th largest oil producer.

2017: Colombia's Gold Production

In 2017, Colombia extracted 52.2 tonnes of gold. In the production of silver, the country extracted 15.5 tonnes.

2017: Venezuela's Oil Production Declines to 2 Million Barrels Per Day

In 2017, Venezuela's oil production declined to 2 million barrels per day.

2017: Top 10 Busiest Airports in South America

In 2017, the 10 busiest airports in South America were: São Paulo-Guarulhos (Brazil), Bogotá (Colombia), São Paulo-Congonhas (Brazil), Santiago (Chile), Lima (Peru), Brasília (Brazil), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Buenos Aires-Aeroparque (Argentina), Buenos Aires-Ezeiza (Argentina), and Minas Gerais (Brazil).

2018: Natural Gas Production in South America

In 2018, Argentina produced 1524 bcf of natural gas, Venezuela 946, Brazil 877, Bolivia 617, Peru 451, Colombia 379.

2018: Argentina's Beef Production

In 2018, Argentina was the fourth largest producer of beef in the world, with a production of 3 million tonnes, and Brazil was the third largest world producer of milk, 35 billion liters.

2018: Buenos Aires Hosts the Youth Olympic Games

In 2018, Buenos Aires, Argentina, hosted the Youth Olympic Games.

2018: Colombia Ranked 12th Largest Coal Producer

In 2018, Colombia was the world's 12th largest producer and 5th largest exporter of coal.

2018: Venezuela's Oil Production Decreases to 1.4 Million Barrels Per Day

In 2018, Venezuela's oil production decreased to 1.4 million barrels per day.

2018: Brazil's Chemical Industry

In 2018, the chemical industry of Brazil was the 8th largest in the world.

2018: Venezuela's Oil Production Decline

Venezuela's oil production fell to 1.4 million barrels / day in 2018 due to lack of investment.

2019: Top Manufacturing Countries

According to the 2019 list, Brazil has the thirteenth most valuable industry in the world (US$174 billion), Venezuela the thirtieth largest (US$58.2 billion), Argentina the 31st largest (US$57.7 billion), Colombia the 46th largest (US$35.4 billion), Peru the 50th largest (US$28.7 billion) and Chile the 51st largest (US$28.3 billion).

2019: Argentina's Mineral Production

In 2019, Argentina was the 4th largest world producer of lithium, the 9th largest world producer of silver, the 17th largest world producer of gold and the 7th largest world producer of boron.

2019: Brazil's Hydroelectric Power in 2019

In 2019, Brazil operated 217 hydroelectric plants with a combined installed capacity of 98,581 MW, constituting 60.16% of the country's energy generation. Brazil reached a total of 170,000 megawatts of installed power generation capacity, of which more than 75% are from renewable sources.

2019: Oil Production in South America

In 2019, Brazil was the 10th largest oil producer in the world with 2.8 million barrels/day. Venezuela was the 21st largest, with 877 thousand barrels/day and Colombia in 22nd with 886 thousand.

2019: Brazil Ranks 10th in Oil Production

In 2019, Brazil was the 10th largest oil producer in the world, producing 2.8 million barrels per day, meeting the country's demand.

2019: Brazil's Chicken Meat Exports

In 2019, Brazil was the world's largest exporter of chicken meat at 3.8 million tonnes and the second largest producer of beef, responsible for 15% of global production. Brazil was also the 4th largest pork producer in the world.

2019: Venezuela's Oil Production Plummets to 877 Thousand Barrels Per Day

In 2019, Venezuela's oil production plummeted to 877 thousand barrels per day.

2019: Solar Power Accounts for 1.27% of Brazil's Energy Generation

In 2019, solar power accounted for 1.27% of the total energy generated in Brazil.

2019: Wind Energy Accounts for 9% of Brazil's Energy Generation

In 2019, wind energy accounted for 9% of the total energy generated in Brazil. The country was estimated to have a potential wind power generation of around 522 GW onshore.

2020: Argentina Ranks in Renewable Energy Production

In 2020, Argentina ranked 27th globally in installed wind energy (2.6 GW), 42nd in solar energy (0.7 GW), and 21st in hydroelectric power (11.3 GW).

2020: Brazil Ranks 2nd in Biomass Energy Production

In 2020, Brazil was the 2nd largest country in the world in energy production through biomass, with 15.2 GW installed.

2020: Colombia Ranked 20th Largest Petroleum Producer

In 2020, Colombia was ranked as the 20th largest petroleum producer in the world.

2020: Ecuador Ranked 27th Largest Oil Producer

In 2020, Ecuador, because it consumes little energy, was the 27th largest oil producer in the world.

2020: Venezuela Ranks 14th in Hydroelectricity

In 2020, Venezuela ranked 14th in the world in terms of installed hydroelectric capacity (16.5 GW).

2020: Brazil Exceeds 4 Million Barrels of Oil Equivalent Per Day

In early 2020, Brazil's oil and natural gas production surpassed 4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day for the first time, with 3.168 million barrels of oil and 138.753 million cubic meters of natural gas extracted in January.

2020: Brazil's Oil and Natural Gas Production

In the beginning of 2020, Brazil exceeded 4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, for the first time.

January 2021: Brazil's Oil and Natural Gas Extraction

In January 2021, Brazil extracted 3.168 million barrels of oil per day and 139 million cubic meters of natural gas.

2021: Brazil Ranks 14th Globally in Installed Solar Power

In 2021, Brazil ranked 14th in the world for installed solar power (13 GW) and 11th in solar energy production (16.8 TWh).

2021: Brazil Ranks 7th Globally in Installed Wind Power Capacity

In 2021, Brazil ranked 7th in the world for installed wind power capacity (21 GW) and 4th in wind energy production (72 TWh).

2021: South America Population Estimate

In 2021, South America's population was estimated to be more than 434 million, ranking it fifth in the world. Brazil held almost half of the continent's population and generated half of the continent's GDP, becoming the continent's first regional power.