Question 1: Define 'urbanization' in the context of South American cities.

Answer: Urbanization refers to the increasing population of people living in cities, leading to expansion of urban areas and associated social and economic changes.

Question 2: What is 'gentrification' and how does it affect neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro?

Answer: Gentrification is the process of renovating or improving a district to attract wealthier residents, which can lead to displacement of poorer communities.

Question 3: Explain 'favelas' and their significance in South American urban geography.

Answer: Favelas are informal settlements or shantytowns characterized by poor living conditions, often found on the outskirts of major South American cities.

Question 4: Define 'regional disparity' in South America.

Answer: Regional disparity refers to the unequal economic and social development between different areas within South America.

Question 5: What is 'resource exploitation' and how does it impact indigenous communities in the Amazon?

Answer: Resource exploitation involves extracting natural resources, which can lead to environmental degradation and displacement of indigenous peoples.

Question 1: Which South American country has the largest population?

Answer: Brazil

Question 2: Name the major city in Peru known for its historical significance and economy.

Answer: Lima

Question 3: What is the primary economic activity in the Guianas?

Answer: Mineral extraction and agriculture

Question 4: Identify one social challenge faced by urban populations in South American megacities.

Answer: Housing shortages and informal settlements (favelas)

Question 5: Which city is often referred to as the financial hub of South America?

Answer: São Paulo

Question 1: Read the case study on the Amazon rainforest's deforestation caused by logging and agriculture. Based on this, identify two social impacts on local indigenous communities.

Answer: Displacement of indigenous populations and loss of traditional livelihoods.

Question 2: How has urban migration to cities like Bogotá and Caracas affected urban infrastructure, according to the case study?

Answer: It has led to overcrowding, increased demand for housing, and strain on sanitation and transport systems.

Question 3: Analyze how resource extraction policies have contributed to regional inequality in South America.

Answer: Resource extraction has often benefited urban elites and multinational companies, leading to wealth concentration in certain regions. Meanwhile, rural and indigenous communities face environmental degradation and limited access to services, thereby widening regional disparities.

Question 4: Evaluate the effectiveness of government policies aimed at reducing poverty in the Andean region.

Answer: Government policies such as social welfare programs and rural development initiatives have had mixed results. While some reductions in poverty are evident, challenges remain due to corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and unequal resource distribution, limiting overall effectiveness.

Question 1: Explain why urbanization has accelerated in South American capitals like São Paulo and Buenos Aires.

Answer: Urbanization has increased due to rural-urban migration driven by the search for employment, better services, and economic opportunities in major cities.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of regional disparities between coastal cities and inland areas in South America.

Answer: Disparities arise from historical colonization, access to trade routes, natural resource distribution, and investment in infrastructure, which favor coastal regions over inland areas.

Question 3: Explain the impact of globalization on urban growth in South American megacities.

Answer: Globalization has attracted foreign investment, increased trade, and promoted service sectors, leading to rapid urban growth but also increased inequality and social segregation.

Question 1: To what extent have government policies been successful in addressing urban poverty and informal settlements in South American cities?

Answer: Government policies such as social housing schemes and slum upgrading have made some progress in reducing urban poverty and improving living conditions. However, issues like corruption, limited funding, and rapid urban migration mean that challenges persist. Overall, policies have been partially successful but require sustained effort and innovative approaches to achieve long-term solutions.

Question 2: Evaluate the role of regional cooperation in managing environmental and social challenges in South America.

Answer: Regional cooperation, through organizations like MERCOSUR and UNASUR, has facilitated dialogue and policy coordination on issues such as deforestation, climate change, and migration. While these efforts have led to some environmental agreements and social initiatives, enforcement and political will vary, limiting overall effectiveness. Greater integration and commitment are necessary for substantial progress.