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South America's major problems:
The Caribbean nations have Dollar-related currencies which link them to the volatility of recession and the money markets: a strengthening US Dollar will redue the value-for-money element of the Caribbean destinations for European visitors for example.
Parts of Central America and the Caribbean recently suffered bad at the hands of Hurricanes Mitch and Lenny; other hurricanes will doubtless follow.
The rate of diminuation of the rain forests of Central and South America has been cause for concern for more than a decade, yet clearance of vast areas still goes on apace.
Many of the region's coral reefshave suffered considerable degradation in recent years. In some cases the problem is irreversible but active steps are beeing taken in most countries to prevent further damage.
Colombia, as a source of huge amounts of illegal drugs, remains the pariah of the region. It also has conflicts between rival guerrilla factions
As with many parts of the world, violent street crime, caused by high unemployment and poverty can be rife in some areas.
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Key Facts on South America:
| Number of countries: |
48 |
21.2% (percentage of the whole world) |
| Area ('000 sq km) |
19,897 |
14.7% |
| Population (000) |
494,375 |
8.2% |
| Population Density (/sq km) |
25 |
- |
| Gross Nat. Income (US$m) |
2,041,620 |
6.8% |
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