HealthAndSurvival.com

On Friday, May 23, 2008, South America’s 12 nations officially signed on to form the Union of South America Nations or UNASUR. Going into effect in 2009, the treaty unites the continent in a way that models the European Union. Nine member states must still ratify the treaty, but most hope that will happen swiftly and that bickering nations can work together.

First explorations of South America by Europeans began as early as 1500, when Spanish explorers discovered the mouth of the Amazon River. For years to follow, primarily Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch travelers mapped and recorded the geography and native cultures there. While seeking gold and other resources, the explorers brought devastating disease and great hardships to the native peoples. Many Europeans also eventually settled in its various regions….read rest of story