Continent by Continent (Part 1 of 7): South America

Welcome to the first edition of continent by continent. In this segment I will go over the major events and problems that have shaped EVERY country on that continent. Today I will start with South America, the 2nd Worst Continent right in front of Africa and just behind Antarctica.

Country: Argentina
"Don't cry for me...." Ok, I won't.
Argentina is a pretty average country, well above the standard for South America. It has a wonderful landscape with mountains, hills, and national parks. It's a good tourist spot. They have improved their economy drastically in the last 10 years, thanks to a rich amount of natural resources. Their president is excellent and has turned around the country. A modern day transition from 3rd to 2nd World country in a short amount of time without doing anything drastic. (Ehem, watch and learn Africa)
Rating (out of 12 S.American Countries): 1

Country: Chile
A troubled history with Allende and Pinochet are always in the back of pundits minds. They now have a woman Socialist in power, that's probably good for int. relations. Unemployment, poverty, and overall economic progress have remained relatively stable for a while now. Good stuff all around but nothing to brag about.
Rating: 3

Country: Guyana
Yes, I've never heard of it either. In this Northeast corner of S.A., Guyana has a great amount of biodiversity and a flat economy that relies on agriculture. It's the only country in the Americas where homosexuality is illegal. Guyana has the worst economy in South America and has the worst health care there too. But they have that, uh, rich culture. ehem"shithole"ehem
Rating: 10

Country: Suriname
Very, very unfortunate that I have to waste time writing about this country. Their economy sucks. It's very small. 70 percent are below the poverty line. Drugs and stuff. Rich culture, though.
Rating: 9

Country: Bolivia
192 Coup d'etat's in their history, the most in the world. This country is very, very poor. Don't even have a rich culture. For shame, Bolivia. You get my worst rating.
Rating: 12

Country: Ecuador
Extremely unstable government for the last 20 years. 70 percent below poverty and their economy relies on what oil they have. It does have some beautiful landscapes and other beautiful sites. Their food, culture, and art are also very good, so I'm going to give them a break. Still, get your act together.
Rating: 6

Country: Paraguay
Their economy: laughable. Their government: a joke. Their culture/geography: Boring. The only good thing I could say is that the beaches are good looking and beautiful. Otherwise, stop shitting and get off the pot Paraguay.
Rating: 11

Country: Venezuela
Hugo, Hugo, and more Hugo. He's like a ultra-liberal crazy person. Surprisingly, Ven. has a very good health care system and decent economy. Their government, although not friends with Dubya, has remained stable since Chavez took power, minus that coup attempt a few years ago. Their arcitecture and culture is very Latin but still not bad. However, half the country lives under the poverty line and their economy is completely dependent on oil, which will catch up to them.
Rating: 5

Country: Brazil
The biggest country in S. America. They have a good and diverse economy that stems from their numerous resources from the rain forest. Diverse people and ecosystem with a booming populating (good and bad). Plus, they get alot of tourism for their rainforest. I'm liking this government and their anti-poverty programs. They got it right. Take a bow or do the salsa!
Rating: 2

Country: Peru
The Incan culture is very beautiful and diverse. Their economy is average. Government is a problem and they need some help, they have created alot of turmoil with corruption and instability. Do have some drug problems as well. C'mon Peru, kick the habit already.
Rating: 7

Country: Uruguay
Decent landscape with a bad geographic position. However, their economy relies on agriculture and is just awful. They do have a large European population and this results in lack of a decent culture. Have had some major health issues in the past and their government is not kind of like a sitting duck. Plus, if you took one of the U's out it's Ur u Gay.
Rating: 8

Country: Colombia
Large and physically diverse. Surprisingly good economy minus the drugs with a decent amount of tourism. Their government's haven't been good at all as they continue to fight rebels and drug lords. Oh, and the drugs are kind of a problem. Good economy and increasing tourist numbers should continue to give Colombia significant growth. But if you want a date with the prom queen, you can't be a druggie. So kick the habit and we'll talk.
Rating: 4

South American Country Ratings:
1. Argentina
2. Brazil
3. Chile
4. Colombia
5. Venezuela
6. Ecuador
7. Peru
8. Uruguay
9. Suriname
10. Guyana
11. Paraguay
12. Bolivia

Whew. That took alot out of me. I'm pretty sure I'll be doing Asia next, just to get one of the more populous continents out of the way but it may take a while, so be patient.
P.S. I didn't forget about my interview thing, I just wanted to do something a little more serious. The Hilary interview will be up within the week

STAY TUNED......