Description South America, the planet’s 4th largest continent, includes (12) countries and (3) major territories. It contains the massive Amazon River and surrounding basin – the largest tropical rain forest in the world; the toothy-edged Andes Mountains, that stretch the entire length of the continent, and some of the most diverse and spectacular landforms on the planet.

Continent Size: 17,819,000 sq km 6,879,000 sq miles
Percent of Earth’s Land: 12%
Population: 379,500,000
Highest Point: Cerro Aconcagua Andes Mountains, Argentina – 22,833 ft (6,959m).
Lowest Point: Peninsula Valdes Argentina coastline -151 ft (-40m) below sea level.

Related posts:

1. Latin America
2. Central America
3. Relocation

Latin America has a lot to offer as a retirement destination, especially for those of us on a shoe string budget or who simply wish to live within our limited means. Anywhere south of the Rio Grande; Mexico, Central and South America, over twenty possible countries for you to choose from.

Some of these countries do have serious security issues but not all the time and not in every city and town. Many are safer than the USA or many european countries and welcome retirees while others are for the more adventurous among us. These pages will present information and links to sites where you can gain more knowledge and make more informed choices.

Of course there is no ‘due diligence’ like actually taking a trip somewhere and seeing for yourself the lay of the land. ‘Time spent in reconnaissance is never wasted’ is the old maxim and it is as true for retirement as it is for war.

If you speak Spanish then the other ‘America’ is an attractive option for you to consider. Brazil speaks Portuguese, French Guiana uses French of course and Suriname is a Dutch speaking locale but there are a couple of English speaking options in Belize and Guyana. Not all countries are retiree friendly but many are and we will link you with the people who have the answers.

Related posts:

1. South America -The Other America!
2. Central America
3. Relocation