Americas (6do encyclopedia)



America is a continent comprising two sub-continents, North America and South America. It is located entirely in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Northern Hemisphere. It has a total area of 42,549,000 square kilometers (16,428,000 square miles) and a population of about 1 billion people.

The continent has a diverse geography, with plains, plateaus, mountains, forests, and deserts. The highest peak is Aconcagua, which rises to 6,959 meters (22,831 feet) in the Andes mountain range in Argentina. The longest river in the world, the Amazon River, flows through South America and discharges into the Atlantic Ocean.

There are 35 countries in America, with each having its unique culture, traditions, and languages. English, Spanish, and Portuguese are the most widely spoken languages.

North America lies entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It has a total area of 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles) and a population of about 590 million people. The largest country in North America is Canada, followed by the United States and Mexico.

South America stretches from the equator to Cape Horn, at the southernmost tip of the continent. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Caribbean Sea to the north. It has a total area of 17,840,000 square kilometers (6,890,000 square miles) and a population of about 420 million people. The largest country in South America is Brazil, followed by Argentina and Peru.

The Indigenous peoples of America have lived in the continent for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. The Vikings are the first recorded group of Europeans to reach the continent in the 10th century, but it was Christopher Columbus who arrived in America in 1492 and started the European colonization of the continent. The colonization led to terrible atrocities against the Indigenous peoples, including genocide, slavery, and diseases that killed millions of people.

The American Revolution in the late 18th century saw the British colonies in North America gain independence, leading to the establishment of the United States of America. The 19th century saw the United States rapidly expand its territory and economy, including the Louisiana Purchase, the Mexican-American War, and the California Gold Rush. The United States also became involved in World War I and World War II, shifting the balance of global power to the West.

In the 20th century, the continent saw significant changes in politics and society, including the Cuban Revolution, the Civil Rights Movement, and the rise of populist leaders. The Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union also dominated the second half of the century and had major geopolitical consequences.

Today, the American economy is one of the largest and most diverse in the world, with major industries such as automotive, technology, and energy. The continent is also a major contributor to global culture, including music, film, and sports.

However, America also faces significant challenges, including income inequality, political polarization, and environmental concerns. The Indigenous peoples continue their struggle for recognition and justice, and immigration has become a highly contentious issue.

In conclusion, America is a diverse and complex continent with a rich history and culture. Its geography ranges from icy tundras to tropical forests, and its people speak different languages and practice different traditions. While it has advanced significantly in recent decades, the continent still has work to do to address its challenges and create a better future for all its inhabitants.


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China-friendly Gulf eyes more ‘extremely valuable and coveted’ Chinese visitors

South China Morning Post

23-05-14 01:30


Desert states in the Gulf are seeking to attract China’s adventurous and big-spending tourists, as they look at competing with global attractions to become the globe’s leading travel destination. Once China lifted Covid restrictions, the Gulf nations reopened most of their flights serving the Asia-Pacific, aiming to draw in tourists and business travellers once again. According to ForwardKeys, the Middle East was second only to Africa in the region that saw the biggest travel recovery from China in Q2 2023, with a 75% seat capacity increase. The UAE anticipates a return of Chinese tourists to pre-pandemic levels within a year, buoyed by the 400,000 Chinese residents in the country and its $1.6tn strategy to diversify the economy over the next decade.

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3220309/forget-europe-chinas-extremely-valuable-and-coveted-tourists-are-heading-gulf
Biden’s reelection pitch that he can govern well faces daunting challenges with debt, border, more

Associated Press

23-05-13 19:57


President Joe Biden is facing a set of problems related to the US economy, international relations, and immigration, among others, as he marks three weeks since launching his re-election campaign. Biden's approval rating has fluctuated over the past year, dropping due to the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the recent bank failures. While his re-election campaign advisors argue that governing well is the single best thing he can do to get re-elected, Biden faces a near-existential test in the coming weeks with a potential national credit rating crisis and a renewed migrant crisis at the US-Mexico border. Economists warn of a devastating recession for the US economy if lawmakers do not agree on raising the debt limit. With the end of COVID-19 restrictions on migrant procedures, US officials are dealing with a renewed challenge at the Southern border, with more migrants from Ukraine, Russia, and China. While challenges from three weeks ago and today are unlikely to drive voters' decisions for the 2024 presidential election, Chapman University presidential historian Luke Nichter anticipates today's issues to have “a profound impact on how we look back on, and judge, the Biden presidency.”

https://apnews.com/article/biden-reelection-campaign-debt-limit-immigration-china-7c21e1b8faf2ffc6c688337b0391b544
Asylum-seekers from Mexico hope for U.S. entry after Title 42 end

Reuters

23-05-13 17:09


The US government has eliminated Title 42 which prevented migrants from applying for US asylum due to COVID-19 restrictions at the borders. Despite this, the Biden administration has implemented a new regulation that will presume most migrants are not eligible for asylum if they failed to use legal pathways for US entry. Many asylum-seekers, including Mexican women and children, have waited in US shelters for months for the opportunity to enter the US. Advocates have claimed that the new regulations violate international laws and are similar to restrictions imposed by former US President Donald Trump.

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/asylum-seekers-mexico-hope-us-entry-after-title-42-end-2023-05-13/
Colombia's Avianca backs down from Viva Air merger

Reuters

23-05-13 16:33


Colombian airline Avianca has scrapped its merger with Viva Air due to conditions imposed by Colombia's aviation regulator, which it said would make Viva commercially and operationally unviable and put Avianca's stability at risk. Among the issues raised, Avianca said the conditions did not provide enough regulatory leeway to reactivate Viva's suspended operations. Viva had struggled due to Covid-19, escalating fuel costs this year and the devaluation of Colombia's peso. The airline's situation had deteriorated enough for Avianca to offer it a lifeline with the merger.

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/colombias-avianca-backs-down-viva-air-merger-2023-05-13/
‘All we want is to be safe’: Migrants push north after end of Title 42

The Toronto Star

23-05-13 16:24


The end of pandemic-era border restrictions is unlikely to deter migrants from the America's moving north, according to the International Crisis Group. Employment and life quality are the main motivators for migrants such as Gerardo Escobar, a Venezuelan who headed to Mexico in search of work. The lifting of Title 42, a public health law that allowed millions of migrants to be rapidly expelled from the US, will not lead to an influx of people being able to gain asylum, instead new stricter rules have been imposed. Ultimately, the root causes of migration, such as poverty and violence, have not been addressed.

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/americas/2023/05/13/all-we-want-is-to-be-safe-migrants-push-north-after-end-of-title-42.html
Banco do Brasil's profit jumps nearly 30% in first quarter

Reuters

23-05-15 22:42


Brazilian state-controlled lender Banco do Brasil reported a 29% YoY increase in Q1 2021 net profit, boosted by strong loan performance. Its adjusted net income reached 8.55 billion reais ($1.71bn) in the quarter, while its loan book reached 1.03 trillion reais, a YoY growth of 16.8% and a 2.7% rise on the previous quarter. During the same period, 5.85 billion reais was set aside for bad loans, more than doubling the previous year's figure, but dropped 10.4% from Q4 2020. The bank's delinquency was kept under control during the period.

https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/banco-do-brasils-net-profit-jumps-nearly-30-first-quarter-2023-05-15/
Mexico's mighty peso hits 7-year record high against U.S. dollar

Reuters

23-05-15 21:58


Mexico's peso currency has reached its highest value against the US dollar in seven years following nearly two years of interest rate hikes aimed at reducing inflation. However, some analysts have said that the peso's latest gains are mostly due to the weakening of the US dollar. The Mexican currency has mostly hovered around 20 pesos per dollar in recent years but over the past year it has gained the most against the US dollar, or up by nearly 11%. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has cited the peso's strength as evidence of sound macroeconomic policies, especially his administration's budget austerity and pledge to avoid taking on new debt.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/currencies/mexicos-mighty-peso-hits-7-year-record-high-against-us-dollar-2023-05-15/
Meteoric rise in power of ‘finfluencers’ sparks concerns

Financial Times

23-05-16 04:35


The recent surge in self-directed investing can be partially attributed to the influence of financial influencers, according to a report. US and UK regulators have already issued investor warnings about social media and investment fraud, and the Financial Conduct Authority has cautioned influencers about promoting illegal get-rich-quick schemes. The report says that distinguishing reliable and unreliable finfluencers is difficult. One risk arises because regulators impose strict rules on finance professionals when it comes to marketing and endorsements. One recent example is the US's Securities and Exchange Commission’s National Financial Capability Month initiative in April. Financial influencers experience an average 8% annual growth rate in the number of followers, compared with 4% growth rate for all other influencers. Newer investment apps rely heavily on finfluencers to spread the word, with one UK app, InvestEngine, spending 40% of its marketing budget on influencers. However, regulators say growth in self-directed investing is highlighting a need for better education.

https://www.ft.com/content/41e88e16-1313-4794-8674-d4feac5efd31
FirstFT: High Court judges invested in tax avoidance schemes

Financial Times

23-05-16 04:19


Three high court judges in the UK invested in controversial tax avoidance schemes, including one judge who has ruled on tax avoidance cases. The investments date back about a decade, but records show the judges retained their interests in the schemes after taking their positions. The issue has raised questions about the country's lax approach to disclosure of judicial interests. There are no formal rules requiring UK judges to make public disclosures about their finances.

https://www.ft.com/content/ecea0612-e64c-4ca6-93dc-b1af6cc6e231
Venezuela's opposition asked to back suspending statute of limitations on bond repayments

Reuters

23-05-16 03:29


Key creditors of Venezuela are asking the country's political opposition to support plans to suspend the statute of limitations on bonds for defaulted debt. Venezuela proposed a five-year suspension of payment, or until the US lifts sanctions preventing a debt restructuring. However, some bond deadlines expire in October, meaning holders of those bonds could lose the right to enforce repayment through the courts. The Venezuela Creditors Committee, which holds billions of dollars in defaulted Venezuelan bonds, said it wanted the opposition to back the proposal. To date, the opposition has taken no stance on the issue.

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/venezuelas-opposition-asked-back-suspending-statute-limitations-bond-repayments-2023-05-16/
Colombia's Grupo SURA nearly doubles profits in first quarter

Reuters

23-05-16 03:12


Grupo SURA, Colombia's biggest investment company, has announced a Q1 net profit almost double that of the previous year, largely benefiting from favorable exchange rate movements. Grupo SURA, which has a presence in more than 10 countries, saw revenue increase 40% to $2.9bn, driven by rising premiums and higher commissions, according to the company's earnings report. The weaker Colombian peso and the consolidation of pension fund AFP Proteccion into Grupo SURA's balance sheet also boosted the company's finances in Q1, reported Böersengeflüster.

https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/colombias-grupo-sura-nearly-doubles-profits-first-quarter-2023-05-16/
Canada's Trudeau to visit South Korea; focus on minerals, security

Reuters

23-05-16 02:57


Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is to head to South Korea on 14 June for a summit with President Yoon Suk Yeol, marking the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations. Energy security will be at the fore of the talks, with the two governments expected to sign an agreement regarding key minerals supply chains and clean energy conversion. Canada boasts ample reserves of minerals – such as lithium, cobalt and nickel – used to make batteries for electric vehicles. Trudeau and Yoong will also discuss intelligence sharing and other security measures, potentially focusing on North Korea, which has previously been a sore point between Seoul and Ottawa.

https://www.reuters.com/world/canadas-trudeau-visit-south-korea-focus-minerals-security-2023-05-16/
Ecuador’s president set to face impeachment trial

Financial Times

23-05-16 09:19


Ecuador's president, Guillermo Lasso, is facing impeachment proceedings related to embezzlement charges and is due to appear before lawmakers. Lasso, who denies the charges, needs supermajority support from at least 92 out of the 137 lawmakers to survive the impeachment process, with a vote expected at the weekend. A host of political factions have now been garnered to present him with significant opposition. If he loses the vote, he would become the latest in a series of Latin American presidents to be ousted in recent years.

https://www.ft.com/content/bc637693-e4a3-478e-afc8-3a8649921c9c
Italian police find $880 million of cocaine stashed in banana crates

Reuters

23-05-16 08:44


Police in southern Italy have seized a shipment of more than 2,700kg of cocaine discovered in two refrigerated containers, which had been shipped from Ecuador inside bananas. The discovery, made at the Port of Gioia Tauro in Calabria, is said to be worth more than $880m. The police said they discovered a further 600kg of cocaine, also shipped from Ecuador, in fruit containers over the past few days. The haul was reportedly destined for other parts of Greece, Italy, Georgia and Croatia.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/italian-police-find-880-million-cocaine-stashed-banana-crates-2023-05-16/
Canada's annual inflation rate rises to 4.4% in April

Reuters

23-05-16 12:54


Canada's annual inflation rate rose to 4.4% in April, higher than the expected 4.1%, due to increased shelter costs. The consumer price index was up 0.7% month-over-month, also higher than predictions. However, grocery prices rose at a slower pace in April than they did in March, thanks to a smaller increase in fresh vegetable, coffee, and tea prices. Higher rent and mortgage interest costs contributed the most to the annual inflation rate in April, with the increased interest rate environment potentially stimulating demand for rentals and contributing to higher rents. The Bank of Canada has kept rates unchanged but has said it is ready to hike them further if necessary.

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canadas-annual-inflation-rate-rises-44-april-2023-05-16/
Canadian minister 'confident' of Stellantis battery plant deal

Reuters

23-05-16 12:48


Canada's industry minister is optimistic about reaching a deal with Stellantis over subsidies to build a battery plant in Windsor, Ontario, on the condition that the provincial government also offers some support. Talks between the parties are ongoing, with the Ontario provincial government needing to "pay its fair share". Stellantis stopped construction on the $3.7bn electric-vehicle battery plant in Canada in order to enter talks with the federal government.

https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/canadas-industry-minister-confident-deal-build-stellantis-battery-plant-2023-05-16/
As US debates abortion pill ban, Argentina expands its use

Reuters

23-05-16 11:09


Argentina has become the latest country in Latin America to allow the sale of mifepristone, an abortion drug that is now under threat of being banned in the US. Proponents of the two-pill regimen believe that it could improve the quality of care for women, reduce the likelihood of riskier surgical abortions being required, and minimise side-effects associated with taking the single misoprostol treatment. By end-2023, the Argentine government hopes to provide all medical abortions using the mifepristone-misoprostol combination.

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-debates-abortion-pill-ban-argentina-expands-its-use-2023-05-16/
Thales, Gol ink deal to move maintenance services to Brazil

Reuters

23-05-16 11:05


Thales is to supply maintenance services for Brazilian airline Gol in Brazil rather than abroad to cut costs. Under the deal, Gol will no longer have to ship its Thales equipment for repair to the United States or Europe, instead having it maintained at a Thales plant in São Paulo. The move has been driven by concerns in France over offshoring jobs overseas, a state of affairs that President Emmanuel Macron seeks to reverse. Thales will serve Gol for an initial three years, but there is scope for extension of the deal and for serving other airlines in Latin America.

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/thales-gol-ink-deal-move-maintenance-services-brazil-2023-05-16/
Canada's Alberta braces for wildfires to spread as winds shift

Reuters

23-05-16 11:05


Wildfires in the Canadian oil-producing province Alberta are continuing to spread, with 90 active and 23 out of control. Earlier attempts to get the wildfires under control had led oil and gas producers to shut in at least 319,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, or 3.7% of national production. However, benchmark Canadian heavy crude prices are now at their highest levels in months due to concerns over the wildfires. Thousands of residents have already been evacuated and there are fears that the problem could be exacerbated by tinder-dry weather and shifting winds.

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canadas-alberta-braces-wildfires-spread-winds-shift-2023-05-16/