<P> South America's major mineral resources are gold, silver, copper, iron ore, tin, and petroleum . These resources found in South America have brought high income to its countries especially in times of war or of rapid economic growth by industrialized countries elsewhere . However, the concentration in producing one major export commodity often has hindered the development of diversified economies . The fluctuation in the price of commodities in the international markets has led historically to major highs and lows in the economies of South American states, often causing extreme political instability . This is leading to efforts to diversify production to drive away from staying as economies dedicated to one major export . </P> <P> South America is one of the most biodiverse continents on earth . South America is home to many interesting and unique species of animals including the llama, anaconda, piranha, jaguar, vicuña, and tapir . The Amazon rainforests possess high biodiversity, containing a major proportion of the Earth's species . </P> <P> Brazil is the largest country in South America, encompassing around half of the continent's land area and population . The remaining countries and territories are divided among three regions: The Andean States, the Guianas and the Southern Cone . </P> <P> Traditionally, South America also includes some of the nearby islands . Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Trinidad, Tobago, and the federal dependencies of Venezuela sit on the northerly South American continental shelf and are often considered part of the continent . Geo - politically, the island states and overseas territories of the Caribbean are generally grouped as a part or subregion of North America, since they are more distant on the Caribbean Plate, even though San Andres and Providencia are politically part of Colombia and Aves Island is controlled by Venezuela . </P>

Which country has the largest land area in south america