A considerable divergence in the date of statistics may be noted, for which there are several reasons. In some cases pre-war figures, in others figures for 1917 or 1918, seem to afford a fairer valuation; or they might be the only ones available. Some figures (often in the nearest round number) are given as late as 1921, but to bring all at the same time up to the moment was quite impossible. Great difficulty has been experienced in choosing between conflicting statements and figures. In one case three sets of figures of areas were presented by the same person, before I finally secured the most accurate. * * * * * My grateful appreciation is due and my hearty thanks are here expressed to all who in any degree have helped by supplying or verifying data of whatever nature. Officials of the various countries and of many large companies evinced kindly interest in the work and gave freely of their time, few being too busy to afford information. The names are too numerous to mention, but I trust that all will feel assured that their courtesy was recognized and that the remembrance will be cherished. CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE INTRODUCTION xv I. SOUTH AMERICA AS A WHOLE 1 THE NORTH COAST II. COLOMBIA: AREA, HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, POPULATION, ETC. 7 III. COLOMBIA: PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 14 IV. COLOMBIA: THE CAPITAL, THE STATES AND TERRITORIES, CHIEF CITIES 20 V. COLOMBIA: PORTS AND TRANSPORTATION 30 VI. COLOMBIA: RESOURCES AND INDUSTRIES 40 VII. VENEZUELA: AREA, HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, POPULATION, ETC. 53 VIII. VENEZUELA: PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 59 IX. VENEZUELA: CAPITAL, STATES, TERRITORIES, CHIEF CITIES 63 X. VENEZUELA: PORTS AND TRANSPORTATION 77 XI. VENEZUELA: RESOURCES AND INDUSTRIES 86 XII. GUIANA AS A WHOLE: BRITISH GUIANA 100 XIII. DUTCH AND FRENCH GUIANA 109 THE WEST COAST XIV. ECUADOR: AREA, HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, POPULATION, ETC. 114 XV. ECUADOR: PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 121 XVI. ECUADOR: CAPITAL, PROVINCES, CHIEF CITIES 130 XVII. ECUADOR: PORTS AND INTERIOR TRANSPORTATION 135 XVIII. ECUADOR: RESOURCES AND INDUSTRIES 141 XIX. PERU: AREA, HISTORY, GOVERNMENT, POPULATION, ETC. 148 XX. PERU: PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 156 XXI. PERU: CAPITAL, DEPARTMENTS, CHIEF CITIES 162