An early Spanish explorer named this part of Central America "depths" because of the deep ocean off its coast.
Honduras
Part of this country is bordered by the Río de la Plata ("River of Silver"). Its name comes from the Latin word for silver, argentum.
Argentina
This country - which Christopher Columbus never reached - was named in his honor.
Colombia
The Equator runs through this small South American country and gives it its name.
Ecuador
This country was named for a Venezuelan general who helped it and some other countries win freedom from Spain.
Bolivia
Native villages built on stilts in Lake Maracaibo reminded Spanish explorers of Venice, Italy (which has canals instead of streets), so they named the area "LIttle Venice".
Venezuela
"Rich Port" first meant the city of San Juan, but is now the name of the whole island.
Puerto Rico
This country was named for Jesus the Savior, and its capital translates as "Holy Savior".
El Salvador
Columbus named this area "Gold Coast" for gold ornaments worn by the native people. It was later changed to "Rich Coast".
Costa Rica
Birú - either the name of a small river or the native chief who lived nearby - was the source of this country's name.
Peru
Trees from this region were exported to Portugal, so the Portugues called this country "the land of _________ trees".
Brasil
This small country was named for the river which is it western border. It means "bird tail" in an Indian language after a waterfall that spreads out like the tail of a bird.
Uruguay
