Story Behind the Name - countries

Birú - either the name of a small river or the native chief who lived nearby - was the source of this country's name.

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.

This country was named for a Venezuelan general who helped it and some other countries win freedom from Spain.

"Rich Port" first meant the city of San Juan, but is now the name of the whole island.

An early Spanish explorer named this part of Central America "depths" because of the deep ocean off its coast.

The Equator runs through this small South American country and gives it its name.

This country was named for Jesus the Savior, and its capital translates as "Holy Savior".

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.

This country - which Christopher Columbus never reached - was named in his honor.

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".

Columbus named this area "Gold Coast" for gold ornaments worn by the native people. It was later changed to "Rich Coast".

Trees from this region were exported to Portugal, so the Portugues called this country "the land of _________ trees".