Illustrated Treatise on the Maritime Kingdoms, Volume 57

South America

The country's northern border is the Great Sea original: 大海 (Dàhǎi); referring here to the Caribbean Sea. Its length and width are both approximately five thousand li. The total land area is one million, two hundred and fifty thousand square li. The population consists of over two million, eight hundred thousand people original: 二兆八億餘口 (èr zhào bā yì yú kǒu); in this context, Zhao and Yi refer to units totaling 2.8 million.

The terrain of this country consists mostly of hills and mountains in the west, while the east is dominated by vast, broad plains. Rivers flow throughout the land; there are nine major long rivers and seven large lakes. The soil is extremely fertile, and the harvests of grains and fruits are most abundant. The land produces the five metals gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin, as well as mercury, salt, coal, precious stones, fragrant woods, medicinal herbs, silk, cotton, tobacco leaves, and indigo. The jungles are dense, and the populations of birds and wild beasts are thriving.

The climate varies across the regions. On the coastal plains, the heat is so intense and blazing that it is difficult to endure. However, the high-altitude inland areas are temperate and mild, making them very suitable for human habitation.

The nation does not establish a monarchical seat original: 不設君位 (bù shè jūn wèi); referring to a republican form of government. Instead, the people of the country elect their own officials and leaders to manage public affairs. The religion they follow is Roman Catholicism original: 羅馬天主教 (Luómǎ Tiānzhǔjiào), though other religions are allowed to be practiced according to individual preference. Their technical crafts are mediocre, and their commercial trade is limited.

In the 15th year of the Hongzhi reign of the Ming Dynasty 1502 AD, a man from Italy original: 意大里亞 (Yìdàlǐyà); likely referring to Christopher Columbus on his fourth voyage traveled from the country of Luzon original: 呂宋 (Lǚsòng); here used as a general term for Spanish-controlled territories to explore and occupy this land. It was eventually divided into three parts; one is named New Granada original: 新加拉那大 (Xīn Jiā-lā-nà-dà)...