🌎 South America

South America is home to the Amazon rainforest, the Andes — the longest mountain range in the world — and just 12 sovereign countries, making it a favourite starting point for geography learners.

Countries
12
Area
17,840,000 km²
Population
439 million
Highest point
Aconcagua (6,961 m)
Largest country
Brazil
Smallest country
Suriname

South America facts

  • The Amazon carries more water than any other river on Earth.
  • The Andes run for about 7,000 kilometres along the western edge of the continent.
  • Bolivia and Paraguay are the continent's only landlocked countries.
  • Angel Falls in Venezuela is the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall.

Countries in South America

All 12 sovereign countries, alphabetically.

FlagCountryCapitalPopulationArea (km²)
Argentina Buenos Aires 45,800,000 2,780,400
Bolivia Sucre 12,400,000 1,098,581
Brazil Brasília 216,400,000 8,515,767
Chile Santiago 19,600,000 756,102
Colombia Bogotá 52,100,000 1,141,748
Ecuador Quito 18,200,000 283,561
Guyana Georgetown 810,000 214,969
Paraguay Asunción 6,900,000 406,752
Peru Lima 34,400,000 1,285,216
Suriname Paramaribo 620,000 163,820
Uruguay Montevideo 3,400,000 176,215
Venezuela Caracas 28,800,000 916,445