How many countries are there in South America?
South America comprises 12 countries.
1. Argentina
Geography and Climate
Argentina, the second-largest country in South America, extends from the tropical north to the subantarctic south. Its diverse geography includes the Andes mountains, Pampas plains, and Patagonian plateau. The climate varies from subtropical in the north to polar in the south.
Population and Major Cities
With a population of around 45 million, major cities include Buenos Aires (the capital), Córdoba, and Rosario.
Economy and Culture
Argentina has a mixed economy, driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Its culture is known for tango music and dance, literature, and a strong tradition in arts and sports.
2. Bolivia
Geography and Climate
Bolivia is a landlocked country in central South America, featuring diverse landscapes such as the Andes mountains, the Atacama Desert, and the Amazon Basin. The climate ranges from tropical in the lowlands to cold in the highlands.
Population and Major Cities
The population is approximately 11.5 million. Major cities include La Paz (administrative capital), Sucre (constitutional capital), and Santa Cruz.
Economy and Culture
Bolivia’s economy is based on mining, agriculture, and natural gas. The culture is influenced by Indigenous, Spanish, and mestizo heritage, with a rich tradition in music, dance, and festivals.
3. Brazil
Geography and Climate
Brazil, the largest country in South America, is known for its vast Amazon rainforest, extensive Atlantic coastline, and diverse ecosystems. The climate ranges from equatorial in the north to temperate in the south.
Population and Major Cities
Brazil has a population of over 210 million. Major cities include Brasília (the capital), São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro.
Economy and Culture
Brazil’s economy is one of the largest in the world, driven by agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and services. The culture is a vibrant mix of Indigenous, African, and Portuguese influences, with a strong tradition in music, dance, and festivals like Carnival.
4. Chile
Geography and Climate
Chile is a long, narrow country stretching along the western edge of South America, bordered by the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It features diverse climates, from the arid Atacama Desert in the north to the Mediterranean climate of central Chile and the temperate rainforests of the south.
Population and Major Cities
The population is around 19 million. Major cities include Santiago (the capital), Valparaíso, and Concepción.
Economy and Culture
Chile’s economy is based on mining, agriculture, and services. The culture is a blend of Indigenous, Spanish, and European influences, with notable contributions in literature, music, and cuisine.
5. Colombia
Geography and Climate
Colombia is located in the northwest of South America, bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It has diverse landscapes, including mountains, rainforests, and plains. The climate varies from tropical along the coast and eastern plains to cooler in the highlands.
Population and Major Cities
With a population of around 50 million, major cities include Bogotá (the capital), Medellín, and Cali.
Economy and Culture
Colombia’s economy is diverse, with strong sectors in oil, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. The culture is rich in music, particularly genres like cumbia and vallenato, as well as literature and festivals.
6. Ecuador
Geography and Climate
Ecuador is located on the equator on the west coast of South America, featuring diverse landscapes such as the Amazon rainforest, Andean highlands, and the Galápagos Islands. The climate varies from tropical in the lowlands to temperate in the highlands.
Population and Major Cities
The population is approximately 17 million. Major cities include Quito (the capital) and Guayaquil.
Economy and Culture
Ecuador’s economy is based on oil, agriculture, and tourism. The culture is a blend of Indigenous, Spanish, and mestizo influences, with a rich tradition in arts, crafts, and music.
7. Guyana
Geography and Climate
Guyana is located on the northern coast of South America, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. It features dense rainforests, rivers, and savannas. The climate is tropical, with a hot and humid weather pattern.
Population and Major Cities
The population is around 800,000. Major cities include Georgetown (the capital) and Linden.
Economy and Culture
Guyana’s economy relies on mining, agriculture, and oil. The culture is influenced by African, Indian, and Indigenous heritage, with vibrant traditions in music, dance, and festivals.
8. Paraguay
Geography and Climate
Paraguay is a landlocked country in the central part of South America, featuring rivers, forests, and the Gran Chaco region. The climate is subtropical to temperate.
Population and Major Cities
The population is approximately 7 million. Major cities include Asunción (the capital) and Ciudad del Este.
Economy and Culture
Paraguay’s economy is based on agriculture, hydropower, and manufacturing. The culture is influenced by Guarani and Spanish heritage, with a strong tradition in music, dance, and festivals.
9. Peru
Geography and Climate
Peru is located on the western coast of South America, featuring diverse landscapes such as the Andes mountains, the Amazon rainforest, and the arid coastal plains. The climate varies from tropical in the Amazon to temperate in the highlands.
Population and Major Cities
The population is around 32 million. Major cities include Lima (the capital), Arequipa, and Cusco.
Economy and Culture
Peru’s economy is driven by mining, agriculture, and tourism. The culture is a blend of Indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, with rich traditions in music, dance, and cuisine.
10. Suriname
Geography and Climate
Suriname is located on the northern coast of South America, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. It features tropical rainforests, rivers, and savannas. The climate is tropical, with a hot and humid weather pattern.
Population and Major Cities
The population is approximately 600,000. Major cities include Paramaribo (the capital) and Lelydorp.
Economy and Culture
Suriname’s economy is based on mining, agriculture, and oil. The culture is influenced by Indigenous, African, Indian, and Dutch heritage, with vibrant traditions in music, dance, and festivals.
11. Uruguay
Geography and Climate
Uruguay is located on the southeastern coast of South America, featuring rolling plains, rivers, and a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The climate is temperate.
Population and Major Cities
The population is around 3.5 million. Major cities include Montevideo (the capital), Salto, and Punta del Este.
Economy and Culture
Uruguay’s economy is based on agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The culture is influenced by Spanish and Italian heritage, with strong traditions in music, dance, and literature.
12. Venezuela
Geography and Climate
Venezuela is located on the northern coast of South America, featuring diverse landscapes such as the Andes mountains, the Orinoco River basin, and the Caribbean coastline. The climate varies from tropical along the coast to temperate in the highlands.
Population and Major Cities
The population is approximately 28 million. Major cities include Caracas (the capital), Maracaibo, and Valencia.
Economy and Culture
Venezuela’s economy is based on oil, agriculture, and manufacturing. The culture is a blend of Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, with rich traditions in music, dance, and festivals.
13. Falkland Islands (British Overseas Territory)
Geography and Climate
The Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory, are located in the South Atlantic Ocean. The landscape is rugged and features rolling plains and mountains. The climate is cold and windy, with a maritime influence.
Population and Major Cities
The population is around 3,400. Major settlements include Stanley (the capital) and Goose Green.
Economy and Culture
The economy of the Falkland Islands is based on fishing, tourism, and sheep farming. The culture is influenced by British heritage, with a close-knit community and traditional celebrations.