Facts about South American Countries

South American Countries Map

South American Countries
South America is one of the seven continents of the world. Located in the southern hemisphere between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, it is the fourth largest continent on Earth. There are twelve countries in South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela

South American Countries
The countries of South America are popular with tourists as they are steeped in history and culture, and boast some of the greatest marvels of the world. The geography of the South American countries is very diverse and comprises of rich savanna grasslands, rainforests, deserts, mountainous regions, plateau, national parks, beaches, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Some of the most famous natural landmarks in South America include the Amazon Rainforest, the Amazon Basin and Amazon River, the Atacama Desert, the Andes Mountains, Aconcagua, the Orinoco River, Lake Titicaca, the Angel Falls and Iguaza Falls. Check out our interesting facts about the South American countries of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela

South American Countries
The climate differs across the South American countries depending on their location. Some regions experience some of the hottest and driest climate conditions on Earth, where as other areas are subject to high amounts of rainfall and cooler temperatures. Check out our facts on South American countries below for information on the climate, wildlife, geography, history, culture, size and population of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela

South American Countries in Size Order (Largest first): Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela, Chile, Paraguay, Ecuador, Guyana, Uruguay and Suriname *** South American Capitals: Aires in Argentina, Sucre in Bolivia, Brasilia in Brazil, Santiago in Chile, Bogotá in Colombia, Quito in Ecuador, Georgetown in Guyana, Asunción in Paraguay, Lima in Peru, Paramaribo in Suriname, Montevideo in Uruguay, and Caracas in Venezuela *** Largest South American Country: Brazil *** Smallest South American Country: Suriname *** Largest South American City: São Paulo

Interesting Facts about South American Countries

  1. South American Countries for Kids 1: Argentina Facts
    Argentina is the second largest country of South America. It is located in the south region of the continent on the coast of the South Atlantic Ocean where it is bordered by five South American countries: Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile. The total area size of Argentina is around 2.8 million sq km and the country has an overall population of approximately 42 million people. The geography of Argentina is very interesting as this country has a diverse landscape featuring mountains, wooded Gran Chaco, rich pampas and areas of marshland. The highest mountain in the Americas and the rest of the world with the exception of the major peaks on the continent of Asia, can be found in Argentina; the Aconcagua summit has a highest point of 6,960m! The capital and most populous city of Argentina is called Buenos Aires. This South American country has one of the largest economies on the continent and its huge area size makes it the eighth biggest country in the world.

  2. South American Countries for Kids 2: Bolivia Facts
    Bolivia is a landlocked country located on the eastern-central region of the South American continent where it occupies a total area of approximately 1.099 million km square. Bolivia is the fifth biggest country in South American and it shares its borders with five countries by which it is landlocked. Bolivia's neighboring countries are Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru. The overall population of this country is estimated at 9 million inhabitants, the majority of whom speak Bolivia's official language, Spanish, and belong to the Roman Catholic religion. This country is rich in culture and the fields of music, art and literature are very important to its people. The capital city of Bolivia is located in the southern highlands and is called Sucre. The most populous city, however, is El Alto which has an overall population of around 1 million people. Bolivia is one of South American's developing countries and processes such as agriculture, mining, forestry, fishing and manufacturing goods are core to its economy.

  3. South American Countries for Kids 3: Brazil Facts
    Brazil is the biggest country in South America and the fifth biggest country in the world. Brazil has huge presence on the east coast of the South American continent where it is bordered by ten countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela. The population of Brazil stands at approximately 207,700,000 people, and the country takes up a massive total area size of 8.516 million km square. Rich in culture, history, geography, natural resources, wildlife, flora and fauna, it is no wonder that Brazil has become one of the hottest tourist spots on the South American continent. The bustling city of Rio de Janeiro is home to the colossal statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Standing high on a mountain top overlooking the city, the statue portrays the importance of religion among the population of this South American country. The capital city of Brazil is called Brasilia but its largest and most populous city is São Paulo which is home to around 12 million inhabitants. São Paulo is the largest city on the entire South American continent. The official language of Brazil is Portuguese although many other languages are also spoken in this part of the world. Like much of the South American continent, the geography of Brazil is very diverse, and comprises of coastal areas, hills, mountains, forests, plains, highlands and scrub lands. The Amazon Rainforest has a massive presence in Brazil with 60% of the biome occupying this country, and the Amazon River, one of the longest rivers in the world, flows mainly through Brazil and neighboring Peru.

  4. South American Countries for Kids 4: Chile Facts
    Chile can be described as a very long and narrow shaped country located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the South American continent. At approximately 4,270km long, Chile is one of the longest countries in the world and it is bordered by three countries including Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. The total population Chile is in excess of 18 million people, most of whom speak Spanish which is the official language of this South American country. The capital city is called Santiago and it is also the most populous and largest city in Chile, as well as being one of the largest cities on the South American continent. The geography of Chile is very interesting as this country is not only bordered by the Andes Mountains, but is also home to the Atacama Desert; the driest desert on Earth! The Atacama Desert occupies four South American countries including Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, but its largest presence occurs in Chile. Some regions haven't received any rainfall for hundreds of years! The geography of this part of Chile is diverse, like most of the South American continent, and includes coastal regions, geysers, salt flats, geysers, mountain regions and lunar-type landscape.

  5. South American Countries for Kids 5: Colombia Facts
    Colombia is situated on the north-west coast of the South American continent on the coastline with the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea which boast coral reefs teaming with sealife. Surrounded by four South American countries, Colombia shares its borders with neighboring Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. The total population of Colombia is approximately 48.6 million inhabitants. Its capital city is located at high-altitude and is called Bogotá. Steeped in culture and history, Bogotá is home to numerous landmarks and museums, and has an overall population of more than 8 million people. The official language of Colombia is Spanish and the country's main currency is the Colombian Peso. This South American country has many different climates and growing seasons due to its proximity to the equator and its varying altitudes. Colombia is home to the Andes Mountains which has some of the highest peaks in the world, and the Amazon Rainforest; a lush tropical biome that is home to a diverse range of animal and plant species. Colombia is famous for being a leading global producer of coffee and flowers! This amazing South American country produces a huge selection of food produce including fruit and vegetables, and is rich in natural resources including oil, gold and emeralds.

  6. South American Countries for Kids 6: Ecuador Facts
    Ecuador is a beautiful country located close to the equator, on the coast of the South Pacific Ocean in north-west South America. As one of the smallest South American countries, Ecuador has an estimated population of more than 16 million people, most of whom speak the country's official language, Spanish. Ecuador shares its borders with two South American countries: Colombia and Peru. The country has many geographical features as it encompasses part of the Amazon Jungle, Chimborazo; the highest mountain in Ecuador, belonging to the Andes Mountains, the Guayas River, and the stunning Galapagos Islands which are home to some of the rarest and most fascinating wildlife species in the world. The Galapagos Islands belong to the South American continent and are famous for inspiring Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution. Ecuador's capital city is called Quito and it is located high in the Andes. The history of Quito dates back centuries as it was built on the foundations of an ancient Incan citadel. At the heart of Quito, an ancient colonial centre boasting cathedrals, churches and other various landmarks, has been preserved. The capital city of Quito has an overall population of over 1.6 million people.

  7. South American Countries for Kids 7: Guyana Facts
    Guyana is one of the smallest countries belonging to the South American continent. It has a total population of over 773,000 people and covers an area of approximately 83,000 sq km. Guyana is located in north South America on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and it has three neighboring countries: Suriname, Brazil and Venezuela. Due to its close proximity with the Caribbean Islands and the history that has been shared between them, the culture of Guyana is strongly influenced by traditions of the Caribbean. The currency of Guyana is the Guyanese dollar and its official language is English, making it one of the few English speaking South American countries. Its capital city is called Georgetown and it is famous for its British colonial architecture and Anglican cathedral. An array of wildlife species can be found living in this South American country as its climate and geography supports a diverse range of animals and plant life. Guyana has many interesting geographical features as it is home to dense rainforest areas and the stunning Kaieteur Waterfalls.

  8. South American Countries for Kids 8: Paraguay Facts
    Paraguay is landlocked country in central South America. The country's central location has earned it the nickname 'El Corazon de America' which translates to 'The Heart of America'. Paraguay is the fifth smallest of the twelve South American countries and it occupies a total area of 406,752 km sq. The country is landlocked by its three bordering countries: Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia. Paraguay has one of the smallest populations on the continent with approximately 6.7 million people living in the country in total. Most of the population living in this part of the South American continent speak the two main languages of Paraguay, Spanish and Guarani, and reside around the capital and largest city of Paraguay known as Asuncion. Around 60% of this South American country is dominated by Gran Chaco; a natural arid subtropical region that is sparsely populated and consists of lowland forest areas, marshes, swamps, scrubland, savanna grasslands and two main rivers. Gran Chaco is home to a diverse range of animal and plant species, some of the most remarkable wildlife species can be found living in this part of the world.

  9. South American Countries for Kids 9: Peru Facts
    Peru is a country located on the west central region of the South American continent on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It is the third largest country in South America and the nineteenth largest country in the world. Peru shares its borders with five neighboring South American countries: Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile. The overall population of Peru is estimated at more than 31 million people and the majority of people communicate using the country's official language, Spanish. Around one third of the country's inhabitants live in, or near to, Lima, the capital city of Peru. Lima is the third most populated city in South America, and the largest and most populous city in Peru. This South American country is rich in culture and history, and is very popular with tourists. Peru is home to a famous Incan site known as the Lost City of Machu Picchu. The historical city was abandoned and remained undiscovered for years, hidden high in the Andes Mountains. The ancient citadel has become one of the biggest tourist attractions not only in Peru, but in South America in general. This tourist hot spot receives thousands of visitors every week.

  10. South American Countries for Kids 10: Suriname Facts
    Suriname is the smallest country in South America with an overall area size of 163,821 km square and a total population of approximately 585,000 people. The majority of the people live near coastal regions of Suriname as the geography of this country comprises mainly of rainforest area which is rich in flora and fauna, and various wildlife species. Suriname shares its borders with two South American countries: Guyana and Brazil. It is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean on the northeastern side of the continent. The capital city of Suriname is called Paramaribo. The main currency of this South American country is the Surinamese Dollar and the official language spoken here is Dutch, although numerous other languages can be heard among the people in this part of the world including English, Sranang, Tongo, Hindsutani, Chinese, French, Spanish and Javanese.

  1. South American Countries for Kids 11: Uruguay Facts
    Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America. It is located on the south-east region of the continent on the coast of the South Atlantic Ocean where it spans a total area of 176,215 km sq. Uruguay has borders with two neighboring South American countries: Argentina and Brazil. The official language of Uruguay is Spanish and the country's main currency is the Uruguayan peso. The overall population of Uruguay is around 3.5 million people, many of whom have enjoyed a high standard of living in the past but may now face harder times since the economy has started to decline caused majorly by a decrease in the number of tourists visiting the country. Lack of advertising has resulted in Uruguay losing tourists to its neighboring South American countries. The capital city of Uruguay is called Montevideo, it is located on the coast and is also the country's largest city. Montevideo is home to approximately one third of the population.

  2. South American Countries for Kids 12: Venezuela Facts
    Venezuela is located in the northern region of South America on the coast of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Venezuela shares its borders with three countries: Guyana, Brazil and Columbia. It is the sixth largest country on the South American continent and has a total population of around 31,775,000 inhabitants. Most people can be found working and living in the north of the country where the capital city of Caracas is located. Several Caribbean islands are located close to the Venezuelan coast including Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Curaçao and Aruba. The geography of Venezuela is very diverse as this country comprises of beaches, forests, grasslands, mountains and desert regions. This part of the South American continent is very popular with tourists who visit Venezuela to admire its stunning scenery, paradise beaches and natural landmarks. The highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world, is located in Venezuela, and is known as the Angel Falls, the water reaches a height of 979m and plunges 807m. Located in Parque Nacional Canaima, the amazing Angel Falls are one of the biggest tourist attractions on the South American continent.