There are 12 sovereign countries in South America, plus 2 dependent territories. The continent spans from Colombia in the north to Chile and Argentina in the south, covering approximately 17.84 million km² and home to over 430 million people.
Overview of Countries in South America
South America is the fourth-largest continent by area and the fifth by population. It is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean to the north and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The continent includes the world's largest rainforest (the Amazon), the longest mountain range (the Andes), and the driest desert (the Atacama). Portuguese and Spanish are the dominant languages, a legacy of colonial rule, though Dutch, English, and French are also spoken in certain nations and territories.
All 12 Sovereign Countries in South America
1. Brazil
- Capital: Brasília
- Population: ~216 million
- Area: 8,515,767 km²
- Language: Portuguese
Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth-largest in the world. It covers nearly half the continent's land area and is home to roughly half its population. The Amazon River basin, the world's largest tropical rainforest, occupies much of the northern half of the country.
2. Argentina
- Capital: Buenos Aires
- Population: ~46 million
- Area: 2,780,400 km²
- Language: Spanish
Argentina is South America's second-largest country by area. It stretches from the subtropical north to the sub-Antarctic south, encompassing the vast Pampas grasslands, Patagonian steppe, and the southern Andes, including Aconcagua — the highest peak outside Asia at 6,961 m.
3. Colombia
- Capital: Bogotá
- Population: ~52 million
- Area: 1,141,748 km²
- Language: Spanish
Colombia sits at the northwestern tip of South America and is the only country on the continent with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is the third most-populous country in Latin America, known for its coffee production, emerald mining, and remarkable biodiversity.
4. Peru
- Capital: Lima
- Population: ~34 million
- Area: 1,285,216 km²
- Language: Spanish (also Quechua and Aymara)
Peru is home to Machu Picchu and was the center of the Inca Empire. The country has three distinct geographic zones: the narrow coastal desert, the Andes mountains, and the Amazon rainforest lowlands. Peru's cuisine is considered among the finest in the Americas.
5. Venezuela
- Capital: Caracas
- Population: ~28 million
- Area: 916,445 km²
- Language: Spanish
Venezuela sits on South America's northern coast and possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves. Angel Falls, the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall at 979 m, is located in the country's Gran Sabana region.
6. Chile
- Capital: Santiago
- Population: ~19.5 million
- Area: 756,102 km²
- Language: Spanish
Chile is a long, narrow country stretching 4,300 km along South America's western coast, yet averaging only 177 km wide. It spans from the Atacama Desert — the driest non-polar desert on Earth — in the north to glacial fjords in the south.
7. Ecuador
- Capital: Quito
- Population: ~18 million
- Area: 283,561 km²
- Language: Spanish
Ecuador straddles the equator on South America's west coast. Despite its small size, it is one of the world's most biodiverse countries. The Galápagos Islands, 1,000 km off the coast, are an Ecuadorian province famous for inspiring Darwin's theory of evolution.
8. Bolivia
- Capital: Sucre (constitutional) / La Paz (administrative)
- Population: ~12 million
- Area: 1,098,581 km²
- Language: Spanish (plus 36 indigenous languages)
Bolivia is one of two landlocked countries in South America (along with Paraguay). It features the Altiplano high plateau, the Salar de Uyuni — the world's largest salt flat — and portions of the Amazon basin. La Paz, at 3,640 m elevation, is the world's highest administrative capital.
9. Paraguay
- Capital: Asunción
- Population: ~7.4 million
- Area: 406,752 km²
- Language: Spanish and Guaraní
Paraguay is the other landlocked nation in South America. The Paraguay River divides the country into the eastern region of fertile plains and the western Chaco, a sparsely populated semi-arid region. Paraguay is notable for being officially bilingual in Spanish and Guaraní.
10. Uruguay
- Capital: Montevideo
- Population: ~3.4 million
- Area: 176,215 km²
- Language: Spanish
Uruguay is the second-smallest sovereign country in South America by area. Nestled between Brazil and Argentina, it is known for its progressive social policies, high standard of living, and expansive cattle ranches. It hosted and won the first FIFA World Cup in 1930.
11. Guyana
- Capital: Georgetown
- Population: ~810,000
- Area: 214,969 km²
- Language: English
Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America. It is culturally linked to the Caribbean and is a member of CARICOM. Dense tropical rainforest covers over 80% of the country, and a recent offshore oil discovery has transformed its economic prospects.
12. Suriname
- Capital: Paramaribo
- Population: ~620,000
- Area: 163,821 km²
- Language: Dutch
Suriname is the smallest sovereign country in South America. A former Dutch colony, it is the only Dutch-speaking country in the Americas. Approximately 93% of the country is covered by tropical rainforest, making it one of the most forested nations on Earth.
Dependent Territories in South America
French Guiana (France)
- Capital: Cayenne
- Population: ~310,000
- Area: 83,534 km²
- Status: Overseas department of France (uses the Euro)
French Guiana is not an independent country but an integral part of France and the European Union. The Guiana Space Centre near Kourou is the European Space Agency's primary launch site.
Falkland Islands (United Kingdom)
- Capital: Stanley
- Population: ~3,500
- Area: 12,173 km²
- Status: British Overseas Territory (claimed by Argentina)
The Falkland Islands lie approximately 480 km east of Patagonia. Argentina claims sovereignty over the islands (calling them Islas Malvinas), and the dispute led to the 1982 Falklands War. The islands remain under British control.
Key Facts About Countries in South America
- South America has 12 sovereign countries and 2 dependent territories.
- Brazil alone accounts for about 48% of the continent's area and 50% of its population.
- Spanish is the most widely spoken language (9 of 12 countries).
- Two countries are landlocked: Bolivia and Paraguay.
- The Andes, running 7,000 km along the western edge, is the world's longest continental mountain range.
Final Thoughts
The countries in South America represent an extraordinary range of geography, culture, and history. From the Amazon rainforest spanning nine countries to the Andean peaks reaching nearly 7,000 m, this continent packs remarkable diversity into its 12 nations and 2 territories. Whether you are planning a trip, studying for a geography exam, or simply curious, understanding these South American countries provides a window into one of the world's most fascinating regions.
Test Your Knowledge!
Think you know your geography? Try our interactive quiz!
Play Geography Games →