South American countries: what they are, list

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You countries from south america are 12:

Argentina;
Bolivia;
Brazil;
Chile;
Colombia;
Ecuador;
Guyana;
Paraguay;
Peru;
Suriname;
Uruguay;
Venezuela.

Next to them is French Guiana, an overseas territory that belongs to France. Due to its territorial extension, Brazil borders ten of the South American territories, with the exception of Ecuador and Chile.

The South American countries are bathed by the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and present landscapes heterogeneous natural habitats that vary considerably according to climate, topography and vegetation. From the large South American economies, such as Brazil, to the smaller ones, such as Suriname, exploitation of natural resources, agriculture and the primary sector as the main activities developed nationally.

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Topics of this article

1 - Summary about the countries of South America
2 - Map of South America
3 - List of countries in South America and their capitals
4 - Characteristics and general data of the countries of South America
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- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Guyana
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Suriname
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
5 - Countries in South America that border Brazil
6 - What is the largest and smallest country in South America?
7 - Mercosur countries
8 - Most visited countries in South America
9 - Oceans of South America
10 - Curiosities about the countries of South America

Summary about the countries of South America

South America is made up of 12 countries and a French overseas territory, which is French Guiana.
South American countries have very different natural landscapes, given the great diversity of climates and ecosystems that were formed in them.
The economy of South American countries is very much based on the primary sector of the economy, such as agriculture and the exploitation of fossil fuels, and also on the tertiary sector.
The HDI of South American countries varies between 0.855 (Chile) and 0.691 (Venezuela).
Brazil is the largest country in South America.
Suriname is the smallest country in South America.
The Brazilian territory borders nine countries in South America, in addition to French Guiana.
Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela are considered part of Mercosur, although Venezuela was suspended in 2016. The other South American countries are considered members of the bloc.
The countries most sought after by tourists in South America are Argentina and Brazil.
The Atlantic and Pacific oceans bathe the countries of South America.

map of south america

List of South American countries and their capitals

Country	capital
Argentina	Buenos Aires
Bolivia	La Paz (administrative) and Sucre (constitutional)
Brazil	Brasilia
Chile	Santiago
Colombia	bogota
Ecuador	Quito
Guyana	Georgetown
Paraguay	Assumption
Peru	lime
Suriname	Paramaribo
Uruguay	Montevideo
Venezuela	Caracas

In addition to the 12 countries that make up South America, the subcontinent is also home to one of the French overseas territories, which is French Guiana. As such, French Guiana is part of France. The Guyanese capital is called Cayenne.

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Characteristics and general data of the countries of South America

Argentina

Territorial extension: 2,796,427 km².
Population: 45,606,000 inhabitants.
Demographic density: 16.7 inhabitants/km².
Language: Spanish.
GDP: US$ 641.1 billion.
GDP per capita: $13,710.
Gini Index: 0,423.
Coin: Argentinian peso.
HDI: 0,842.
Argentina's Geography: the country has great climate variability, ranging from tropical to subarctic climates. Its relief is formed by plateaus, plains and part of the Andes Mountains. The vegetation is as distinctive as the climate, passing through pampas, deciduous forests and desert regions, such as Patagonia.
Main economic activities in Argentina: agriculture (soybean and beef), wine production, textile and petrochemical industry. To learn more about Argentina, click here.

Bolivia

Territorial extension: 1,098,581 km².
Population: 11,833,000 inhabitants.
Demographic density: 10.9 inhabitants/km².
Language: Spanish.
GDP: US$46.1 billion.
GDP per capita: $3,800.
Gini Index: 0,436.
Coin: Bolivian from Bolivia.
HDI: 0,692.
Bolivia's Geography: the country has hot climates such as tropical and semi-arid, with relief marked by the Andes Mountains and the plains. Bolivia integrates the Amazon Basin and its vegetation is formed by forests and the coverage of the Chaco biome.
Main economic activities in Bolivia: trade and service activities predominate in the country, along with the exploitation of natural resources such as oil and natural gas. To learn more about Bolivia, click here.

Brazil

Territorial extension: 8,514,004 km².
Population: 203,062,512 inhabitants.
Demographic density: 23.86 inhabitants/km².
Language: Portuguese.
GDP: $2 trillion.
GDP per capita: $9,670.
Gini Index: 0,489.
Coin: real.
HDI: 0,754.
Geography of Brazil: the Brazilian climate is predominantly tropical, with only one subtropical climate region. It has plateau relief in most of the territory, being characterized by the presence of five major biomes: Amazon, Cerrado, Caatinga, Atlantic Forest and Pampas.
Main economic activities in Brazil: the country's economy is led by activities in the tertiary sector, agriculture and mineral extraction. In industry, the petrochemical, automotive, metallurgical and steel sectors stand out. To learn more about Brazil, click here.

Chile

Territorial extension: 756,102 km².
Population: 19,212,000 inhabitants.
Demographic density: 25.8 inhabitants/km².
Language: Spanish.
GDP: US$ 358.56 billion.
GDP per capita: $17,830.
Gini Index: 0,449.
Coin: Chilean peso.
HDI: 0,855.
Chile's Geography: the country has a desert and temperate climate, with areas of mediterranean climate. The relief is characterized by the mountains of the Andes, with vegetation formed by fields and steppes.
Main economic activities in Chile: it is a major producer and exporter of ores, such as copper and iron. Agriculture and tourism are also very important economic activities in Chile. To learn more about Chile, click here.

Colombia

Territorial extension: 1,141,748 km².
Population: 51,266,000 inhabitants.
Demographic density: 46.2 inhabitants/km².
Language: Spanish.
GDP: US$ 334.69 billion.
GDP per capita: $6,420.
Gini Index: 0,542.
Coin: Colombian peso.
HDI: 0,752.
Colombia's Geography: equatorial and tropical climates are predominant in Colombia. Its relief is characterized by the Andes Mountains and plateaus, with land covered by the Amazon Forest and the Páramo biome.
Main economic activities in Colombia: Colombia's economy is based on the exploitation of mineral resources and fossil fuels, such as oil and natural gas, and on agricultural production of items such as coffee, cocoa, bananas and corn. To learn more about Colombia, click here.

Ecuador

Territorial extension: 257,217 km².
Population: 17,888,000 inhabitants.
Demographic density: 72 inhabitants/km².
Language: Spanish.
GDP: US$ 121.29 billion.
GDP per capita: $6,640.
Gini Index: 0,473.
Coin: US dollar.
HDI: 0,740.
Ecuador Geography: It has an equatorial climate and a very diverse relief, formed by the mountains of the Andes and the Amazonian plains. Its vegetation is formed by the Amazon Forest. The Galapagos Islands are part of the territory of Ecuador.
Main economic activities in Ecuador: Oil production and export are the flagships of the Ecuadorian economy, which is also based on extractivism and agriculture. To learn more about Ecuador, click here.

Guyana

Territorial extension: 214,969 km².
Population: 790,000 inhabitants.
Demographic density: 4 inhabitants/km².
Language: English.
GDP: BRL 16.3 billion.
GDP per capita: $20,540.
Gini Index: 0,446.
Coin: Guyanese dollar.
HDI: 0,714.
Guyana's Geography: the country's climate is hot and humid, predominantly equatorial. Its relief is formed by plains, mostly, and areas of plateaus. Guyana's land is covered by forest vegetation, the country being part of the Amazon.
Main economic activities in Guyana: Guyana's economy is essentially primary, based mainly on agricultural activities and mineral exploration. Learn more about Guyana by clicking here.

Paraguay

Territorial extension: 406,752 km².
Population: 7,220,000 inhabitants.
Demographic density: 18.2 inhabitants/km².
Language: Spanish.
GDP: US$ 42.8 billion.
GDP per capita: $5,670.
Gini Index: 0,435.
Coin: guarani.
HDI: 0,717.
Paraguay's Geography: the country has a predominantly tropical climate, alternately dry and humid, with relief formed by plateaus and plains, and vegetation composed of fields from the Chaco biome and forests.
Main economic activities in Paraguay: the primary sector brings together the main economic activities in Paraguay, with emphasis on mineral extraction, agriculture and forestry. Learn more about Paraguay by clicking here.

Peru

Territorial extension: 1,285,216 km².
Population: 33,359 inhabitants.
Demographic density: 26.1 inhabitants/km².
Language: Spanish.
GDP: US$ 268.2 billion.
GDP per capita: $7,700.
Gini Index: 0,438.
Coin: Sun.
HDI: 0,762.
Peru's Geography: the country has a very variable climate, ranging from cold mountain to equatorial. Its relief is characterized by the mountains of the Andes and the plains. Part of the Amazon, forests are predominant in the local vegetation.
Main economic activities in Peru: Commerce and services lead the Peruvian economy, with emphasis on tourist activities carried out in the country. A mining, fishing and agriculture are equally important, in addition to the industry associated with these activities. To learn more about this country, click here.

Suriname

Territorial extension: 163,820 km².
Population: 592,000 inhabitants.
Demographic density: 3.8 inhabitants/km².
Language: dutch.
GDP: US$ 3.47 billion.
GDP per capita: $5,560.
Gini Index: 0,579^|¹^|.
Coin: Suriname dollar.
HDI: 0,730.
Geography of Suriname: the country has an equatorial climate and relief formed by plains, in its majority. Part of the Amazon, Suriname is covered by forest vegetation.
Main economic activities of Suriname: the country is a major exporter of natural resources such as gold, aluminum and fossil fuels, in addition to being an agricultural producer. Both extractivism and agriculture are linked to industry in Suriname. Learn more about this country by clicking here.

Uruguay

Territorial extension: 173,626 km².
Population: 3,485,000 inhabitants.
Demographic density: 19.9 inhabitants/km².
Language: Spanish.
GDP: US$77.3 billion.
GDP per capita: $21,680.
Gini Index: 0,402.
Coin: Uruguayan peso.
HDI: 0,809.
Uruguay's Geography: the country has a subtropical climate and relief formed by plains and some areas of plateaus. The Uruguayan vegetation is characterized by the open fields of the Pampas biome.
Main economic activities in Uruguay: Uruguay has one of the most developed economies in South America. Agriculture and services are the country's main economic activities, along with oil refining. To learn more about Uruguay, click here.

Venezuela

Territorial extension: 929,690 km².
Population: 28,705,000 inhabitants.
Demographic density: 32.5 inhabitants/km².
Language: Spanish.
GDP: $96,630.
GDP per capita: $3,640.
Gini Index: 0,390.
Coin: bolivar.
HDI: 0,691.
Venezuela's Geography: the country's climate varies between typical tropical and equatorial. The Venezuelan relief is diverse, formed by plateaus, plains and part of the Andes Mountains. Part of the Amazon, the land is covered by forests and cerrado vegetation.
Main economic activities in Venezuela: the exploitation of natural resources is the basis of the Venezuelan economy, with emphasis on the production and export of oil. Learn more about this country by clicking here.

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Countries in South America that border Brazil

With more than 8 million square kilometers in area, Brazil occupies most of South America. As a result, it establishes more than 16 thousand kilometers of border with ten territories of the subcontinent, being nine countries. See, below, what they are and what is the total extension of the currency:

South American countries and territories that border Brazil
Territory	border extension
Argentina	1,263 km
Bolivia	3,403 km
Colombia	1,790 km
French Guiana	649 km
Guyana	1,308 km
Paraguay	1,371 km
Peru	2,659 km
Suriname	515 km
Uruguay	1,050 km
Venezuela	2,137 km

What is the largest and smallest country in South America?

Largest country in South America: with an area of 8,514,004 km², Brazil It is the largest country in South America. The Brazilian territory occupies 47.7% of the entire surface of South America. In addition, the country is also the largest in population on the subcontinent. There are currently 203,062,512 people living in Brazil, around 46% of all inhabitants of South America.
Smallest country in South America: with an area of 163,820 km², Suriname it is the smallest country in South America and represents approximately 1% of the entire surface of the subcontinent. Suriname is still the least populated country in South America. Currently, 592,000 people live in the country, 0.1% of the South American population.

Mercosur countries

All countries in South America are part of Mercosur, either as member countries or as associated countries. The following table shows the composition of this economic bloc.

Mercosur countries
member countries	Argentina
Brazil
Paraguay
Uruguay
Venezuela*
associated countries	Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
Peru
Suriname

*Although it is a State part of Mercosur,Venezuela has its participation suspended since 2016.

Most visited countries in South America

The countries of South America are highly sought after by tourists from all over the world due to their enormous cultural and scenic diversity. Among South American countries, The top five tourist destinations are as follows:

Argentina;
Brazil;
Chile;
Peru;
Colombia.

Know more: Why did so many Venezuelans immigrate to Brazil?

oceans of south america

The countries of South America are bathed by two oceans:

Atlantic Ocean	Pacific Ocean
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela.	Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru.

Curiosities about the countries of South America

South American countries are grouped into Andean America, Platinum America, Guianas and Brazil.
Not all countries in South America are Latin American. Suriname and Guyana are not part of Latin America because they were colonized by countries whose language is not Latin.
The Atacama Desert is located in Chile, considered one of the driest in the world.
Machu Picchu, city built by the Inca civilization in the 15th century, is located in Peru.
The Andes Mountains run through seven countries in South America.
The Amazon River is born in the Peruvian section of the Andes Mountains and flows through the territories of Peru, Colombia and Brazil.
The Amazon Rainforest covers eight countries in South America, in addition to French Guiana.

Grades

^|1|The most recent figure available from the World Bank dates from 1999.

Sources

IMF Data Mapper. Available in: https://www.imf.org/external/datamapper/profile/WEOWORLD.

Mercosur. Available in: https://www.mercosur.int/pt-br/.

The World Factbook. Available in: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/.

UNData. Available in: https://data.un.org/default.aspx.

UNDP. Human Development Reports: HDR 2021/2022. Available in: https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/country-insights#/ranks.

WORLD BANK. Gini index: Suriname. World Bank, [n.d.]. Available in: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI? locations=SR.

Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:

GUITARRA, Paloma. "South American Countries"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/geografia/paises-da-america-do-sul.htm. Accessed on August 30, 2023.

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