From the Amazon Rainforest to the Andes Mountains , the fourth - enceinte continent is a hoarded wealth trove of natural wonders and historical web site . Let ’s explore thecountries of South Americaand take a flavor at what makes each one unique .
How Many Countries Are in South America?
South Americais comprised of 12 independent countries and several territories . admiration which one might be the plaza for you ? Luckily , we ’ve got aquizfor that !
Like majestic natural mess eyesight ? Western South America is defined by the hulk Andes Mountains , which run along the continent ’s western edge , influencing the clime and cultures of land like Chile , Peru and Ecuador . Prefer more urban living ? Many South Americans love be in the large capital metropolis , such as São Paulo , Buenos Aires or Lima .
Argentina
Argentina , home to the iconic Buenos Aires , is famed for its Argentine tango and sensational landscapes , from the Andes Mountains to the southerly bakshis of Tierra del Fuego .
The country is known for its beef , wine-coloured and passion for fútbol ( aka football , aka association football ) . With its diverse regions , Argentina offers everything from the bustling urban life-time of Buenos Aires to the tranquil beauty of Patagonia . It ’s also the country with theleast personal place !
Bolivia
bring up afterSímón Bolívar , Bolivia has a mix of Indigenous and Spanish colonial history . It boasts some of the most massive computer architecture in South America , including the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku .
The country ’s diverse geography ranges from the high - altitude Altiplano to the lush Amazon Basin . Bolivia ’s vibrant refinement are reflected in its festivals , traditional medicine and colored market place .
Brazil
Brazil , the largest land in South America , is known for obeche , the vast Amazon Rainforest and the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro . It ’s both the most populous res publica on the continent and the tumid by area , covering a significant share of the South America ’s easterly sea-coast .
Brazil is also domicile to theworld ’s largest river(based on volume ) , the Amazon River .
Chile
Chile stretches along the continent ’s western bound , feature the Atacama Desert , thedriest topographic point on Earth , and the scenic landscape of southern Chile , including Patagonia . The country is recognise for its full-bodied wine manufacture .
Chile ’s long , narrow shape encompasses a across-the-board variety of climates and ecosystem , from coastal beach to Andean highlands .
Colombia
Colombia , locate on the northern coast of South America , is known for its umber plantation , vibrant cities like Bogotá and Medellín , and its deep ethnical history .
The area ’s landscapes include the Amazon rainforest , Andean peak and Caribbean coastlines . Colombia has a resilient cultural fit , with influences from endemic , African and Spanish heritage .
Ecuador
Ecuador is famed for the Galápagos Islands , the Amazon Basin and the city of Quito , a UNESCO World Heritage site draw close in the Andes Mountains .
The minor size of it of this South American country misrepresent its incrediblebiodiversityand ethnic depth , with Indigenous communities and compound architecture weaving its cultural tapis .
Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands , a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic , are known for their rugged landscapes and copious wildlife , include penguin and ocean Lion . The island ' removed positioning and distinct ecology draw in nature enthusiasts and history buffs likewise .
The capital , Stanley , mull its British heritage . South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are other nearby British overseas territories .
French Guiana
French Guiana , an abroad department of France , is located on the continent ’s northern coast . It is live for its European nation influence and the spaceport at Kourou .
The capital city , Cayenne , showcases a blend of French and Creole culture . French Guiana ’s pristine rainforests and fat biodiversity are also major attractions .
Guyana
Guyana , part of the Guianas on the continent ’s northerly slide , is know for its denserainforests , diverse wildlife and the regal Kaieteur Falls . The res publica ’s capital , Georgetown , offer a peep at its British colonial history with wooden stilted houses and coloured markets , while Guyana ’s pristine natural environment are a seaport for ecotourism .
Paraguay
Paraguay , locate in the heart of South America , feature sparsely populated area and — like other piece of the continent — a mix of endemic and Spanish culture that still echoes in its traditions and languages . The country is landlocked , with a landscape dominated by rivers , forests and the Gran Chaco region .
Peru
Peru , home to the ancient city of Machu Picchu , extend arresting view of the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Basin , pass water it a hub for raw and diachronic exploration .
The majuscule , Lima , is renowned for its culinary panorama and colonial architecture . Peru ’s rich history include the Inca Empire , whose bequest is visible in its archaeologic sites and vibrant tradition .
Suriname
Suriname , the small area in South America , is renowned for its vast tract of tropic rain forest and the multicultural capital city , Paramaribo .
The state ’s diverse universe includes descendant of Indigenous masses , Africans , Europeans and Asians . Suriname ’s natural beauty and ethnic diversity make it a unique destination .
Uruguay
Uruguay , with its wizard capital Montevideo , boasts beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and a rich ethnic scene influence by both Spanish and Italian heritage .
The country is recognize for its laid - back lifestyle , high standard of sustenance and progressive social policies . Uruguay ’s ethnical life is vivacious , with music , theatre and festivals playing a central role .
Venezuela
Venezuela is known for its spectacular Angel Falls — the world ’s highest continuous falls — and its pregnant oil substitute , which play a crucial theatrical role in its economy . The nation ’s diverse landscapes crop from Caribbean coastline to Andean mountains and the immense knit stitch of Los Llanos .
What About Central America?
While not part of South America , Central America connects this continent with North America , encompassing rural area like Panama and Costa Rica , which divvy up cultural and ecological tie-in with South America .
Wait, So What’s Latin America Then?
Latin Americaincludes both Central and South American res publica , as well as parts of the Caribbean . All these region share a ethnic inheritance primarily influenced by Spanish and Portuguese colonization . This ethnic unity is muse in the portion out languages , traditions and historic experience across these regions .
