South American Countries: How Many, and a Map Trick to Learn Them
There are 12 countries in South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela. French Guiana is also on the continent, but it is part of France. The quickest way to learn them is coast by coast: down the west coast, along the north coast, then the middle and the south-east.
The map, coast by coast
- West coast, north to south: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile.
- North coast, west to east: Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname (then French Guiana, part of France).
- In the middle, with no coast: Bolivia and Paraguay.
- The south-east: Brazil, the giant, then Uruguay and Argentina.
Biggest, longest and landlocked
- Brazil is the largest, covering about half of the continent. It borders every South American country except Chile and Ecuador.
- Chile is the longest and thinnest, stretching down the Pacific coast.
- Bolivia and Paraguay are the only two countries with no sea coast.
- Suriname is the smallest country by area.
- The equator runs through Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil.
Languages
Spanish is spoken in 9 of the 12 countries. Brazil speaks Portuguese, Guyana English and Suriname Dutch.
Test yourself
Try to tap all 12 without a miss on the South America map quiz, then switch to Hard and type each name. When that's easy, move on to the Africa map quiz with its 54 countries.
Frequently asked questions
How many countries are in South America?
12 independent countries. French Guiana is an overseas region of France.
What is the largest country in South America?
Brazil, about half of the continent.
Which South American countries are landlocked?
Bolivia and Paraguay.
Which countries does the equator cross?
Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil.
What language is spoken in South America?
Mostly Spanish, plus Portuguese in Brazil, English in Guyana and Dutch in Suriname.