South America

Getting to South America

South America, the fourth largest continent, extends across both the Western and Southern Hemispheres, with a minor portion reaching into the Northern Hemisphere. It is home to twelve nations, with Brazil standing as the most populous and extensive, while Suriname is the smallest.

Owing to its strategic geographical positioning, South American nations, that border the Caribbean, boast temperate climates and are globally acclaimed for their picturesque beaches. Moreover, the continent is renowned for its varied ecosystems and is host to the largest wetlands on Earth.

What is the total number of countries in North America?

South America, housing a population of close to 400 million individuals, is comprised of 12 nations: 
Chile
 Argentina
 Uruguay
Paraguay
 Bolivia
 Peru
Ecuador
 Brazil
 Colombia
Venezuela
 Guyana
 Suriname
French Guiana (Overseas Department of France)

Brief Information on South America

Below are intriguing pieces of information concerning South America:
Area 17,840,000 km²
Number of countries 12
Biggest country (by area) Brazil
Population (2021) 438.5 million
Most populated country Brazil
Number of languages spoken Over 400 languages across the continent
Largest peninsula La Guajira Peninsula
Highest mountain Mount Aconcagua in Argentina
Longest river The Amazon River

What is the population of South American countries?

Country Capital Area (km²) Population
Argentina Buenos Aires 2,766,890 45,605,826
Bolivia La Paz, Sucre 1,098,580 11,832,940
Brazil Brasília 8,514,877 213,993,437
Chile Santiago 756,950 19,212,361
Colombia Bogotá 1,141,748 51,265,844
Ecuador Quito 283,560 17,888,475
Guyana Georgetown 214,999 790,326
Paraguay Asunción 406,750 7,219,638
Peru Lima 1,285,220 33,359,418
Suriname Paramaribo 163,270 591,800
Uruguay Montevideo 176,220 3,485,151
Venezuela Caracas 916,445 28,704,954

Spoken Languages in South America

Below are the languages most commonly spoken on the South American continent:
Language Region Number of Speakers
Spanish Colombia 210 million
Spanish Argentina
Spanish Venezuela
Spanish Peru
Spanish Chile
Spanish Ecuador
Spanish Bolivia
Spanish Paraguay
Spanish Uruguay
Portuguese Brazil 206 million
Portuguese Venezuela
Portuguese Paraguay
Portuguese Uruguay
Quechua Peru 6 million
Quechua Bolivia
Quechua Ecuador
Quechua Chile
Quechua Colombia
English Argentina 5.4 million
English Colombia
English Guyana
German Brazil 2 million
German Argentina
German Ecuador
German Paraguay
Italian Argentina 1.5 million
Italian Brazil
Arabic Argentina 1.1 million
Arabic Venezuela
Arabic Suriname
Chinese Argentina 535,000
Chinese Peru
Chinese Suriname
Chinese Ecuador
Chinese Guyana
Ukrainian Brazil 527,000
Ukrainian Argentina
Wayuunaiki Colombia Over 300,000
Wayuunaiki Venezuela

Top Destinations to Explore in South America

Among the frequently visited nations in South America are:
  • Argentina: In 2019, this South American country welcomed over 7 million visitors. Argentina attracts numerous tourists, particularly to its renowned capital, Buenos Aires. Visitors can always find something enjoyable to do in Buenos Aires—the birthplace of tango.
  • Brazil: Following Argentina, Brazil was the second most-visited country in 2019, with 6.4 million visitors. Popular destinations include the Amazon Rainforest and the beaches in Rio de Janeiro, where visitors can marvel at the iconic landmark, Christ the Redeemer. Additionally, Brazil offers well-developed paleontological tourism, allowing foreign visitors to explore periods dating back 200 million years.
  • Chile: With over 4 million visitors in 2019, Chile stands out as one of the most popular tourist destinations globally. Visitors relish exploring the driest place on Earth—the Atacama Desert. Furthermore, popular cities in Chile include Valparaiso and its capital, Santiago.
  • Peru: Home to Machu Picchu, Peru attracts at least 3 million visitors annually. Tourists in Peru have the opportunity to explore one of the oldest architectural structures in the region, hike up to Humantay Lake, and enjoy picnics in the lush Sacred Valley.
  • Colombia: In recent years, Colombia has emerged as a highlight of South American exploration. Stretching to the Caribbean coastline, the country offers some of the best beaches and invites visitors to explore the historic city of Cartagena. Moreover, Colombia is home to two deserts, providing a unique opportunity to discover diverse biodiversity.

Renowned Tourist Attractions in South America

South America abounds in attractions for tourists, with some of the most frequently visited destinations encompassing the following:
  • Machu Picchu: Located in Peru, Machu Picchu is an architectural marvel. While the purpose of Machu Picchu remains unknown, it stands as one of the most preserved sites of the Inca empire. Interestingly, the site wasn't discovered by experts until the 19th century, even though locals knew about the structure. Today, tourists are free to visit and explore the complex.
  • La Mano de Punta del Este: "La Mano," or the "Hand," is a sculpture in Punta del Este, Uruguay. Built in 1982 on the beach, it depicts a human hand emerging from the sand, appearing as if drowning—a symbol warning against swimming in the dangerous waves of La Barra. The artist completed the entire sculpture within six days, and it has become a famous landmark of Uruguay, popular with tourists.
  • Pantanal: Stretching across Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, Pantanal is the world's largest wetland area. The territory is home to a vast ecosystem of flora and fauna. Visitors can go on tours to explore the wildlife and see some of the rarest plants and animals in the world.
  • Tayrona National Park: This 150 km² area of natural wonder in Colombia is famous for ecotourism. Visitors can explore beautiful beaches, camp, or hike around the area. It's a perfect place for group visits as there is something for everyone to do.
  • The Atacama Desert: Stargazing from the Atacama desert in Chile, where you can see the Milky Way, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The desert is also home to several lagoons and valleys, including Death Valley, the Valley of the Moon, and Laguna Verde, the latter being a unique green body of water due to its high salt content. Moreover, the desert is home to rich wildlife, including pink flamingos and Humboldt penguins.
  • The Amazon Rainforest: Located in Brazil and extending to several other South American countries, the Amazon is the largest rainforest on Earth and home to the longest river in the world. The area teems with various life forms, animals, and plants. Its lush vegetation and numerous river crossings are mesmerizing for visitors. Tourists can also participate in events such as the Jungle Marathon, an ultra footrace in the rainforest.
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