Planning my first South America trip was a mess. I kept seeing different numbers everywhere – some websites said 12 countries, others insisted it was 13. Even my guidebook contradicted itself! When I asked locals during my Colombia trip, answers varied wildly. That confusion sparked my deep dive into this question.
So let's settle this once and for all: how many countries are there in South America? The official answer is 12 sovereign nations. But here's where it gets messy – if we count territories, it becomes 13. This isn't just trivia; getting this right matters for travel planning, business deals, and even school projects.
I've traveled through 9 of these countries myself, and I'll share some hard-earned tips alongside the political geography. You'll also get visa requirements nobody tells you about and border crossing nightmares to avoid.
The Complete List of South American Nations
First, the core 12 independent countries recognized by the United Nations. Remember this when someone asks "how many countries are in south america?" – this is the standard answer:
| Country | Capital | Population | Area (sq km) | Unique Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Buenos Aires | 45.8 million | 2.78 million | Home to world's widest avenue (9 de Julio) |
| Bolivia | Sucre (official) La Paz (admin) | 11.8 million | 1.10 million | Highest capital city globally (La Paz) |
| Brazil | Brasília | 214 million | 8.51 million | Largest Portuguese-speaking nation |
| Chile | Santiago | 19.5 million | 0.76 million | World's driest desert (Atacama) |
| Colombia | Bogotá | 51.5 million | 1.14 million | More bird species than any country |
| Ecuador | Quito | 17.8 million | 0.25 million | Uses US dollars as currency |
| Guyana | Georgetown | 0.8 million | 0.21 million | Only English-speaking South American country |
| Paraguay | Asunción | 7.3 million | 0.41 million | Guaraní spoken alongside Spanish |
| Peru | Lima | 33.7 million | 1.29 million | Origin of the potato (over 3,000 varieties) |
| Suriname | Paramaribo | 0.6 million | 0.16 million | Only Dutch-speaking nation outside Europe |
| Uruguay | Montevideo | 3.5 million | 0.18 million | Highest meat consumption per capita |
| Venezuela | Caracas | 28.7 million | 0.92 million | Houses Angel Falls (world's tallest waterfall) |
The 13th Territory That Confuses Everyone
Now about that "13th" region – French Guiana. It's not a country but an overseas department of France, like how Hawaii is part of the US. This causes all the confusion about how many countries are there in south america. Technically:
- ✅ Included geographically: It sits on the continent
- ❌ Not sovereign: Uses the euro, has French MPs
- 👨👩👧👦 Population: Around 300,000
- 🚀 Key fact: Home to Europe's spaceport near Kourou
I made the mistake of assuming it was independent when trying to visit from Brazil. Border guards laughed when I asked about visa procedures – turns out you need Schengen visa rules! This territorial gray area explains why answers vary when counting nations.
Common Mistakes People Make
When researching "how many countries are in south america", folks often include places that don't belong. During my Panama Canal tour, our guide constantly corrected tourists about this.
Definitely NOT Part of South America
- Mexico: Geographically in North America
- Belize/Costa Rica/Panama: Central American nations
- Caribbean islands: Jamaica, Cuba, etc. are separate
My biggest pet peeve? When Argentina's southern territories get counted separately. Tierra del Fuego feels like another world, but politically it's just Argentina.
Traveler's Reality Check: Borders That Matter
Having navigated these borders personally, here's what travel sites won't tell you:
Visa Headaches to Expect
- Brazil: Requires visa for US/Australian citizens ($160 fee)
- Bolivia: $160 cash visa fee at land borders (exact bills!)
- Chile: Strict agricultural checks (declare ALL food)
Crossing from Peru to Bolivia at Lake Titicaca took me 4 hours because of "paperwork issues" (read: bribery attempts). Pack snacks and patience!
Can't-Miss Experiences Per Country
Beyond counting nations, here's what actually matters for travelers. I've included key details most blogs omit:
Top Attractions With Practical Info
| Country | Must-See Spot | Cost/Practicalities | My Personal Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peru | Machu Picchu 📍Agua Calientes | Entrance: $65-$85 Book MONTHS ahead 🚌 Bus from Cusco: $24 roundtrip | Overcrowded but still magical. Sunrise slots sell out fastest. |
| Brazil | Christ the Redeemer 📍Rio de Janeiro | Entrance: $25 ⏰ 8am-7pm daily 🚂 Cog train included | Go early or late – midday clouds ruin views. Pickpocket hotspot! |
| Chile | Easter Island 📍Rapa Nui | Flight: $400+ RT from Santiago Park Pass: $80 (cash only) ⏰ Sites open sunrise-sunset | Worth every penny. Rent bicycles to explore freely. |
| Argentina | Perito Moreno Glacier 📍Los Glaciares NP | Park Fee: $30 🚶 Boardwalks free Boat tour: $40 extra | Best glacier experience on earth. Listen to it CRACK! |
Don't make my Bolivia salt flats mistake – tour operators vary wildly in safety. Avoid companies offering $100 3-day tours; decent ones start at $180.
Why People Get Confused About South America's Size
When pondering how many countries are in south america, many underestimate its scale. Brazil alone is larger than the contiguous US! Key geographic realities:
- 🌎 Total area: 17.84 million sq km (4th largest continent)
- 🏔️ Longest mountain range: Andes (7,000 km through 7 countries)
- 🌳 Amazon Basin covers 40% of South America
From desert coastlines to Patagonian glaciers, this diversity explains why countries developed such distinct cultures. That Amazon trek I did? Took 18 days just to cross one section!
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Exactly how many countries are there in South America?
12 sovereign states universally recognized. French Guiana makes it 13 territories if counting geographically.
Is Mexico considered part of South America?
No, Mexico sits in North America despite cultural similarities. This confusion constantly pops up when discussing how many countries are in south america.
Which country is both in North and South America?
Panama! Its Darién Gap forms the natural border between continents. The Panama Canal actually flows northwest to southeast.
What's the smallest country in South America?
Suriname (163,820 sq km). Though French Guiana is technically smaller if counted separately (83,846 sq km).
Why do some sources say 13 countries?
They're including French Guiana. But since it's governed by France, it doesn't have independent status like neighboring Suriname.
What's the most visited country?
Peru leads with Machu Picchu magic, followed by Brazil for Rio/Carnival. Argentina's Patagonia comes third.
Political Quirks That Affect the Count
When researching "how many countries are there in south america", you'll encounter these sovereignty debates:
- Falkland Islands: British territory claimed by Argentina
- Guyana-Venezuela dispute: Ongoing border conflict
- Chile-Peru maritime borders: Settled in 2014 after century-long dispute
These tensions aren't just academic – they impact travel. Ferry services between Chile and Argentina sometimes halt during diplomatic spats. During my Patagonia hike, border closures stranded hundreds of backpackers.
Cultural Diversity Beyond the Numbers
Understanding how many countries are in south america misses the cultural richness. This continent speaks:
| Language | Countries | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | 9 nations | Regional accents vary wildly |
| Portuguese | Brazil | Over 200 million speakers |
| Dutch | Suriname | Mixed with Sranan Tongo creole |
| English | Guyana | Caribbean inflection |
| French | French Guiana | With Creole influences |
I'll never forget trying Argentinian Spanish after learning in Mexico – totally different rhythm! And Brazil's Portuguese might as well be another language compared to Lisbon's.
Final Thoughts on the Count
So when friends ask me "how many countries are there in south america?" today, I say: "Technically 12 nations, but pack for 13 experiences." The diversity between Medellín's innovation hub, Amazonian tribes, and Andean villages makes each destination feel like its own world.
That Venezuelan border crossing drama? Worth it for angel falls. Brazil's bureaucratic nightmares? Faded after seeing Christ the Redeemer glow at sunset. Just don't assume geography is simple here – this continent specializes in beautiful complications.