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How Many Countries Are There in South America?

There are 12 countries in South America — that is, 12 sovereign states.

South America has the fewest countries of any inhabited continent. All twelve are UN member states, so the count is not disputed.

United Nations — Standard Country Codes (M49) ↗
Source UN M49Method sovereign states (193 UN members + 2 observers)As of 2026

The countries

All 12 sovereign states of South America, A–Z. Each traces to the UN list of member and observer states.

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

The countries: 12 · sovereign states (193 UN members + 2 observers)

How we count South America

We count the twelve sovereign states of South America, all of which are UN members. French Guiana is not on the list — it is an overseas region of France, not an independent country, so it is counted with France (Europe). The Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory, not a sovereign state, and are likewise not counted. There are no observer states or microstates to add.

FAQ

What is the largest country in South America?
Brazil is by far the largest country in South America by both area and population — it covers almost half the continent.
What is the smallest country in South America?
Suriname is the smallest sovereign state in South America by both area and population, at about 164,000 square kilometres.
Is French Guiana a country?
No. French Guiana is an overseas region of France, so it is part of France rather than an independent South American country. That is why there are 12 sovereign states here, not 13.
Why does South America have so few countries?
The continent was shaped by a small number of large colonial empires — chiefly Spain and Portugal — whose territories became a handful of large nations rather than many small ones, unlike Africa or Europe.

Antarctica has 0 countries — it is governed by the Antarctic Treaty, not by any sovereign state.

More, by numbers

How many countries are there in the world?

195 — the full picture, sourced →

Population by country

Every country, ranked →

Facts, by numbers

Straight, sourced answers →

The other continents

How many countries in Europe?
44 sovereign states →
How many countries in Asia?
48 sovereign states →
How many countries in Africa?
54 sovereign states →
How many countries in North America?
23 sovereign states →
How many countries in Oceania?
14 sovereign states →

Sources

Every number here traces to an official body.