Continent

South America

The Amazon basin, Andean peaks, Patagonian ice fields and Atlantic cities — South America holds some of Earth’s most dramatic and biodiverse landscapes.

Countries12
Population432M
Area17.8M km2
Known forAmazon, Andes, wildlife

Overview

Area17.8 million km2
Population432 million
Population ranking#5
Share of world population5.4%
Countries12
Largest countryBrazil
Smallest countrySuriname
Time zonesUTC -5 to -2

Key Stats

Human development
Medium–high
Safety index
38
Internet access
76%
Life expectancy
75 years
GDP nominal
$4.5T

Sources: UN, World Bank, Numbeo.

Top 5 Countries by Population

Brazil
215M
Colombia
52M
Argentina
46M
Peru
33M
Venezuela
33M

Landscape & Nature

6,961 mHighest point
57%Forest cover
32,000 kmCoastline
6Climate zones

Top 3 Highest Mountains

Aconcagua6,961 m
Ojos del Salado6,893 m
Monte Pissis6,795 m

Regions

NorthAmazon basin and Venezuela — equatorial rainforest, rivers and biodiversity
AndesMountain spine from Colombia to Patagonia — altiplano, volcanoes and glaciers
Atlantic CoastBrazil’s coast, Buenos Aires corridor and the Pampas grasslands
Southern ConeArgentina, Chile, Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and Antarctic gateways

Why South America?

Amazon rainforestWorld’s largest tropical rainforest — over half of Earth’s remaining rainforest.
Andean peaksLongest mountain range on Earth with Aconcagua reaching 6,961 m.
WildlifeGalápagos, jaguars, giant anteaters, spectacled bears and pink river dolphins.
Culture & carnivalCarnival, tango, cumbia, ceviche and deeply layered indigenous and colonial heritage.
Iguazu & PatagoniaIguazu Falls, Torres del Paine, Atacama Desert and the Pantanal wetlands.