Geographic Size of the Countries of South America

TL;DR

South America comprises 12 countries sorted by geographic size from Suriname, the smallest at 163,820 km² to Brazil, the largest spanning over 8.5 million km². Brazil accounts for nearly half of the continent’s total area and is the fifth-largest globally. Argentina, Peru, and Colombia follow in size. The Falkland Islands and French Guiana are among smaller territories, while vast natural diversity ranges from sprawling rainforests to Andean peaks.
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Smallest South American Countries by Area

  • Suriname is the smallest country in South America, covering an area of 163,820 km².
  • French Guiana, although not a country, is a French territory and has an area of 83,534 km².
  • The Falkland Islands, covering 12,173 km², is a remote and politically significant British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. Comprising over 700 islands, its rugged landscape is home to abundant wildlife and notable natural beauty. While sparsely populated, with fewer than 4,000 residents, the Falklands play a critical role in geopolitical and maritime strategy due to their location near key shipping routes.

    The territory has been at the heart of historical disputes, notably between the United Kingdom and Argentina, culminating in the Falklands War of 1982. Although under British governance, Argentina continues to claim sovereignty over these islands. Their strategic significance includes economic interests, such as potential oil reserves and lucrative fisheries. These factors make the Falkland Islands a unique yet contentious presence on the geopolitical stage.

Moderately Sized South American Countries

Prominent Mid-Sized South American Countries

Larger South American Nations by Area

Two Largest South American Nations

 

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