South America

South America is a continent in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, and is commonly described as the southern subregion of the Americas.

South America is a continent in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere. It is the fourth-largest continent by area and has 12 sovereign countries.

What it is

South America is commonly described as the southern subregion of the Americas. It lies mainly in the Southern Hemisphere and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The continent includes major physical regions such as the Andes, the Amazon Basin, and the southern cone.

Key details

South America has 12 sovereign countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Brazil is the largest by area and population. Spanish and Portuguese are the main languages, with English, Dutch, and indigenous languages also spoken. The Andes Mountains run along the western edge, and Aconcagua is the highest peak.

Why it matters

South America is relevant to Canadian readers through trade, migration, tourism, and environmental issues. It shares hemispheric geography with Canada, including Pan-American travel and climate connections.