South America is a continent located in the Western Hemisphere, and it has many countries that are widely recognized globally. However, some people may have confusion when it comes to the total number of countries in South America. In this article, we will discuss whether there are 18 countries in South America or not.
Number of Countries in South America
According to the United Nations Geoscheme (UNGS), there are 12 countries that are located entirely within South America. These countries include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
In addition to these 12 countries, there are two countries that share borders with both North and South America: French Guiana and the Dominican Republic. These countries are technically located in South America, but they also share borders with North America.
Some people may also consider Paraguay to be a country in Northern South America, as it shares borders with Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. However, according to the UNGS, Paraguay is considered part of Southern South America.
Summary
In conclusion, there are 12 countries that are located entirely within South America, including French Guiana and the Dominican Republic, which share borders with both North and South America. While some people may consider Paraguay to be a country in Northern South America, it is officially considered part of Southern South America according to the UNGS. Therefore, there are not 18 countries in South America, but rather 12 countries that are located entirely within the continent.
