South America is a vast continent located in the Western Hemisphere, encompassing a diverse range of countries with unique cultures and histories.
While it is commonly believed that there are eighteen nations in South America, this is not entirely accurate. In fact, there are twenty countries in South America, including French Guiana, which is often mistakenly excluded from lists due to its territorial status.
French Guiana: A Territory of France
French Guiana is a small country located on the north coast of South America, bordered by Venezuela to the west, Suriname to the east, and Brazil to the south. It is an overseas territory of France, meaning that it is governed by the French government and has its own unique political and economic system.
Despite its territorial status, French Guiana is often mistakenly included in lists of South American nations due to its location on the continent. However, it is not considered a sovereign nation and does not have its own independent government or currency.
The Twenty Countries of South America
In addition to French Guiana, there are twenty other countries in South America, including:
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Guyana
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Suriname
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Barbados
- Belize
- British Virgin Islands
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
Summary
While it is commonly believed that there are eighteen nations in South America, this is not entirely accurate. In fact, there are twenty countries in South America, including French Guiana, which is an overseas territory of France. It is important to understand the unique political and economic systems of each country in order to fully appreciate the diversity and complexity of this vast continent.