Map of South America: Countries, Safety, and Top Travel Questions

If you’ve ever stared at a map of South America and wondered which country to visit first, you’re not alone. This guide uses the continent’s geography to answer common travel questions—from the safest place to land to the only country where English is the official language.

Number of countries: 12 ·
Largest country: Brazil ·
Smallest country: Suriname ·
Highest point: Aconcagua (6,961 m) ·
Longest north-south: Chile (4,300 km) ·
Only English-speaking: Guyana

Six quick facts, one pattern: South America’s geography is extreme, and the safety picture is equally varied.

Bottom line: The map shows 12 sovereign countries, but each one offers a completely different experience—both in beauty and in risk.

What 12 countries make up South America?

The continent’s political borders are straightforward: 12 sovereign nations, plus French Guiana (an overseas department of France). Here’s the full list with their capitals and geographic context.

Map of South America with country labels

• Argentina – Buenos Aires (Tier 1 advisory: Level 1) US State Department via Global Guardian
• Bolivia – Sucre (Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution) Global Guardian
• Brazil – Brasília (Level 2) Global Guardian
• Chile – Santiago (Level 2) Global Guardian
• Colombia – Bogotá (Level 3: Reconsider Travel) Global Guardian
• Ecuador – Quito (Level 2/3 depending on region) TSS Latam (Latin America security consultancy)
• Guyana – Georgetown (Level 3) Global Guardian
• Paraguay – Asunción (no specific US advisory noted, generally Level 1/2)
• Peru – Lima (Level 2) Global Guardian
• Suriname – Paramaribo (no US advisory, generally Level 1)
• Uruguay – Montevideo (Level 1) Global Guardian
• Venezuela – Caracas (Level 4: Do Not Travel) Global Guardian

Geographic boundaries

The Atlantic Ocean borders the entire eastern coast, the Pacific runs along Chile and Peru, and the Caribbean Sea touches Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. The Andes mountain range runs like a spine down the west, while the Amazon basin covers most of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. Safeture Risk Map 2025 (corporate travel risk specialist)

The implication: The 12-country list is simple, but the safety and travel conditions vary enormously. Knowing which country sits where on a map is only half the story.

What is the safest country to visit in South America?

For travelers prioritizing security, Uruguay consistently tops the list, followed closely by Chile and Argentina. But official advisories tell a more nuanced story.

Safest countries: Uruguay, Chile, Argentina

• Uruguay: US State Department Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) Global Guardian
• Chile: Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) Global Guardian
• Argentina: Level 1 Global Guardian

Street crime remains a problem in Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Mendoza, according to TSS Latam, even in otherwise safe Argentina.

Countries to avoid: Venezuela, parts of Colombia

• Venezuela: Level 4 – Do Not Travel Global Guardian
• Colombia: Level 3 – Reconsider Travel; terrorism, crime, and kidnapping active nationwide TSS Latam
• Ecuador: Level 2 overall, but Level 4 areas in Esmeraldas, Carchi, and Sucumbios due to increased crime since 2019 TSS Latam

According to the 2025 Safeture Risk Map, Durán, Ecuador had the highest murder rate globally in 2023, and Cali, Colombia is among the most violent cities.

The pattern: safety consistently correlates with political stability and lower crime rates across these nations.

What is the prettiest country in South America?

Beauty is subjective, but one country consistently wins the popular vote. Colombia’s diversity—spanning the Amazon rainforest, the Andes mountains, and Caribbean beaches—earns it the top spot in many travel rankings.

Colombia: diversity winner

According to Global Guardian, Colombia’s geographical variety is unmatched. The country contains three of the continent’s most dramatic landscapes within a territory the size of France and Spain combined.

Other contenders: Peru, Brazil, Argentina

• Peru: Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the Amazon Global Guardian
• Brazil: Iguazu Falls, the Amazon, and Rio’s coastline Global Guardian
• Argentina: Patagonian glaciers, Buenos Aires, and wine country

Safeture’s risk map notes that Colombia’s natural attractions draw millions of tourists annually despite its Level 3 advisory.

Who is the longest country in the world?

Chile holds the record for the longest north-south country on Earth, stretching over 4,300 km from the Atacama Desert to the tip of Patagonia.

Chile’s remarkable shape

Its average width is only 177 km, making it 24 times longer than its widest point. Global Guardian notes this extreme geography shapes everything from climate to travel logistics—a trip from Arica to Punta Arenas covers 2,700 miles of desert, vineyards, lakes, and glaciers.

Comparison with other elongated countries

No other country comes close. Norway, Vietnam, and Italy are also long, but Chile’s 4,300 km span is unrivaled. Safeture highlights that Chile’s narrow shape also concentrates crime in urban hubs like Santiago, while remote regions remain calm.

Chile’s extreme length is a defining feature that influences travel planning and climate.

What is the only English-speaking country in South America?

Guyana is the sole South American nation where English is the official language, a legacy of British colonial rule.

Guyana: official language English

Its capital is Georgetown, and its cultural ties are as much Caribbean as South American. Global Guardian reports that Guyana is a Level 3 advisory country, meaning travelers should reconsider non-essential travel due to crime and instability.

Other languages across the continent

• Spanish: official in 9 countries
• Portuguese: official in Brazil
• Indigenous languages: Quechua, Guarani, Aymara, and dozens more are widely spoken Global Guardian

Guyana’s unique linguistic status makes it a distinct destination in a Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking continent.

Clarity section

Quotes section

Forbes just ranked Colombia the most beautiful country in South America, citing its diverse landscapes and biodiversity.

Forbes travel ranking (referenced in multiple travel guides)

Travel advisories for Venezuela and Colombia recommend caution due to crime and instability.

US State Department, as reported by Global Guardian

For the traveler facing a map of South America, the choice is clear: stick to the safer countries (Uruguay, Chile, Argentina) for a relaxed trip, or brave the more complex destinations (Colombia, Brazil) for unmatched natural beauty—but with a careful safety plan. Either way, the continent’s 12 nations offer more diversity than any other region on Earth.

Frequently asked questions