Category: History

Discover the history of South America through articles on civilisations, colonisation, independence movements, conflicts, political transformations and historical figures.
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History

History of Chile: From Ancient Origins to Contemporary Democracy

Introduction

Chile is one of the most distinctive countries in Latin America. Stretching for more than 4,000 kilometers along the Pacific coast and bordered by the Andes Mountains, it has experienced indigenous civilizations, Spanish colonization, regional wars, democratic experiments, military dictatorship, and a remarkable democratic transition.

Understanding the history of Chile means understanding many of the major political, social, and economic transformations that have shaped modern Latin America.

Chile Before the Spanish

Before the arrival of Europeans, the territory that is now Chile was inhabited by numerous indigenous peoples.

In the north, communities were influenced by the Inca Empire, while the center and south were home to the Mapuche, who became famous for their resistance to European conquest.

Unlike many other regions of Latin America, much of Chile was never fully integrated into large pre-Columbian empires. This contributed to the development of strong traditions of local autonomy and resistance.

The Spanish Conquest

Spanish conquistadors reached Chile during the sixteenth century.

Colonization progressed more slowly than in other parts of the continent. The territory lacked the vast mineral wealth found in Peru, and Mapuche resistance made Spanish control difficult to establish.

For centuries, Chile remained a peripheral region of the Spanish Empire and was administratively linked to the Viceroyalty of Peru.

The Independence of Chile

The Chilean independence movement began in 1810 as part of the broader wave of Latin American independence struggles.

Two of the most important leaders were:

  • Bernardo O’Higgins
  • José de San Martín

After years of military campaigns and political conflict, Chile formally declared its independence in 1818.

The creation of the Chilean state marked the beginning of a long period of institution-building that proved more stable than in many neighboring countries.

The Nineteenth Century and State Building

Throughout the nineteenth century, Chile gradually consolidated its political institutions.

Economic growth was fueled by trade and exports, while Santiago emerged as the country’s political and administrative center.

Although Chile enjoyed relative political stability, significant social inequalities persisted, and political power remained concentrated among elite landowning groups.

The War of the Pacific

One of the most significant events in Chilean history was the War of the Pacific (1879–1884).

The conflict pitted Chile against Peru and Bolivia for control of mineral-rich territories in the Atacama Desert.

Chile’s victory produced important consequences:

  • Expansion of national territory
  • Control of valuable nitrate deposits
  • Loss of Bolivia’s direct access to the Pacific Ocean

Even today, the war remains an important element in relations among Chile, Peru, and Bolivia.

Transformations in the Twentieth Century

During the twentieth century, Chile experienced rapid urbanization and increasing political mobilization among workers.

Industrial development encouraged the growth of labor unions and new political movements.

For decades, Chile maintained one of the most stable democratic systems in Latin America, distinguishing itself from many neighboring countries affected by repeated military coups.

Salvador Allende and the Democratic Road to Socialism

In 1970, Salvador Allende won the presidential election.

He became the first Marxist leader in Latin America to reach power through democratic elections.

His government promoted:

  • Nationalization of copper mines
  • Agrarian reform
  • Expansion of public services
  • Wealth redistribution

While these policies inspired supporters, they also generated strong opposition from conservative sectors, business groups, and international actors.

The Military Coup of September 11, 1973

On September 11, 1973, the Chilean armed forces led by General Augusto Pinochet overthrew Allende’s government.

The presidential palace, La Moneda, was bombed, and Allende died during the coup.

The event became one of the most significant episodes of the Cold War in Latin America and dramatically changed the country’s political trajectory.

The Dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet

Following the coup, Augusto Pinochet established a military dictatorship that lasted until 1990.

The regime was characterized by:

  • Political repression
  • Arrests and torture
  • Restrictions on civil liberties
  • Exile of thousands of opponents

At the same time, the government introduced major free-market economic reforms.

A group of economists known as the “Chicago Boys” promoted:

  • Privatization
  • Market liberalization
  • Reduction of state intervention in the economy

These changes transformed Chile’s economic model and continue to influence public debate today.

The Return to Democracy

In 1988, a national referendum rejected Pinochet’s continued rule.

Two years later, Chile officially returned to democratic government.

The democratic transition was gradual and required balancing historical memory, political stability, and economic development.

During the following decades, Chile became one of Latin America’s most stable and prosperous economies.

The 2019 Protests

In 2019, Chile experienced large-scale social protests.

Although demonstrations began in response to increases in public transportation fares, they quickly evolved into broader protests against social and economic inequality.

Many citizens argued that the benefits of economic growth were not being distributed fairly.

The protests eventually led to a constitutional reform process and renewed debate about the country’s future.

Chile Today

Today, Chile is considered one of the most developed countries in Latin America.

Its key economic sectors include:

  • Copper mining
  • Lithium production
  • Fishing
  • Agriculture
  • Renewable energy

However, the country continues to face important challenges related to:

  • Social inequality
  • Cost of living
  • Pension reform
  • Indigenous rights
  • Sustainable economic growth

Why Chile Matters for Understanding Latin America

Chile’s history reflects many of the major themes that have shaped Latin America:

  • European colonization
  • Independence movements
  • Economic modernization
  • The Cold War
  • Military dictatorships
  • Democratic transitions

From Allende’s government to Pinochet’s regime and the social movements of the twenty-first century, Chile remains one of the most important political and economic case studies in Latin America.

Conclusion

The history of Chile is the story of a nation that has undergone profound transformations while maintaining a strong sense of national identity. From the resistance of the Mapuche to Spanish conquest, from independence to contemporary democratic challenges, Chile’s experience helps explain many of the broader dynamics that have shaped Latin America.

For this reason, Chile continues to occupy a central place in historical, political, and economic studies of the region.

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History Countries

The 12 Countries of South America: History, Politics, Economy and Culture

South America comprises 12 sovereign countries, differing in size, population, languages, political organisation and economic development. Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela share historical experiences connected to colonialism and independence, but possess profoundly different identities.

The continent includes large federal states, Andean countries, Caribbean-facing societies, Amazonian territories and nations shaped by European, African and Indigenous cultural influences. This guide presents the twelve countries of South America and introduces their history, politics, economy and culture, linking each chapter to Sudame’s dedicated in-depth articles.

What Are the 12 Countries of South America?

  1. Argentina
  2. Bolivia
  3. Brazil
  4. Chile
  5. Colombia
  6. Ecuador
  7. Guyana
  8. Paraguay
  9. Peru
  10. Suriname
  11. Uruguay
  12. Venezuela

French Guiana is geographically located in South America, but it is not a sovereign state. It is an overseas department and region of France. Similarly, the Falkland Islands or Islas Malvinas, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are not independent states.

South American Countries at a Glance

CountryCapitalMain languageTerritorial organisation
ArgentinaBuenos AiresSpanishFederal
BoliviaSucreSpanish and Indigenous languagesUnitary
BrazilBrasíliaPortugueseFederal
ChileSantiagoSpanishUnitary
ColombiaBogotáSpanishUnitary
EcuadorQuitoSpanishUnitary
GuyanaGeorgetownEnglishUnitary
ParaguayAsunciónSpanish and GuaraníUnitary
PeruLimaSpanish and Indigenous languagesUnitary
SurinameParamariboDutchUnitary
UruguayMontevideoSpanishUnitary
VenezuelaCaracasSpanishFederal

Argentina

Argentina is the second-largest country in South America and one of the region’s leading political, economic and cultural powers. Independent from Spain since 1816, Argentina is a federal republic composed of provinces with their own institutions. Its identity has been shaped by the encounter between Indigenous peoples, colonial traditions and major waves of European migration, particularly from Italy and Spain.

Read more: Argentina: The History and Identity of a Country Between Europe and Latin America.

Bolivia

Bolivia is a landlocked Andean country characterised by a strong Indigenous presence and remarkable geographical diversity. Its name derives from Simón Bolívar, one of the leading figures in the independence movements of South America. The Constitution defines Bolivia as a Plurinational State, recognising the plurality of nations, languages and cultures within its territory.

Read more: Bolivia: The History of the Plurinational State in the Heart of the Andes.

Brazil

Brazil is the largest and most populous country in South America, as well as the only country on the continent where Portuguese is the official language. Its independence, proclaimed in 1822, initially led to the creation of an empire, which became a republic in 1889. Today, Brazil is a federal republic, a major regional power and a country of fundamental importance to the future of the Amazon.

Read more: Brazil: From Portuguese Colony to South America’s Largest Power.

Chile

Chile extends along the western coast of the continent, between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes. Its distinctive territorial shape encompasses the Atacama Desert, the country’s central regions and the archipelagos of Patagonia. Chilean history has been shaped by independence, economic transformations, the 1973 coup, military dictatorship and the subsequent return to democracy.

Read more: History of Chile: From Its Origins to Contemporary Democracy.

Colombia

Colombia occupies a strategic position between the Caribbean Sea, the Pacific Ocean, the Andes and the Amazon. After gaining independence from Spain, it participated in the formation of Gran Colombia alongside present-day Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama. The country’s history has been marked by political and social conflict, but also by extraordinary cultural vitality, exceptional biodiversity and profound contemporary transformations.

Read more: Colombia: The History of a Country Between the Caribbean, the Andes and the Amazon.

Ecuador

Ecuador takes its name from the Equator, which crosses its territory. Despite its relatively limited size, the country encompasses several distinct environments: the Pacific coast, the Andean region, the Amazon and the Galápagos Islands. Its history encompasses pre-Hispanic civilisations, Inca expansion, Spanish colonisation, participation in Gran Colombia and the subsequent establishment of an independent republic.

Read more: Ecuador: History and Identity From the Andes to the Galápagos Islands.

Guyana

Guyana is the only South American state where English is the official language. A former British colony, it gained independence in 1966 and developed a society characterised by communities of African, Indian, European and Indigenous origin. Much of the country is covered by forests, while the discovery of substantial oil resources has rapidly transformed its economic prospects.

Read more: Guyana: The History of South America’s Only English-Speaking Country.

Paraguay

Paraguay is one of the two landlocked countries in South America. Its identity is deeply connected to Guaraní culture, with both Spanish and Guaraní widely spoken among the population. The country achieved de facto independence in 1811 through a local movement that ended Spanish authority and resisted the political ambitions of Buenos Aires.

Read more: Paraguay 1811: The History of South America’s First Independent State.

Peru

Peru is one of the leading historical and cultural centres of South America. Its territory was home to numerous pre-Inca civilisations and later became the heart of the Inca Empire. Following the Spanish conquest, Lima was chosen as the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru. The modern country retains remarkable geographical, linguistic and cultural diversity across its coastal region, the Andes and the Amazon.

Read more: Peru: From the Incas to the Republic.

Suriname

Suriname is the smallest sovereign state in South America by area. A former Dutch colony, it gained independence in 1975 and retains Dutch as its official language. Its population reflects a complex history of colonisation, slavery and migration, with communities of African, Asian, European and Indigenous origin. Tropical forests cover much of the country’s territory.

Read more: Suriname: History and Culture of South America’s Smallest Country.

Uruguay

Uruguay is located between Argentina and Brazil, with coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean and the Río de la Plata. Its independence was recognised in 1828 after a prolonged struggle involving the region’s leading powers. Officially known as the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, the country has developed a strong institutional tradition, significant social policies and a cultural identity connected to the wider Río de la Plata region.

Read more: Uruguay: The History and Identity of the Oriental Republic.

Venezuela

Venezuela was one of the main centres of the Spanish American wars of independence and the birthplace of Simón Bolívar. After participating in Gran Colombia, it became a separate republic in 1830. During the twentieth century, the discovery and exploitation of oil profoundly transformed its economy and international role. Its recent history has been characterised by political instability, economic difficulties and a large diaspora.

Read more: Venezuela: History, Oil and Political Transformations.

Federal and Unitary States in South America

South American countries use different models of territorial organisation. Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela are federal republics in which power is divided between the national government and their respective provinces or federated states.

The other nine countries are generally classified as unitary states, although some have introduced significant forms of regional autonomy and administrative decentralisation.

The Languages of South America

Spanish is the most widely spoken language on the continent, while Portuguese is spoken in Brazil, the region’s most populous country. English is the official language of Guyana, and Dutch is the official language of Suriname.

South America’s linguistic heritage also includes Guaraní, Quechua, Aymara and hundreds of other Indigenous languages, many of which continue to play a central role within local communities.

Read more: What Languages Are Spoken in South America?

The Independence of South American Countries

Most South American states gained independence during the opening decades of the nineteenth century, following the crisis of the Spanish and Portuguese empires. These processes, however, differed in duration, leadership and consequences.

The Spanish colonies experienced prolonged wars, while Brazil initially became an independent empire. Guyana and Suriname, by contrast, completed their processes of decolonisation only during the twentieth century.

Are South America and Latin America the Same?

South America and Latin America are related terms, but they are not perfectly equivalent. South America is a geographical region comprising the twelve sovereign states located in the southern part of the American continent.

Latin America is primarily a historical, linguistic and cultural concept. It also includes Mexico, much of Central America and several Caribbean countries and territories.

Read more: South America and Latin America: Geographical and Cultural Differences.

Which South American Countries Are Landlocked?

Bolivia and Paraguay are the only sovereign states in South America without direct access to the sea. Bolivia lost its Pacific coastline during the War of the Pacific, fought in the nineteenth century.

Paraguay is located within the Paraguay and Paraná river basin. These waterways provide essential connections for international trade and transport despite the country’s landlocked position.

Why Learn About the Countries of South America?

Learning about the countries of South America means understanding a continent united by common historical experiences, yet characterised by profoundly different identities.

Colonial history, independence movements, Indigenous cultures, migration, natural resources and processes of regional integration have created complex and dynamic societies. Each country therefore represents an individual chapter within a broader continental history.

Frequently Asked Questions About South American Countries

This section provides concise answers to the most common questions about the continent, from the number of sovereign states and languages spoken to territorial size and the position of landlocked countries. These frequently asked questions help readers quickly identify the essential information and complement the detailed discussions presented in the previous chapters.

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History

Paraguay: The Definitive Guide to South America’s First Independent State

The Paraguay is a landlocked country located in the heart of South America, bordered by Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia. The history of Paraguay is deeply connected to Guaraní culture, Spanish colonisation and a path to independence that differed from the one followed by much of the continent.

Political Map of Paraguay

Paraguay: History and Independence of South America’s First Sovereign State

On the night of 14–15 May 1811, a movement organised in Asunción brought Spanish colonial rule to an end and began the construction of an autonomous government. For this reason, Paraguay is generally considered the first of today’s South American states to achieve independence, although the process of defining its sovereignty continued over the following decades. The United States Department of State identifies 15 May 1811 as the date of Paraguay’s declaration of independence.

Paraguay Before Independence

Before the arrival of Europeans, the territory of present-day Paraguay was inhabited primarily by Guaraní peoples. Their presence left a lasting mark on the country’s national identity: even today, Guaraní is one of Paraguay’s official languages, alongside Spanish.

Spanish colonisation began in the sixteenth century. Founded in 1537, Asunción became one of the principal centres of colonial expansion in the Río de la Plata basin. Paraguayan territory, however, remained relatively isolated compared with those areas of the Spanish Empire that were rich in precious metals and more closely connected to international trade routes.

The painting depicts the foundation of the city of Asunción in Paraguay on 15 August 1537 by the Spanish captain Juan de Salazar y Espinosa.

Between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the Jesuit missions, known as reducciones, also acquired considerable importance. These settlements brought Indigenous communities together under the direction of missionaries and developed distinctive forms of economic, social and religious organisation.

The coexistence of Guaraní peoples and European colonists, which was also characterised by conflicts and unequal power relations, contributed to the development of Paraguay’s distinctive cultural identity.

In 1776, Paraguay was incorporated into the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, whose capital was Buenos Aires. This reorganisation formally strengthened Spanish colonial control, but it also increased tensions between the elites of Asunción and the political and economic power exercised by Buenos Aires.

The Causes of Paraguayan Independence

Paraguayan independence developed within the broader crisis of the Spanish Empire. In 1808, Napoleon’s invasion of Spain and the deposition of King Ferdinand VII created a power vacuum in the American colonies.

In Buenos Aires, the May Revolution of 1810 removed the viceroy and established a governing junta. The revolutionaries in Buenos Aires believed that they could exercise authority over the entire territory of the former Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, including Paraguay.

In Asunción, however, fears spread that the end of Spanish rule might simply lead to subordination to Buenos Aires. The objective of Paraguay’s supporters of autonomy was therefore not only to separate the country from Spain, but also to prevent it from being absorbed by another regional centre of power.

In 1810, Buenos Aires sent a military expedition to Paraguay led by Manuel Belgrano. Paraguayan forces defeated Belgrano’s army in the battles of Paraguarí and Tacuarí, fought in January and March 1811 respectively.

These victories strengthened Paraguayans’ military and political confidence, demonstrating that the province could defend its autonomy.

The Revolution of 14 and 15 May 1811

Following the defeat of Belgrano’s expedition, a group of military officers, intellectuals and representatives of the local elites began preparing to overthrow the colonial authorities.

The leading figures of the revolution included:

  • Pedro Juan Caballero, one of the principal military organisers;
  • Fulgencio Yegros, a prestigious commander and future president of the first governing junta;
  • Vicente Ignacio Iturbe, who was entrusted with presenting the revolutionaries’ demands;
  • José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, a lawyer and decisive political figure in the construction of the new state;
  • Fernando de la Mora, a civilian representative of the independence movement.

On the night of 14 May 1811, the revolutionaries occupied the principal military positions in Asunción. At dawn on 15 May, they presented an ultimatum to the Spanish governor, Bernardo de Velasco, forcing him to accept the inclusion of Paraguayan representatives in the government.

The political change took place without a prolonged battle in the capital. The immediate objectives were to neutralise the colonial administration, prevent possible Portuguese influence from Brazil and convene a congress responsible for establishing Paraguay’s new political organisation.

Velasco was definitively removed from power on 9 June. A few days later, a congress gathered in Asunción established the Junta Superior Gubernativa, chaired by Fulgencio Yegros and also composed of José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, Pedro Juan Caballero, Francisco Javier Bogarín and Fernando de la Mora.

The junta assumed control of the administration, armed forces, public finances and relations with neighbouring territories.

Was Paraguay Truly the First Independent State in South America?

Paraguay is frequently described as the first of today’s South American states to have achieved stable independence, in May 1811. This claim, however, requires some clarification.

Venezuela proclaimed its independence on 5 July 1811, only a few weeks after Paraguay, but subsequently faced a long war against Spanish royalist forces. Other South American territories had also established autonomous governing juntas before 1811, although they did not immediately achieve stable sovereignty.

Paraguay, by contrast, succeeded in excluding both Spanish authority and the authority of Buenos Aires while maintaining control over its territory. The Republic of Paraguay was proclaimed in 1813, while a formal declaration of independence was adopted in 1842 during the government of Carlos Antonio López. The United States recognised Paraguay as an independent state in 1852.

It is therefore more accurate to say that Paraguay was one of the first South American countries to achieve independence and the first among the continent’s present-day states to consolidate a lasting autonomous government in 1811.

José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia and the Construction of the State

The most influential figure in post-independence Paraguay was José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, also known as Doctor Francia or El Supremo.

Francia argued that the country needed to defend itself not only from a possible Spanish return, but also from the ambitions of Buenos Aires and neighbouring Brazil. In 1813, he participated in the establishment of the consulate, a form of government headed by two consuls. The following year he became supreme dictator and, in 1816, dictator for life.

During his government, which continued until his death in 1840, Paraguay adopted a policy of strong isolation. Francia restricted foreign trade and diplomatic relations, reduced the influence of the traditional elites and concentrated power in the hands of the state.

This policy helped to defend the sovereignty of the new country, but it also created an authoritarian system characterised by strict political controls. Paraguayan independence therefore led to the birth of an autonomous state, but not to a democracy in the contemporary meaning of the term.

The Legacy of Paraguayan Independence

Independence continues to occupy a central place in Paraguay’s national identity. Celebrations take place on 14 and 15 May, commemorating a revolution that ended colonial rule without developing into a prolonged war fought across the country.

Paraguay’s path differed from other South American experiences because it was not directly led by the great continental campaigns of Simón Bolívar or José de San Martín. Instead, it was primarily the result of a local movement that sought to defend the territory’s autonomy from Spain as well as from Buenos Aires and Portugal.

This determination to preserve independence and isolation would profoundly shape the country’s subsequent history. Paraguay later faced the devastating War of the Triple Alliance, fought between 1864 and 1870, and the Chaco War against Bolivia, fought between 1932 and 1935.

During the twentieth century, the country also experienced the long dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner, which ended in 1989, before the adoption of the democratic Constitution of 1992.

The independence of 1811 therefore remains the founding moment of the Paraguayan nation: the beginning of a political history marked by the defence of sovereignty, the centralisation of power and the search for a balance between isolation and regional integration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paraguayan Independence

When did Paraguay achieve independence?

Paraguay achieved de facto independence on the night of 14–15 May 1811, when the revolutionaries in Asunción brought Spanish colonial authority to an end. The republic was proclaimed in 1813, while a formal declaration of independence was adopted in 1842.

Was Paraguay the first independent state in South America?

Paraguay is generally considered the first of today’s South American states to consolidate a lasting independent government, in May 1811. Other territories had already launched movements for autonomy, but they subsequently faced prolonged wars before they could establish stable sovereignty.

Who were the leading figures in Paraguay’s independence?

The principal figures included Pedro Juan Caballero, Fulgencio Yegros, Vicente Ignacio Iturbe, José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia and Fernando de la Mora. The revolution was therefore a collective process supported by military officers, intellectuals and civilian representatives.

Why did Paraguay also want to separate from Buenos Aires?

Following the May Revolution of 1810, Buenos Aires attempted to extend its authority over the former territories of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. Paraguayan leaders feared that the end of Spanish rule would simply be replaced by a new form of political and economic subordination to Buenos Aires.

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History South America

South America: 12 Countries, Forms of State and the History of Independence

South America: 12 Countries, Forms of State and the History of Independence

South America is a continent distinguished by remarkable geographical, cultural and political diversity. From an international perspective, it includes 12 sovereign states: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela. All twelve are members of the United Nations and are also listed among the member states of the OAS Member States. French Guiana, by contrast, is not an independent country but an overseas territory and integral part of France.

How many countries are there in South America?

The independent countries of South America are:

  1. Argentina
  2. Bolivia
  3. Brazil
  4. Chile
  5. Colombia
  6. Ecuador
  7. Guyana
  8. Paraguay
  9. Peru
  10. Suriname
  11. Uruguay
  12. Venezuela

Panama is generally classified as part of Central America rather than South America. The Falkland Islands or Islas Malvinas, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are not sovereign states either. Sovereignty over the Falklands/Malvinas remains disputed between Argentina and the United Kingdom.

Forms of state in South America

All twelve South American countries are formally republics. The continent therefore has no sovereign monarchies. However, a distinction must be made between a country’s republican status, its system of government and its territorial organization.

From a territorial perspective, Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela are federal states. Political authority is constitutionally divided between the central government and federated entities, known as provinces in Argentina and states in Brazil and Venezuela. Argentina and Brazil are considered two of the clearest examples of federalism in Latin America.

The other nine countries are generally classified as unitary states, although their degree of administrative and political decentralization varies considerably. Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname and Uruguay have a unitary state authority but may transfer important responsibilities to regions, departments, provinces, municipalities or autonomous territories.

The distinction between federal and unitary systems is not always absolute. Decentralization has made the constitutional organization of several Latin American countries more complex than the traditional unitary model might suggest.

Most South American countries also use a presidential system, in which the president plays the leading role within the executive branch. Guyana has a distinctive arrangement in which the presidency is closely connected to parliamentary elections and the composition of the National Assembly.

The independence of South America

South American independence was a long historical process rather than a single event. Most of the continent had been colonized by Spain, while Brazil formed part of the Portuguese Empire. Guyana and Suriname followed different colonial paths under British and Dutch rule respectively.

The Spanish American wars of independence began during the opening decades of the nineteenth century. Paraguay declared independence in 1811, Argentina in 1816, Chile in 1818, Peru in 1821, Brazil in 1822 and Bolivia in 1825. Uruguay declared independence in 1825 and obtained international recognition in 1828.

The histories of Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador were more complex, involving early declarations of independence, prolonged military campaigns and territorial transformations connected to the creation and later dissolution of Gran Colombia.

Two of the leading figures in the independence movements were Simón Bolívar, whose campaigns transformed northern South America, and José de San Martín, who played a decisive role in the independence of Argentina, Chile and Peru. Brazil followed a different path: independence from Portugal initially led to the creation of an empire, which remained in existence until the proclamation of the republic in 1889.

Guyana and Suriname achieved sovereignty much later than the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries. Guyana became independent from the United Kingdom in 1966, while Suriname gained independence from the Netherlands in 1975. The continent’s decolonization process therefore extended over more than a century and a half.

A shared history and diverse political systems

South America is not politically uniform. Its twelve sovereign countries share colonial experiences, independence movements and republican institutions, but their constitutions and territorial systems distribute power in different ways.

Regional organizations and integration projects, including the Organization of American States, Mercosur, the Andean Community and UNASUR, reflect recurring efforts to strengthen political and economic cooperation. The UNASUR Constitutive Treaty was signed in 2008 by the twelve South American countries with the aim of promoting regional integration in political, social, economic and cultural fields.

Understanding the number of South American countries, their forms of state and their paths to independence is therefore essential to understanding the continent’s modern identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many countries are there in South America?

There are 12 sovereign countries in South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Is French Guiana a South American country?

No. French Guiana is geographically located in South America, but it is an overseas territory and integral part of France rather than a sovereign country.

Which South American countries are federal states?

The federal countries of South America are Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela. The other nine sovereign states are generally classified as unitary, although several have decentralized or autonomous institutions.

Which was the first South American country to become independent?

Among the continent’s present-day sovereign states, Paraguay declared its independence in 1811. Venezuela and other Spanish American territories began revolutionary processes during the same period, although their independence required years of military conflict to become secure.

Which South American countries gained independence most recently?

Guyana became independent in 1966 and Suriname in 1975. Suriname is therefore the South American state that most recently achieved independence.

Are there any monarchies in South America?

No. All twelve sovereign South American countries are republics.