South America is filled with a diverse range of cultures, climates, and landscapes. From the mysterious Amazon rainforest to the breathtaking Andes Mountains, South America has so many natural wonders to explore. We’ll be exploring some fascinating facts about the continent. From languages to its geography, we’ll be covering the ten most interesting facts about South America.

Want to know more about continents? Check out our Top 10 Facts about the Continents.

1. There are 12 countries in South America

This includes Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Venezuala.

2. The biggest country in South America is Brazil

Brazil also has the most people with a population of 201 million.

Learn more about Brazil below with our Top 10 Facts about Brazil!

3. The weather in South America is hot and humid

In general, the weather in South America is hot and humid. Countries in the Amazon basin like Northern Brazil and Columbia have lots of rainforest so they are hot and humid all year round with lots of rain. 

4. The Amazon River runs through South America 

The second longest river in the world, The Amazon, is in South America. It contains more water than any other river in the world and is home to many amazing animals including the Amazon River Dolphin. 

5. World’s largest coffee producer Brazil is in this continent

In 2016 it is thought that 2,595,000 metric tons of coffee beans were produced in Brazil alone.

Brazil has been the highest producing country for coffee for over 150 years followed by Vietnam in Asia and Colombia in South America.

6. The world’s largest tropical rainforest is located in South America

The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest. It’s home to more than 30 million people and one in ten known species on Earth. It is known as ‘the lungs of the Earth’ because it produces so much oxygen. However recently it has been being destroyed to grow soy and make space for livestock. 

7. The potato originated from South America

Despite originating from South America it is Europe which now produces three quarters of the world’s potatoes. 

Other foods which come from South America are chocolate, pineapple and peanuts.

8. En Canto is set in South America

Disney’s En Canto is set in Colombia – one of the biggest countries on the South American continent. 

Fancy having a go at making the Arepas from Encanto? Check out our recipe!

9. There are 2 landlocked countries in South America

There are only 2 countries in South America completely bordered by land and that have no seaside. These countries are Paraguay and Bolivia.

10. The most spoken language in South America is Spanish

Spanish is the most widely spoken language in South America followed closely by Portuguese which is the official language of Brazil.

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