How to teach the countries of South America
Grade 3 to Grade 6
South America has twelve countries, few enough to fit on one map, so the trick is to anchor from the giant, Brazil, in the centre, then work around the edge. Learn the shapes on a blank map first, then add the capitals. It is a good continent to start country study with because the small number of countries makes the whole map learnable.
How to teach it
- Start with Brazil, which fills almost half the continent, then place the countries around its rim.
- Use the coasts and mountains as anchors: the long thin Chile down the Pacific, the Andes along the west, the three small Guianas in the north-east.
- Learn the countries in groups: the northern (Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas), the Andean (Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia), and the southern (Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay).
- Pair each country with its capital once the shapes are secure, and watch the traps: Bolivia has two capitals (Sucre is the constitutional capital), and several capitals sit on the coast.
- Handle the edges honestly: French Guiana is part of France, not an independent country, and the Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory, so they show on the map but are not labelled as countries.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the three small north-eastern neighbours, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.
- Assuming the biggest city is the capital (Brazil's capital is Brasilia, not Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo).
- Mixing up Paraguay and Uruguay, which sound alike and sit near each other.
- Forgetting that a country and its capital can have quite different names.
Frequently asked questions
How many countries are in South America?
South America has twelve countries, few enough to fit on one map. The trick is to anchor from the giant, Brazil, in the centre, then work around the edge. Learn the shapes on a blank map first, then add the capitals.
What age or grade are the countries of South America taught?
The countries of South America are usually taught from Grade 3 to Grade 6. Because there are only twelve, it is a good continent to start country study with, since the small number makes the whole map learnable in a way larger continents are not.
What is the best way to learn South America?
Start with Brazil, which fills almost half the continent, then place the countries around its rim. Use the long thin Chile down the Pacific, the Andes along the west, and the three small Guianas in the north-east as anchors, learning the countries in northern, Andean and southern groups.
Which country has two capitals in South America?
Bolivia has two capitals. Sucre is the constitutional capital and La Paz is the seat of government. This surprises students, since most countries have one. Several other South American capitals sit right on the coast, which is another useful pattern to point out.
Is Rio de Janeiro the capital of Brazil?
No. Brazil's capital is Brasilia, a purpose-built city in the interior, not the better-known Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo. Assuming the biggest or most famous city is the capital is a common trap across South America.
Are French Guiana and the Falkland Islands countries?
No. French Guiana is part of France, not an independent country, and the Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory. Both appear on a map of South America but are not labelled as countries, which is an honest point worth explaining to students.
Which South American countries do children confuse?
The three small north-eastern neighbours, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, are easily mixed up, and Paraguay and Uruguay sound alike and sit near each other. Learning them in regional groups and noting that a country and its capital can have very different names helps.
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