Which South American country has the smallest total area?

Suriname has the smallest total area of any sovereign country in South America.

Suriname occupies the northeastern coast of South America, between Guyana and French Guiana, with Brazil to the south. Although it is the continent’s smallest country by area, much of its territory is covered by tropical rainforest. Most residents live in the northern coastal region, especially around Paramaribo.

Suriname is sometimes confused with Guyana because both countries are on South America’s Atlantic coast and have English- or Dutch-influenced colonial histories. Suriname’s official language is Dutch, making it the only Dutch-speaking sovereign country in South America. Its population is also highly diverse, reflecting Asian, African, Indigenous, European, and mixed heritage.

The country became independent from the Netherlands in 1975. Paramaribo is the capital, and the historic inner city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gold mining, oil, agriculture, and bauxite have all played important economic roles.