Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
A sovereign state is a political association with effective sovereignty over a population for whom it makes decisions in the national interest. [3] According to the Montevideo Convention, a state must have a permanent population, a defined territory, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. [4]
Most of the present-day nations gained independence in the early 19th century, all of Latin America except for two Spanish colonies in North America gained independence between 1808 and 1826. [1] Today, South America consists of twelve sovereign states with common government system being some form of presidential republic.
For a table of sovereign states and dependent territories in North America with geographical data such as area, population, and population density, see North America: countries and territories. Geologically, North America is joined with South America by the Isthmus of Panama to form the Americas.
South America has an area of 17,840,000 square kilometers (6,890,000 sq mi). Its population as of 2021 has been estimated at more than 434 million. [1] [2] South America ranks fourth in area (after Asia, Africa, and North America) and fifth in population (after Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America). Brazil is by far the most populous South ...
The list shows large groupings associated with the dates of independence from decolonization (e.g., 41 current states gained control of sovereignty from the United Kingdom and France between 1956 and 1966) or dissolution of a political union (e.g., 18 current states gained control of sovereignty from the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia between 1990 ...
The International Court of Justice rendered its decision on 23 May 2008 that sovereignty over Pedra Branca belongs to Singapore; sovereignty over Middle Rocks belongs to Malaysia. It said sovereignty over South Ledge would remain disputed until the states could determine the ownership of the territorial waters in which it is located. [56]
France's territory in South America is French Guiana. The Netherlands' territories in South America are Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. The United Kingdom's territories in South America are the Falklands Islands, and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
Below is a list of countries and dependencies in South America by area. [1] Brazil is the largest country in South America while Suriname is the smallest. Panama is not regarded as a transcontinental country but the country is sometimes included in South America due to being part of Colombia prior to its secession in 1903.