How Big Is South America?
South America is the 4th largest continent, covering approximately 17,840,000 square kilometers (6,888,060 square miles). It is made up of 14 countries. That's roughly the same size as Russia.
South America
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South America on the Map
South America's Geography
South America is the 4th largest continent, and is made up of 14 countries. Drag it across the map above to see how its true size compares to other continents and countries.
How Far Across Is South America?
South America stretches approximately 7,551 km (4,692 mi) from north to south — roughly the distance from New York to Tokyo, and 5,862 km (3,642 mi) from east to west — roughly the distance from London to New Delhi. At highway speeds, it would take roughly 65 hours to drive across.
How Many Times Does South America Fit?
Similar in Size
How Big Is South America Compared to Well-Known Places?
| Place | Area | vs South America |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 9,833,517 km² (3,796,741 sq mi) | 45% smaller |
| Canada | 9,984,670 km² (3,855,101 sq mi) | 44% smaller |
| Europe | 10,180,000 km² (3,930,518 sq mi) | 43% smaller |
| Russia | 17,098,242 km² (6,601,665 sq mi) | about the same size |
| South America | 17,840,000 km² (6,888,060 sq mi) | — |
| North America | 24,230,000 km² (9,355,251 sq mi) | 36% larger |
| Africa | 30,365,000 km² (11,723,987 sq mi) | 70% larger |
| Asia | 44,614,000 km² (17,225,555 sq mi) | 2.5× larger |
South America at a Glance
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 17,840,000 km² (6,888,060 sq mi) |
| Size Rank | #4 of 6 continents |
| Countries | 14 |