The list of countries in Latin America includes Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. Find out their culture, geographical location, landmass and famous places to visit.
Latin America has established itself as a culturally rich region in the world, spanning across countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
The three predominant languages of the region are Spanish, Portuguese, and French. The region is also known for its traditions and historical civilisations. The region also has some breathtaking natural wonders, such as the Amazon Rainforest and the Andes Mountains.
Latin America practises a mixture of agriculture, industry, and tourism. It is also known for its music, dance and delicious cuisine.
List of all countries in Latin America in alphabetical order by continent:
North & Central America
Belize
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
South America
Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
French Guiana
Guyana
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Caribbean
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Haiti
List of all countries in Latin America in detail:
*North & Central America*
Belize
Belize is a culturally rich country in Central America. It is known for its impressive natural resources, including lush rainforests. Interestingly, it is the only country with English as its official language in the region, even though Spanish, Creole, and Mayan languages are widely spoken.
Geographical location
Belize is bordered by two countries, namely Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The country is located on the Yucatán Peninsula.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 22,966 km² (8,867 mi²)
Highest Point: Doyle’s Delight (1,124 metres / 3,688 ft)
Major Rivers: Sarstoon River, Belize River, and Hondo River.
Belize has the second-largest coral reef system in the world, often called the Belize Barrier Reef.
Famous places to visit
Great Blue Hole
Caracol: It is a Mayan archaeological site.
Ambergris Caye
Xunantunich
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is located in Central America and is known for its biodiversity, ecotourism and landscape. It is one of the countries in the world with a reputation for environmental conservation.
The capital city of Costa Rica is San José, which is a cultural and economic centre in the country.
Geographical location
Costa Rica is bordered by two countries, namely Nicaragua in the north and Panama in the south, the Caribbean Sea in the east and the Pacific Ocean in the west.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 51,100 km² (19,700 mi²)
Highest Point: Mount Chirripó (3,821 meters / 12,536 ft)
Major Rivers: Reventazón, Térraba, and Tempisque
Costa Rica has some natural wonders, including rainforests, mountain ranges, coastal plains and volcanoes.
Famous places to visit
Corcovado National Park
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Manuel Antonio National Park
Arenal Volcano
Tortuguero National Park
El Salvador
El Salvador is located in Central America. It is one of the countries in the region with diverse natural features such as volcanic landscapes and Pacific coastlines. The country is also known for its agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism-driven economy.
The capital city of El Salvador is San Salvador, an economic and political centre in the country.
Geographical location
El Salvador is bordered by two countries, namely Honduras in the north and east and Guatemala in the northwest. It also borders the Pacific Ocean in the south.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 21,041 km² (8,124 mi²)
Highest Point: Cerro El Pital (2,730 metres / 8,960 ft).
Famous places to visit
El Tunco Beach: It is a surfing destination among locals and tourists.
San Salvador: It is the capital city of the country and includes some interesting places, including the National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral and Plaza Libertad.
Lake Ilopango
Santa Ana Volcano
Joya de Cerén: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Guatemala
Guatemala is a Central American country with some natural features such as volcanic landscapes and rich biodiversity. Its capital city is Guatemala City, which is also the largest urban centre and a major economic hub in the country.
Geographical location
Guatemala is bordered by four countries, namely Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, and the Pacific Ocean.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 108,889 km² (42,042 mi²)
Highest Point: Tajumulco Volcano (4,220 metres / 13,845 ft)
Major Rivers: Usumacinta, Motagua, and Sarstún.
Guatemala features some natural wonders, including mountain ranges, coastal lowlands and valleys.
Famous places to visit
Tikal: It is a UNESCO-listed site.
Semuc Champey: It features turquoise.
pools and limestone caves
Antigua, Guatemala
Lake Atitlán
Pacaya Volcano
Honduras
Honduras is located in Central America. It is known for its Caribbean beaches, mountainous terrain, and archaeological sites. Its capital city is Tegucigalpa.
Geographical location
Honduras is bordered by four countries, namely Guatemala in the west, El Salvador in the southwest, Nicaragua in the southeast, the Caribbean Sea in the north and the Pacific Ocean (Gulf of Fonseca) in the south.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 112,777 km² (43,543 mi²)
Highest Point: Cerro Las Minas (2,870 metres / 9,420 ft)
Major Rivers: Aguán, Patuca, Ulúa, and Coco.
Honduras features other natural wonders, including mountainous terrains and coastal lowlands.
Famous places to visit
Copán Ruins: It is a UNESCO-listed area as a Mayan archaeological site.
Cayos Cochinos: It is a group of small islands and is famous for its pristine beaches and marine life.
Roatán Island
Lake Yojoa
Pico Bonito National Park
Mexico
Mexico is located in North America. It is the third-largest country in Latin America. The capital city is Mexico City, which is ranked as one of the most populous cities in the world.
Geographical location
Mexico is bordered by two countries, namely the United States in the north and Guatemala and Belize in the southeast. It also borders the Pacific Ocean in the west and south, with the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea in the east.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 1,972,550 km² (761,610 mi²)
Highest Point: Pico de Orizaba (5,700 meters / 18,510 ft).
Mexico has mountain ranges, tropical forests, plateaus and coastal plains.
Famous places to visit
Chichén Itzá: It is a UNESCO-listed area as a Mayan archaeological site.
Cancún & Riviera Maya
Copper Canyon
Mexico City: It is the capital city of the country and features the Zócalo Square, Chapultepec Park, and the National Museum of Anthropology.
Teotihuacán: It is an ancient city that includes the famous Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua is located in Central America and is the largest country in the region. It features lakes, volcanoes, and a rich cultural heritage. The country's capital city is Managua, a political and economic centre in the country.
Geographical location
Nicaragua is bordered by two countries, namely Honduras in the north and Costa Rica in the south. It also shares a natural border with the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Caribbean Sea in the east.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 130,967 km² (50,567 mi²)
Highest Point: Pico Mogotón (2,085 meters / 6,841 ft)
Major Rivers: San Juan River and Coco River
Famous places to visit
Granada
Ometepe Island: It is an island in Lake Nicaragua whose formation was as a result of two volcanoes.
Masaya Volcano
San Juan del Sur
Corn Islands
Panama
Panama is located in a Central American country. It's home to the famous Panama Canal, the gateway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The capital city of the country is Panama City.
Geographical location
Panama is bordered by two nations, namely Costa Rica in the west and Colombia in the southeast. It also has natural borders with the Caribbean Sea in the north and the Pacific Ocean in the south.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 75,417 km² (29,119 mi²)
Highest Point: Volcán Barú (3,475 meters / 11,401 ft).
Famous places to visit
Panama Canal: It is one of the most important waterways in the world, as it connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Panama City: It is the capital city of the country.
San Blas Islands
Bocas del Toro
Casco Viejo
Boquete
*South America*
Argentina
Argentina is located in South America and is the second-largest country on the continent and the eighth-largest in the world. Its capital city is Buenos Aires, a famous metropolis often called the Paris of South America".
Geographical location
Argentina is bordered by Chile in the west and Bolivia and Paraguay in the north and Brazil and Uruguay in the northeast. The country also has a natural border with the Atlantic Ocean in the east.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 2,780,400 km² (1,073,364 mi²)
Highest Point: Aconcagua (6,961 metres / 22,838 ft)
Major Rivers: Paraná, Uruguay, and Colorado.
Famous places to visit
Buenos Aires
Iguazú Falls
Patagonia: The region features glaciers, mountains, and the Perito Moreno Glacier.
Mendoza
Bariloche
Bolivia
Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America. The country has two capitals: Sucre (constitutional capital) and La Paz (administrative capital).
Geographical location
Bolivia is bordered by five nations, namely Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru. The country is located at the heart of South America, with some natural wonders like the Andes Mountains and Amazon Rainforest.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 1,098,581 km² (424,164 mi²)
Highest Point: Nevado Sajama (6,542 meters / 21,463 ft)
Famous places to visit
Salar de Uyuni: It is considered to be the largest salt flat in the world.
La Paz: It holds the title as the world’s highest capital city.
Madidi National Park
Tiwanaku
Lake Titicaca
Brazil
Brazil is the largest country in South America. Brasília is the capital city of the country known to be a modern planned city. Other popular cities include São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Geographical location
Brazil is bordered by every South American country except Chile and Ecuador. These countries include Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Peru and Colombia. Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 8,514,877 km² (3,287,612 mi²)
Highest Point: Pico da Neblina (2,995 metres / 9,827 ft)
Famous places to visit
Rio de Janeiro
Amazon Rainforest
Iguaçu Falls
Pantanal Wetlands
Salvador
Chile
Chile is a unique country on the South American continent known for its
long, narrow country landscapes. The country has been a vibrant economy and has grown to be a stable economy in Latin America. The capital city, Santiago, which is known for its modern infrastructure.
Geographical location
Chile is bordered by three countries, namely, Peru to the north, Bolivia in the northeast and Argentina to the east. It has a natural border with the Pacific Ocean.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 756,096 km² (291,930 mi²)
Highest Point: Ojos del Salado (6,880 meters / 22,572 ft)
Chile features some unique natural settings, such as deserts, mountains, valleys, and fjords.
Famous places to visit
Santiago: It is the capital city and is home to La Moneda Palace, Plaza de Armas, and Cerro San Cristóbal.
Atacama Desert
Torres del Paine National Park
Valparaíso
Easter Island
Colombia
Colombia is one of the unique countries on the South American continent, being the only country with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The capital city, Bogotá, is an economic and cultural hub in the region.
Geographical location
Colombia is bordered by Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Panama. Its natural border is with the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 1,141,748 km² (440,831 mi²)
Highest Point: Pico Cristóbal Colón (5,775 meters / 18,947 ft)
Famous places to visit
Cartagena: It is a UNESCO-listed colonial city.
Medellín
Amazon Rainforest
Tayrona National Park
Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
Ecuador
Ecuador is a country with a rich history and landscapes. It's the capital city. Quito is regarded as one of the highest capital cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Geographical location
Ecuador is bordered by Colombia, Peru and the Pacific Ocean.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 283,561 km² (109,484 mi²)
Highest Point: Chimborazo (6,267 metres / 20,561 ft)
Famous places to visit
Galápagos Islands: It is a UNESCO-listed area.
Quito
Cotopaxi National Park
Cuenca
Amazon Rainforest
French Guiana
French Guiana is an overseas department of France on the northeastern coast of South America. Its capital city is Cayenne.
Geographical location
French Guiana is bordered by Brazil, Suriname and the Atlantic Ocean.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 84,000 km² (32,432 mi²)
Highest Point: Bellevue de l’Inini (851 metres / 2,792 ft)
Famous places to visit
Guiana Space Centre
Kaw-Roura Nature Reserve
Cayenne
Maroni River
Guyana
Guyana is located on the northern coast of South America and is the only English-speaking nation in the region. The capital city of the country is Georgetown.
Geographical location
Guyana is bordered by Venezuela, Brazil, Suriname and the Atlantic Ocean. The country is located within the Amazon Basin.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 214,969 km² (83,000 mi²)
Highest Point: Mount Roraima (2,835 metres / 9,301 ft)
Famous places to visit
Kaieteur Falls
Mount Roraima
Georgetown
Iwokrama Rainforest
Shell Beach
Paraguay
Paraguay is a landlocked country. It's capital city is Asunción which is one of the oldest cities in South America.
Geographical location
Paraguay is bordered by Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 406,752 km² (157,050 mi²)
Highest Point: Cerro Pero (842 metres / 2,762 ft)
Famous places to visit
Asunción
Itaipu Dam
Chaco Region
Ybycuí National Park
Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná
Peru
Peru is known for its rich cultural heritage. Its capital city is Lima.
Geographical location
Peru is bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and the Pacific Ocean.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 1,285,216 km² (496,224 mi²)
Highest Point: Huascarán (6,768 meters / 22,205 ft).
Famous places to visit
Machu Picchu
Cusco
Lake Titicaca
Nazca Lines
Amazon Rainforest
Suriname
Suriname is located in northern South America. It consists of tropical rainforests and rich natural resources. The country's capital, Paramaribo, is the largest urban centre and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Geographical location
The country is bordered by Guyana, French Guiana, Brazil and the Atlantic Ocean. The country is situated within the Amazon Basin.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 163,820 km² (63,252 mi²)
Highest Point: Julianatop (1,230 metres / 4,035 ft)
Famous places to visit
Paramaribo
Brokopondo Reservoir
Central Suriname Nature Reserve
Galibi Nature Reserve
Brownsberg Nature Park
Uruguay
Uruguay is located on the South American continent and is one of the stable economies in the region. Its capital city is Montevideo, an economic and cultural centre in the country.
Geographical location
Uruguay is bordered by Argentina, Brazil, the Atlantic Ocean and the Río de la Plata.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 176,215 km² (68,037 mi²)
Highest Point: Cerro Catedral (514 metres / 1,686 ft).
Famous places to visit
Montevideo
Punta del Este
Colonia del Sacramento
Piriápolis
Cabo Polonio
Venezuela
Venezuela has unique landscapes and is rich in oil reserves. Caracas is the capital city and economic centre known for its modern infrastructure.
Geographical location
Venezuela is bordered by three nations, including Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana. It has a natural border with the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 912,050 km² (352,140 mi²)
Highest Point: Pico Bolívar (4,978 metres / 16,332 ft)
Famous places to visit
Angel Falls: It is the world’s tallest waterfall.
Los Roques Archipelago
Mérida & the Andes
Roraima Mountain
Lake Maracaibo
*Caribbean*
Cuba
Cuba is the largest island nation in the Caribbean. It is known for its cultural diversity with a blend of Spanish, African, and Indigenous influences. Its capital city is Havana.
Geographical location
The island of Cuba is located in the Caribbean Sea between North and South America. It is bordered by the United States, the Bahamas, Mexico, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 110,860 km² (42,800 mi²)
Highest Point: Pico Turquino (1,974 metres / 6,476 ft)
The island of Cuba includes the main island and several smaller islands.
Famous places to visit
Varadero
Trinidad
Viñales Valley: It is a UNESCO-listed natural reserve.
Havana: It is the capital city of the country.
Cayo Coco: It features turquoise waters, coral reefs, and luxury resorts.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is located on the island of Hispaniola, shared with Haiti. It is one of the Caribbean nations. Santo Domingo, the capital city of the country, is regarded as the oldest European-founded city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Geographical location
The Dominican Republic is bordered by Haiti in the west, the Atlantic Ocean in the north, the Caribbean Sea in the south, and the Mona Passage.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 48,670 km² (18,790 mi²)
Highest Point: Pico Duarte (3,098 metres / 10,164 ft).
Famous places to visit
Santo Domingo: It is the capital city and features the Zona Colonial, Alcázar de Colón, and the Malecón.
Punta Cana
Samaná Peninsula
Jarabacoa
Bahía de las Águilas
Haiti
Haiti is a Caribbean nation. It is located on the island of Hispaniola, shared with the Dominican Republic. The capital city is Port-au-Prince, which is also the largest urban centre in the country.
Geographical location
Haiti is bordered by the Dominican Republic, the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 27,750 km² (10,710 mi²)
Highest Point: Pic la Selle (2,680 meters / 8,793 ft).
Famous places to visit
Citadelle Laferrière
Labadee
Jacmel
Bassin Bleu
Île-à-Vache.