South America is the southern continent of the Americas, situated entirely in the Western Henisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east by the Atlantic  Ocean; North America and the Caribbean Sea lie to the northwest.

South America has an area of  6,890,000 sq. mi, or almost 3.5% of the Earth's surface. South America ranks fourth in area (after Asia, Africa, and Notrh America) and fifth in population (after Asia, Africa,  Europe, and North America).

There are 14  countries in the  South  America:  Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Falkland Islanlans (UK), French  Guana (France), Guana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela

There are 14  countries in the  South  America:  Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Falkland Islanlans (UK), French  Guana (France), Guana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela

It  is different for various  countries. Look   Destination Guide for specific  country.

South America has a wide variety of climates. They range from the dry desert conditions of northern Chile to the heavy rains along the windswept southwestern coast of the continent. Steamy heat characterizes the tropical rain forest of the Amazon basin, while icy cold air surrounds the lofty, snow-capped Andean peaks. In general, however, most of the continent has warm weather the year around. Only in the high Andes is it always cold.

The hottest weather in South America occurs in Argentina's Gran Chaco, where the temperature reaches 110º F. (43º C). Temperatures in the Amazon region generally range from 70º to 90º F. (21º to 32º C) and rarely reach 100º F. (38º C). South of the equator, summer lasts from late December to late March, and winter runs from late June to late September. In the far south of Argentina, the -27º F. (-33º C).

Most of South America receives ample rain. Rainfall averages more than 80' inches (2000 mm) a year in four areas: (1) coastal French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname; (2) the Amazon River Basin; (3) southwestern Chile; and (4) the coasts of Colombia and northern Ecuador. Quibdo, Colombia, the rainiest place in South America, receives more than 350" (8900 mm) of rain a year. Even the wettest regions of the continent generally have a dry season, however, when there is plenty of sunshine between downpours.

In southwestern Chile, humid westerly winds blow in from the Pacific and drop most of their moisture as rain before crossing the Andes. As a result, the area east of the Andes is very dry. For example, the plateaus of Patagonia, in southeastern Argentina, receive only about 10" (25 mm) of rain a year.

Coastal Peru and northern Chile are among the driest places on earth. Arica, the northern port city of Chile, receives an average of only 0.03" (0.76 mm) of rain a year. The dry conditions in this part of the continent result from the cold Peru Current, which flows northward just off the coast. This current cools the air. Because such cool air cannot hold much moisture, little rain falls in the region.