Capital Cities of South American Countries - World Geography

1. Caracas: It is situated along the Coast of Caribbean Sea and is the capital of Venezuela. It is the country’s largest city and a major port. It is a major industrial centre of the country. It has many big oil refineries. It is an important ‘Call Port”. The city is a contrasting mixture of skyscrapers and shanty town. Its sea beaches attract a large number of tourists throughout the year. 

2. Quito: It is the capital of Equador and is situated near the Equator. It is world’s second largest highest (2850m) capital. Due to being situated on highland, its weather is pleasant. Therefore, it is a major centre for tourism. It is famous for cotton cloth industry, handicraft and electrical goods. 

3. Buenos Aires: It is the capital of Argentina and the country’s only ‘Primate City’. It is a major centre of industrial activities. It is country’s largest port. Presently, its population is more than 12 million. It was founded by the Spanish in 1580. It became the capital of Argentina in 1862. 

4. La Paz: It is the capital of Bolivia. La Paz, situated in a valley in the midst of Andes Range, is the highest (3660m) capital of the world. Due to high attitude, the temperature here is very low. It is beautiful, natural and cultural city. 

5. Sucre: Located in a valley in the midst of Andes Range, it is the legal and cultural capital of Bolivia. It is among the oldest city of South America. It is country’s major cultural and educational city. 

6. Santiago: It is the capital of Chile and is located nearly in the middle of Chile. Mediterranean climate is found here. It is famous for wine production. It is industrial, commercial and cultural centre of Chile. Being a cultural centre, it attracts a large number of tourists throughout the year.

7. Montevideo: Situated along the bank of the River Plate, it is the capital of Uruguay. Founded in 1726, it is the financial and commercial centre of Urugury. Being a cultural centre, it attracts a large number of tourists throughout the year. It is country’s ‘Primate city’ and major port. First football world cup was played here. 

8. George Town: It is the capital of Guyana and the country’s ‘Primate City’. It is country’s major port and industrial city. People of Indian Origin reside here in large numbers. Its surrounding area is fairly productive and Sugar cane, Rice, Maize and Coconut are the main crops here. It has a sizeable population of the Indian origin. 

9. Bogota: It is the capital of Columbia which is situated in the high basin region of Andes Mountain at an altitude of 2610 m above the sea level. It is country’s ‘Primate City’. It is famous for coffee production. This City is a mixture of Spanish colonial and modern architecture. 

10. Paramaribo: Located along River Suriname coast, it is the capital of Suriname. It is country’s major port and industrial and cultural city. People of Indian origin reside here in large numbers. It was founded by the French in 1540. 

11. Lima: It is the capital of Peru. It is a major port and a ‘Primate City’. About half of the cargo of the country is handed by this port alone. It is a major centre of Gold and Silver. Chemical, cloth, motor and medicine industries have developed here. 

12. Asunción: It is the capital of Paraguay, a land locked South American country. It is country’s major cultural and educational city. Food processing and cloth industries have developed here. An international airport is located here. 

13. Brasilia: Situated in the middle of Campos region, it is new capital and planned city of Brazil which is based on Grid System. This city is the best example of architecture. 

14. Cayenne: Capital of French Guyana. It is ‘Primate City’, natural harbour, industrial and cultural centre of French Guyana, Sugar, Banana and Metallic minerals are exported through this port.