Countries of South America and their capitals
12 countries. French Guiana is part of France, not a separate country, so it is not on the list.
Twelve countries, from the Caribbean coast to Cape Horn. It is the shortest of the continent lists, so it is a good place to start.
Chunk by region. A whole continent is too much to hold at once, so the list is learned a region at a time, in groups of about five. Use picture plus words: say each pair out loud while you point to the country on a map (the Geography Ladder has maps). The map works like a memory palace, so walk it in the same direction each time. Where a capital has a story or a meaning, picture it; the hooks give some to start with. Then close the book and recall, and come back on day 1, 3, 7 and 21.
Encode make it vivid → Space bring it back on day 1, 3, 7, 21 → Retrieve pull it from your head. From the infographic Remember It on Purpose.
Countries of South America and their capitals
| Country | Capital | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Buenos Aires | South America |
| Bolivia | Sucre | South America |
| Note: Sucre is the constitutional capital and home of the judiciary; La Paz is the seat of government. Both count as capitals. | ||
| Brazil | Brasília | South America |
| Chile | Santiago | South America |
| Note: The national congress meets in Valparaíso. | ||
| Colombia | Bogotá | South America |
| Ecuador | Quito | South America |
| Guyana | Georgetown | South America |
| Paraguay | Asunción | South America |
| Peru | Lima | South America |
| Suriname | Paramaribo | South America |
| Uruguay | Montevideo | South America |
| Venezuela | Caracas | South America |
Chunk by region. A whole continent is too much to hold at once, so the list is learned a region at a time, in groups of about five. Use picture plus words: say each pair out loud while you point to the country on a map (the Geography Ladder has maps). The map works like a memory palace, so walk it in the same direction each time. Where a capital has a story or a meaning, picture it; the hooks give some to start with. Then close the book and recall, and come back on day 1, 3, 7 and 21. · teddyrookbook.com/memory/challenges/countries-south-america/
Sources
- United Nations: Member States (193)
- Grokipedia: Lists of capitals (current national capitals)
- United Nations Statistics Division: M49 regions (the region names)
- Teddy Rook Book Geography Ladder: the countries model (maps and notes)
Checked October 31, 2026. Progress is kept on this device only (per learner). More lists: all memory challenges · memory games.