What is the smallest country in South America by area?

Suriname is the smallest country in South America by area because it is geographically compact compared to other nations within the continent. With an area of approximately 163,820 square kilometers, Suriname has a relatively smaller landmass compared to its neighboring countries. Its size is primarily influenced by its location on the northeastern coast of South America, sandwiched between Guyana, Brazil, and French Guiana.