The largest country in South America by area is Brazil. Covering approximately 8.5 million square kilometers (3.3 million square miles), Brazil accounts for nearly half of the continent's landmass. It is known for its diverse ecosystems, including the Amazon rainforest, as well as its rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and world-famous festivals like Carnival. Brazil's vast size encompasses a wide variety of landscapes, climates, and biodiversity, making it a key country in both a regional and global context.