Country Explorer

Whether you are about to visit the old Swedish colony of Saint-Barthélemy or anywhere else in this wonderful part of the South America, there is every reason to review its vaccination. Here you will find all the advice, tips and recommendations that apply to each country in South America for you to be prepared for a holiday trip there, or if you are planning to visit, for example, the Summer Olympics 2016. We have the recommendations that you can use of and at the same time interesting information about the destination itself. Check Countryaah website for comprehensive guide to South America and all countries within this region.

Ecuador

• Capital: Quito
• Population: 15 million (2011)
• Currency: US dollar
• Languages: Spanish and less local languages
• Telephone code: +593

The name of the country reveals its position. Ecuador means the Republic at the Equator. Ecuador was historically part of the Inca empire and was later colonized by Spain, and became fully independent in 1830.

Ecuador

• Capital: Quito
• Population: 15 million (2011)
• Currency: US dollar
• Languages: Spanish and less local languages
• Telephone code: +593

The name of the country reveals its position. Ecuador means the Republic at the Equator. Ecuador was historically part of the Inca empire and was later colonized by Spain, and became fully independent in 1830.

Tourist in Ecuador

Ecuador has in many ways a unique nature that cannot be found anywhere else, which attracted Charles Darwin when he visited the Galapagos Islands. But there is more to do in Ecuador than just experiencing nature, including wonderful sun vacations on beautiful beaches or cultural experiences in the big cities.

Vaccination in Ecuador

Before traveling to Ecuador, the country’s authorities require that you have a certificate that you have taken the vaccine against the Yellow fever, if you come from countries that have a problem with the disease. Otherwise, you should review your basic vaccination, and at the same time be sure to vaccinate yourself against Hepatitis A and B, the latter especially if you intend to stay in the country for a long time. Also be vigilant and buy mosquito repellent as the mosquitoes spread both Yellow fever and malaria.

French Guiana

• Capital: Cayenne
• Population: 250 109 (2013)
• Currency: Euro
• Languages: French and less local languages
• Phone code: +594

Just as the name reveals, Guyana belongs to France and is located in the northeastern part of South America. Best known is the area to be the launching site of the European Space Program, ESA.

Tourist in French Guiana

This is part of France which is really a holiday paradise, where the humidity is high all year round and the temperature stays around normal levels. French Guiana is located at the equator, which means that the country is affected by the rainforest that is around the area, where it rains significantly more during spring and summer. The best time to visit the country is during the fall.

Vaccination in French Guiana

What you should always keep in mind when traveling abroad is your current protection. The vaccination program in Sweden ensures that you get the most needed and it can be good to check it out before you travel. When it comes to specifically French Guiana, you should treat yourself like everyone else in the climate area, where vaccinations against Yellow Fever and Hepatitis A are the most important. Protection against Hepatitis B is also necessary for longer stays in the country, and be sure to protect yourself from mosquitoes as they can spread malaria. For particularly vulnerable groups it is wise to also vaccinate against Tuberculosis, Cholera and Typhoid.

Paraguay

• Capital: Asunción
• Population: 6.8 million (2013)
• Currency: Guarani
• Languages: Spanish and Guarani
• Country code for telephone: +595

Paraguay is located in the middle of the South American continent, completely surrounded by countries and without coast. Throughout the country, Paraguay’s great river flows, from north to south. The majority of the population resides in the country’s southeastern parts.

Tourist in Paraguay

The climate in Paraguay is predominantly tropical or subtropical, making it a warm country with humid air and recurring rainy seasons. As a tourist it is also economical to visit the country because Paraguay is one of the cheapest countries in the world to live in. Paraguay has many beautiful destinations for holidaymakers and history lovers, just an hour’s drive from the capital.

Vaccination in Paraguay

It does matter who you are and how you travel in the country. A basic vaccination already at home in Sweden is necessary, something that most people take during childhood. In addition, vaccination against Hepatitis A is necessary before traveling to Paraguay, and if you are staying in the northern parts of the country you will need to protect yourself against both the Yellow fever and malaria. People in risk groups are also urged to vaccinate themselves against Tuberculosis, Cholera and Typhoid.

Peru

• Capital: Lima
• Population: 31 million (2015)
• Currency: Nuevo solar
• Languages: Spanish, Quechua and Aymara
• Country code for telephone: +51

Peru is located in the western parts of South America, with the Pacific Ocean coast. Peru was recognized as its own country in 1866, having been declared freedom from Spanish rule as early as 1821. Today, the capital Lima is a beautiful, modern city where almost nine million of Peru’s inhabitants live.

Tourist in Peru

What attracts by far the most tourists to the country is about the ancient cultures that existed in the area, where the abandoned town far up in the mountains, Machu Picchu, is very well-visited year-round. Architecture and food culture also attract people from all over the world, so Peru is a unique experience in many ways.

Vaccination in Peru

When you, as a young person, are vaccinated in Sweden, you get a good basic protection that usually lasts your whole life, but if you are going out and traveling to, among other things, Peru, then it is good to check the status with the current vaccination protection. Because parts of Peru are in the Amazon, people who travel there are recommended to vaccinate against the Yellow Fever, and protection against Hepatitis A is necessary in all areas. There is also a risk of being exposed to malaria, tuberculosis, cholera or typhoid, so they need to be protected against effectively, especially if you belong to a risk group.

Suriname

• Capital: Paramaribo
• Population: 573 311 (2014)
• Currency: Surinamese Dollar
• Languages: Dutch and other regional languages
• Country code for telephone: +597

Suriname is a small republic sandwiched between French Guiana and Guyana in northeastern South America. Suriname is one of the few nations that had the Netherlands as colonizers and it has made the country’s official language Dutch. As late as 1975, Suriname became independent.

Tourist in Suriname

Suriname borders the Atlantic, and it is around the coast that most of Suriname’s inhabitants live. The climate is tropical with alternating periods of drought and rain. The warmest month of the year is November. A large part consists of rainforest, which makes it easy for tourists to get both beaches and magical forest in one and the same country. The nature reserve Raleighvallen is popular.

Vaccination in Suriname

If you come from a country in South America or a certain country in Africa, you must show a certificate that you are vaccinated against the Yellow fever, which is also recommended for anyone visiting Suriname. In addition, your current protection is up-to-date and that you protect yourself against Hepatitis A and B. Malaria is in the area, so protect against mosquitoes, and if you spend more time in Suriname you should vaccinate against Tuberculosis, Cholera and typhoid.

Uruguay

• Capital: Buenos Aires
• Population: 42 million (2014)
• Currency: Peso
• Language: Spanish
• Country code for telephone: +54

The slightly smaller country of Uruguay lies between Argentina and Brazil in the southeastern parts of South America. Uruguay is ranked as the best country to live in across the continent, where they have the highest prosperity and developed democracy with good freedom of the press. Well-reputed magazine The Economist gave Uruguay the title of Country of the Year 2013.

Tourist in Uruguay

The climate in Uruguay is subtropical and the whole country is very exposed to rapid weather changes due to the lack of mountains. Overall, however, the weather is very pleasant and Uruguay is perfect for the sun tourist who wants to be able to visit Buenos Aires, which is no more than a day trip away.

Vaccination in Uruguay

How you vaccinate before a trip depends on where you will be traveling in the country. The authorities have a requirement that people who have visited other vulnerable South American and African countries have a certificate of vaccination against the Yellow fever. Vaccination against Hepatitis A is recommended, otherwise there is no other problem. However, be sure to check out your current vaccination cover.

Venezuela

• Capital: Caracas
• Population: 30.3 million (2014)
• Currency: Bolivar fuerte
• Language: Spanish
• Country code for telephone: +58

Venezuela is located in the northern parts of South America, with coast to the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic. Venezuela is a country that has a very mixed nature, ranging from mountainous areas to purely tropical forests. Venezuela is a very urbanized country, which means that the vast majority of its inhabitants live in the cities.

Tourist in Venezuela

Venezuela has direct links to the Caribbean, which is a popular destination for crowds of tourists from all over the world. What many do not miss when visiting a vacation paradise like Venezuela is the world’s highest waterfall, the Angel Falls, which is located in the southern parts of the country.

Vaccination in Venezuela

The vaccinations that you have taken during childhood are good protection, but may need to be updated before traveling to Venezuela. It is also necessary to vaccinate against both the Yellow fever and Hepatitis A, and preferably also a vaccination against Hepatitis B. Malaria is found in the country, but is unusual, however, it is good to protect against mosquito bites. Tuberculosis, Cholera and Typhoid are good to vaccinate against if you plan to stay longer in Venezuela.