Countries Beginning with S
There are twenty-seven countries in the world whose names start with the letter “S.”
1. Saint Kitts and Nevis
Overview: Saint Kitts and Nevis, located in the Caribbean, is known for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture. Basseterre, the capital city, offers a mix of colonial architecture, historic sites, and bustling markets. The country is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its natural beauty, water sports, and rich history. Saint Kitts and Nevis’ economy relies heavily on tourism, with efforts to diversify into sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
Continent/Region: North America/Caribbean
Language: English
Capital: Basseterre
Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar
2. Saint Lucia
Overview: Saint Lucia, situated in the Caribbean, is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and volcanic landscapes. Castries, the capital city, offers a mix of colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and cultural attractions. The country is known for its warm hospitality and vibrant Creole culture, with influences from African, European, and indigenous traditions. Saint Lucia’s economy is driven by tourism, agriculture, and services, with efforts to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Continent/Region: North America/Caribbean
Language: English
Capital: Castries
Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar
3. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Overview: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, located in the Caribbean, is known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and lush landscapes. Kingstown, the capital city, offers a mix of colonial architecture, colorful markets, and cultural festivals. The country is a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts, with its numerous islands and cays. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ economy relies heavily on tourism, agriculture, and services, with efforts to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Continent/Region: North America/Caribbean
Language: English
Capital: Kingstown
Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar
4. Samoa
Overview: Samoa, situated in the South Pacific, is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Apia, the capital city, offers a blend of traditional Samoan architecture, colonial landmarks, and bustling markets. The country is renowned for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs. Samoa’s economy is driven by agriculture, tourism, and remittances from Samoans living abroad. The country is also known for its strong sense of community and traditional customs, including fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way).
Continent/Region: Oceania/South Pacific
Language: Samoan, English
Capital: Apia
Currency: Samoan tālā
5. San Marino
Overview: San Marino, situated in Southern Europe, is one of the world’s smallest countries, known for its rich history, medieval architecture, and scenic landscapes. The capital city, also named San Marino, is perched atop Mount Titano and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The country has a unique political system, with the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic. San Marino’s economy is driven by tourism, banking, and services, with efforts to promote sustainable development and preserve its cultural heritage.
Continent/Region: Europe/Southern Europe
Language: Italian
Capital: San Marino
Currency: Euro
6. Sao Tome and Principe
Overview: Sao Tome and Principe, located in Central Africa, is known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and biodiversity. Sao Tome, the capital city, offers a mix of colonial architecture, bustling markets, and cultural attractions. The country is a paradise for nature lovers, with opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and eco-tourism. Sao Tome and Principe’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, particularly cocoa and coffee production, with efforts to develop sectors such as tourism and fisheries.
Continent/Region: Africa/Central Africa
Language: Portuguese
Capital: Sao Tome
Currency: Sao Tome and Principe dobra
7. Saudi Arabia
Overview: Saudi Arabia, located in the Middle East, is known for its vast deserts, ancient archaeological sites, and rich cultural heritage. Riyadh, the capital city, blends modern skyscrapers with historic architecture, while Jeddah offers a vibrant coastal atmosphere. The country is the birthplace of Islam and home to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Saudi Arabia’s economy is dominated by the oil industry, with oil exports playing a crucial role in its economic growth.
Continent/Region: Asia/Middle East
Language: Arabic
Capital: Riyadh
Currency: Saudi riyal
8. Senegal
Overview: Senegal, located in West Africa, is known for its vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and hospitality. Dakar, the capital city, overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and serves as a hub for commerce, culture, and politics. The country boasts a rich history, with influences from various ethnic groups and colonial powers. Senegal’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including agriculture, fishing, tourism, and services. The country is renowned for its music, art, and literature, contributing to its vibrant cultural scene.
Continent/Region: Africa/West Africa
Language: French
Capital: Dakar
Currency: West African CFA franc
9. Serbia
Overview: Serbia, located in Southeast Europe, is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Belgrade, the capital city, sits at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers and offers a mix of historic architecture, lively nightlife, and cultural attractions. The country boasts diverse attractions, including medieval monasteries, picturesque villages, and scenic national parks. Serbia’s economy is transitioning to a market-oriented system, with key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and services.
Continent/Region: Europe/Southeast Europe
Language: Serbian
Capital: Belgrade
Currency: Serbian dinar
10. Seychelles
Overview: Seychelles, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical landscapes. Victoria, the capital city, offers a blend of Creole architecture, vibrant markets, and stunning views of the harbor. The country is a popular tourist destination, known for its luxury resorts, marine parks, and vibrant underwater life. Seychelles’ economy relies heavily on tourism and fishing, with efforts to promote sustainable development and conservation.
Continent/Region: Africa/Indian Ocean
Language: Seychellois Creole, English, French
Capital: Victoria
Currency: Seychellois rupee
11. Sierra Leone
Overview: Sierra Leone, located in West Africa, is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and friendly people. Freetown, the capital city, overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and offers a mix of colonial architecture, bustling markets, and cultural diversity. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from various ethnic groups and traditions. Sierra Leone’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including mining, agriculture, and services, though the country still faces challenges such as poverty, inequality, and healthcare access.
Continent/Region: Africa/West Africa
Language: English
Capital: Freetown
Currency: Sierra Leonean leone
12. Singapore
Overview: Singapore, located in Southeast Asia, is known for its modern skyline, diverse culture, and efficient infrastructure. The city-state of Singapore, the capital city, is a global financial hub with a thriving economy driven by finance, technology, and trade. Despite its small size, Singapore boasts world-class attractions, including Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa Island. The country’s multicultural society is reflected in its cuisine, festivals, and neighborhoods. Singapore’s strategic location and business-friendly environment have made it a magnet for international investors and expatriates.
Continent/Region: Asia/Southeast Asia
Language: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
Capital: Singapore
Currency: Singapore dollar
13. Slovakia
Overview: Slovakia, situated in Central Europe, is known for its picturesque landscapes, medieval castles, and rich cultural heritage. Bratislava, the capital city, is nestled on the banks of the Danube River and offers a mix of historic architecture, charming streets, and vibrant cafes. The country boasts natural attractions such as the High Tatras mountains, Slovak Paradise National Park, and numerous thermal springs. Slovakia’s economy is diversified, with key sectors including automotive manufacturing, electronics, tourism, and services.
Continent/Region: Europe/Central Europe
Language: Slovak
Capital: Bratislava
Currency: Euro
14. Slovenia
Overview: Slovenia, located in Central Europe, is known for its stunning Alpine landscapes, charming cities, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Ljubljana, the capital city, is famed for its medieval old town, Baroque architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The country boasts natural wonders such as Lake Bled, Triglav National Park, and the Karst region’s caves. Slovenia’s economy is highly developed, with key sectors including manufacturing, services, tourism, and agriculture. The country is also known for its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives.
Continent/Region: Europe/Central Europe
Language: Slovene
Capital: Ljubljana
Currency: Euro
15. Solomon Islands
Overview: The Solomon Islands, located in the South Pacific, is an archipelago of stunning beauty, with turquoise waters, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs. Honiara, the capital city, offers a mix of Melanesian culture, colonial history, and natural attractions. The country is renowned for its world-class diving and snorkeling spots, remote islands, and traditional villages. The Solomon Islands’ economy is primarily based on agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, with efforts to develop sectors such as tourism and mining while preserving its natural environment and cultural heritage.
Continent/Region: Oceania/Melanesia
Language: English
Capital: Honiara
Currency: Solomon Islands dollar
16. Somalia
Overview: Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and complex history. Mogadishu, the capital city, has faced challenges of conflict and instability but is undergoing reconstruction and development efforts. The country boasts natural wonders such as the beaches of the Indian Ocean coast and the Somali desert. Somalia’s economy is largely informal, with key sectors including agriculture, livestock, and telecommunications. The country is also known for its nomadic pastoralist culture, traditional music, and cuisine.
Continent/Region: Africa/East Africa
Language: Somali, Arabic
Capital: Mogadishu
Currency: Somali shilling
17. South Africa
Overview: South Africa, located at the southern tip of Africa, is known for its diverse landscapes, wildlife-rich national parks, and vibrant cultural scene. Pretoria (administrative), Bloemfontein (judicial), and Cape Town (legislative) serve as the country’s three capitals. The country boasts iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain, Kruger National Park, and the Cape Winelands. South Africa’s economy is the most industrialized and diversified in Africa, with key sectors including mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The country is also celebrated for its multiculturalism, with 11 official languages and a rich tapestry of traditions and customs.
Continent/Region: Africa/Southern Africa
Language: 11 official languages including Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English
Capital: Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Cape Town
Currency: South African rand
18. South Korea
Overview: South Korea, located on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, is known for its technological innovation, dynamic cities, and rich cultural heritage. Seoul, the capital city, is a bustling metropolis with futuristic skyscrapers, historic palaces, and vibrant street food markets. The country boasts attractions such as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), ancient temples, and picturesque countryside. South Korea’s economy is one of the largest in Asia, driven by technology, automotive manufacturing, and exports. The country is also renowned for its K-pop music, Korean cuisine, and traditional festivals.
Continent/Region: Asia/East Asia
Language: Korean
Capital: Seoul
Currency: South Korean won
19. South Sudan
Overview: South Sudan, the youngest country in the world, gained independence from Sudan in 2011, located in East-Central Africa. Juba, the capital city, is situated on the White Nile River and serves as the country’s political and economic center. South Sudan is known for its vast wilderness areas, including the Sudd wetlands and Boma National Park. Despite its natural resources, the country faces challenges such as conflict, poverty, and underdevelopment. South Sudan’s economy is primarily based on oil production, agriculture, and livestock.
Continent/Region: Africa/East-Central Africa
Language: English
Capital: Juba
Currency: South Sudanese pound
20. Spain
Overview: Spain, located in Southern Europe, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes. Madrid, the capital city, is famed for its art museums, historic architecture, and lively nightlife. The country boasts iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia, Alhambra Palace, and Ibiza’s beaches. Spain’s economy is the fifth-largest in the European Union, with key sectors including tourism, manufacturing, and services. The country is also celebrated for its culinary traditions, fiestas, and flamenco music.
Continent/Region: Europe/Southern Europe
Language: Spanish
Capital: Madrid
Currency: Euro
21. Sri Lanka
Overview: Sri Lanka, located in South Asia, is known for its stunning natural beauty, ancient ruins, and rich cultural heritage. Colombo, the capital city, is a vibrant metropolis with colonial architecture, bustling markets, and scenic waterfronts. The country boasts attractions such as Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Temple of the Tooth, and tea plantations in the Hill Country. Sri Lanka’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including tourism, tea production, textiles, and IT services. The country is also renowned for its spicy cuisine, Ayurvedic wellness traditions, and warm hospitality.
Continent/Region: Asia/South Asia
Language: Sinhala, Tamil
Capital: Colombo
Currency: Sri Lankan rupee
22. Sudan
Overview: Sudan, located in North-East Africa, is the third-largest country in Africa, known for its ancient history, diverse cultures, and vast deserts. Khartoum, the capital city, lies at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile rivers and serves as the country’s political and economic center. Sudan boasts attractions such as the pyramids of Meroe, Nubian desert, and Red Sea coast. The country’s economy is based on agriculture, oil production, and mining, with efforts to diversify and attract foreign investment. Sudan has faced challenges such as conflicts, economic sanctions, and political instability.
Continent/Region: Africa/North-East Africa
Language: Arabic, English
Capital: Khartoum
Currency: Sudanese pound
23. Suriname
Overview: Suriname, located on the northeastern coast of South America, is known for its dense rainforests, diverse wildlife, and multicultural society. Paramaribo, the capital city, is a melting pot of cultures, with Dutch colonial architecture, Hindu temples, and Javanese markets. The country boasts natural wonders such as the Central Suriname Nature Reserve, Brownsberg Nature Park, and the Suriname River. Suriname’s economy is based on mining, agriculture, and eco-tourism, with efforts to promote sustainable development and preserve its biodiversity.
Continent/Region: South America
Language: Dutch
Capital: Paramaribo
Currency: Surinamese dollar
24. Sweden
Overview: Sweden, located in Northern Europe, is known for its stunning landscapes, progressive values, and high quality of life. Stockholm, the capital city, is spread across 14 islands and is famed for its historic old town, innovative design scene, and vibrant cultural life. The country boasts attractions such as the Northern Lights, Stockholm Archipelago, and medieval castles. Sweden’s economy is highly developed, with key sectors including manufacturing, technology, services, and forestry. The country is also known for its commitment to sustainability, gender equality, and social welfare.
Continent/Region: Europe/Northern Europe
Language: Swedish
Capital: Stockholm
Currency: Swedish krona
25. Switzerland
Overview: Switzerland, located in Central Europe, is known for its stunning Alpine landscapes, precision engineering, and political neutrality. Bern, the capital city, is famed for its medieval old town, bear park, and clock tower. The country boasts attractions such as the Matterhorn, Lake Geneva, and Jungfrau Region. Switzerland’s economy is highly developed, with key sectors including finance, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and tourism. The country is also celebrated for its chocolate, watches, and efficient public transportation system.
Continent/Region: Europe/Central Europe
Language: German, French, Italian, Romansh
Capital: Bern
Currency: Swiss franc
26. Syria
Overview: Syria, located in Western Asia, is known for its ancient history, diverse cultures, and historic landmarks. Damascus, the capital city, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a rich architectural heritage and bustling souks. The country boasts attractions such as the ancient city of Palmyra, Krak des Chevaliers fortress, and Mediterranean coastline. Syria’s economy has been heavily affected by civil war and conflict, with significant challenges in reconstruction and development. The country is also known for its cuisine, music, and traditional crafts.
Continent/Region: Asia/Western Asia
Language: Arabic
Capital: Damascus
Currency: Syrian pound
27. Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
Overview: Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and wildlife reserves. Mbabane is the administrative capital, while Lobamba is the royal and legislative capital. Eswatini is famous for its Swazi culture, which includes traditional dance, music, and crafts. The country’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, forestry, and mining. Eswatini is also home to several protected areas, including Hlane Royal National Park and Mlawula Nature Reserve, which support diverse flora and fauna.
Continent/Region: Africa/Southern Africa
Language: Swazi, English
Capital: Mbabane (administrative), Lobamba (royal and legislative)
Currency: Swazi lilangeni, South African rand (accepted currency)