Answer: Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and the three Guianas: Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
Explanation: Each of these countries was a colony of a European country. Brazil was a Portuguese colony. Brazil gained its independence in 1824. Today, Brazil is governed by an elected president. All citizens may serve as president if elected. Both Colombia and Venezuela were Spanish colonies. A hero in South American history helped both countries win independence. His name was Simon Bolivar. The three Guianas were each owned by a different country. Guyana was owned by Great Britain. Great Britain made Guyana a free territory in 1966. Suriname belonged to the Netherlands. The Netherlands gave Suriname its freedom in 1954. French Guiana was used as a colony for prisoners. Today, the prisons are closed. French Guiana is a Department (state) of France.