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South America Population 2026

South America is home to 438,104,189 people across 14 countries and territories, about 5.3% of everyone alive. Rates below are weighted by country population rather than averaged flat, so small states do not count the same as large ones.

Total population
438.1M
438,104,189
Growth rate
+0.57%
Population-weighted
Density
25/km²
17.5M km² total land area
Major cities
9
Largest: São Paulo
Median age
33.1 years
Population-weighted
Life expectancy
76.4 years
Population-weighted
Fertility rate
1.69
Births per woman, weighted
GDP per capita
$10,454
Population-weighted

Largest Countries in South America

By total population.

  1. Brazil212.8M
  2. Colombia53.4M
  3. Argentina45.9M
  4. Peru34.6M
  5. Venezuela28.5M
  6. Chile19.9M
  7. Ecuador18.3M
  8. Bolivia12.6M
  9. Paraguay7.01M
  10. Uruguay3.38M
Ten largest countries in South America by population
NamePopulation
Brazil212.8M
Colombia53.4M
Argentina45.9M
Peru34.6M
Venezuela28.5M
Chile19.9M
Ecuador18.3M
Bolivia12.6M
Paraguay7.01M
Uruguay3.38M

Population Distribution

How South America's population splits between its largest countries.

South America total: 438.1M

Population distribution across South America
NameValueShare
Brazil212.8M48.6%
Colombia53.4M12.2%
Argentina45.9M10.5%
Peru34.6M7.9%
Venezuela28.5M6.5%
Other 9 countries62.9M14.4%

Fastest Growing Countries

Highest annual population growth in South America.

  1. French Guiana+2.57%
  2. Bolivia+1.35%
  3. Paraguay+1.20%
  4. Peru+1.04%
  5. Colombia+1.02%
  6. Suriname+0.85%
  7. Ecuador+0.85%
  8. Guyana+0.59%
  9. Chile+0.48%
  10. Venezuela+0.39%
Fastest growing countries in South America
NameAnnual growth
French Guiana+2.57%
Bolivia+1.35%
Paraguay+1.20%
Peru+1.04%
Colombia+1.02%
Suriname+0.85%
Ecuador+0.85%
Guyana+0.59%
Chile+0.48%
Venezuela+0.39%

All Countries in South America

14 countries and territories, largest first.

Major Cities in South America

9 metropolitan areas in our dataset.

South America Population FAQ

What is the population of South America in 2026?

South America has about 438,104,189 people across 14 countries and territories, roughly 5.3% of the world total.

Which is the largest country in South America by population?

Brazil, with 212,812,405 people.

What is the largest city in South America?

São Paulo, Brazil, with a metro population of about 22.6M.

How fast is South America's population growing?

South America's population is changing by +0.57% a year, weighted by country population. The median age across the continent is 33.1 years.

Other Continents