South America, rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, is home to over 438 million people in 2025. Spanning from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains, it comprises 14 countries with diverse population densities and land areas. This page presents a detailed look at South America’s population distribution, country-wise statistics, and historical trends.
South America Population by Country – 2025
Explore the 2025 population data for every country in South America, including land area (km²) and population density (people per km²).
| # | Country | 2025 Population | Land Area (Km²) | Density (P/Km²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazil | 212,812,405 | 8,358,140 | 25 |
| 2 | Colombia | 53,425,635 | 1,109,500 | 48 |
| 3 | Argentina | 45,851,378 | 2,736,690 | 17 |
| 4 | Peru | 34,576,665 | 1,280,000 | 27 |
| 5 | Venezuela | 28,516,896 | 882,050 | 32 |
| 6 | Chile | 19,859,921 | 743,532 | 27 |
| 7 | Ecuador | 18,289,896 | 248,360 | 74 |
| 8 | Bolivia | 12,581,843 | 1,083,300 | 12 |
| 9 | Paraguay | 7,013,078 | 397,300 | 18 |
| 10 | Uruguay | 3,384,688 | 175,020 | 19 |
| 11 | Guyana | 835,986 | 196,850 | 4 |
| 12 | Suriname | 639,850 | 156,000 | 4 |
| 13 | French Guiana | 313,666 | 82,200 | 4 |
| 14 | Falkland Islands | 3,469 | 12,170 | 0 |
- Brazil alone holds nearly 49% of the continent’s population with over 212 million people.
- Countries like Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana have very low population densities (~4/km²), showing vast underpopulated landscapes.
- Ecuador has one of the highest population densities at 74/km², despite its moderate land size.
- Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay have vast territories but low population densities, reflecting sparsely populated terrain.
Most Populated Countries in South America (2025 Rankings)
Brazil’s population is more than four times that of the second most populous country, Colombia. The top five countries—Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and Venezuela—account for over 85% of the continent’s population, while nations like Uruguay and Paraguay show smaller, stable populations.
Largest Countries in South America by Land Area
Brazil occupies more than 48% of South America’s total land area, making it the largest by far. Argentina and Peru follow, with significant but lesser portions. Guyana and Ecuador have smaller land areas but are still among the top 10. Land area doesn’t always correlate with population, highlighting uneven population distribution.
South America Population Growth Over Time (1900–2025)
South America’s population has grown tenfold since 1900, rising from 41 million to over 438 million in 2025. The most rapid growth occurred between 1950 and 2000, fueled by improvements in healthcare, urban development, and regional stability. The curve has now started to stabilize, especially in countries like Argentina and Chile.
South America presents a fascinating mix of sprawling wilderness and densely populated urban centers. With Brazil dominating both in population and land, and other countries like Colombia, Argentina, and Peru playing key roles, the continent remains a vital region in the global demographic landscape.
FAQs
- Q: What is the total population of South America in 2025?
- A: Approximately 438 million people.
- Q: Which is the most populous country in South America?
- A: Brazil, with over 212 million people.
- Q: Which country is the largest by land area in South America?
- A: Brazil, covering over 8.35 million square kilometers.
- Q: Which country has the highest population density in South America?
- A: Ecuador, followed by El Salvador and Haiti among the broader regional zone.
- Q: What is the least populated country in South America?
- A: The Falkland Islands, with fewer than 5,000 people.
- Q: Has South America’s population growth slowed down?
- A: Yes, growth has stabilized in recent years, especially in countries like Argentina and Chile.