Top 5 Most Populated Cities in South America

South America is known as a relatively peaceful country, having avoided large-scale armed conflict since the early 2000s. According to estimates by the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the population of South America is expected to exceed 442 million in 2024. It is expected to increase by about 50 million people, reaching 495 million by 2056, and then start to decline. Among the continents, South America ranks second in terms of population, but only Oceania has a smaller population with her 46 million people. This makes South America the second least populated continent, with the exception of Antarctica, whose population estimates are not included in the 2022 United Nations World Population Prospects Report.

With an area of ​​6,890,000 square miles, South America is the fourth largest continent by area after Asia, Africa, and North America. In terms of population, it is the fifth largest continent after Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. The population of South America accounts for her 5.47% of the world’s total population. According to the World Bank, the annual population growth rate in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2022 was 0.7%. This proportion has steadily declined since 1961, from 2.8% in 1961 to 2% in 1985 to 1.1% in 2010. South America has only 12 sovereign states, significantly fewer than other continents. Brazil occupies more than half of the region’s area, making it the region’s most populous country.

Look at the top 5 most populated cities in South America.

5. Lima, Peru

Population: 11.36 million

Lima, the capital of Peru, serves as the country’s main commercial and industrial center. Downtown Lima is located on the south bank of the Limac River at an elevation of 512 feet, approximately 13 miles from the Pacific Port of Callao. The city occupies an important position in Peru, as most of the industrial production and almost all financial transactions are concentrated in Lima. Due to Lima’s large population, it serves as a major market for domestic and imported goods.

4. Bogota, Colombia

Population: 11.65 million

Bogotá is the capital of Colombia. It is located in central Colombia, in a fertile highland basin in the northern Andes at an elevation of 8,660 feet or 2,640 meters above sea level. The city is laid out in a grid pattern and has many squares and plazas. The city’s modern residential architecture also contrasts with colonial-era buildings.

3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Population: 13.84 million

Rio de Janeiro is a port city on the Atlantic Ocean. In general, he is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The location and architecture of this city are unique compared to other cities in Brazil. From 2010 to 2018, Rio de Janeiro’s GDP grew steadily, and at its peak it exceeded 363 billion Brazilian reals. However, the city’s GDP declined from 2018 to 2020, dropping to approximately BRL 331 billion by 2020. In 2021, the city’s GDP again increased to BRL 360 billion.

2. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Population: 15.62 million

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, located 240 miles from the Atlantic Ocean on the banks of the Rio de la Plata River. This city is one of the most important ports in South America. It is also the trade, industrial, political, cultural and technological center of Argentina. Buenos Aires, with more than 15 million inhabitants, ranks second in the list of the most populous cities in South America.

1. São Paulo, Brazil

Population: 22.81 million

São Paulo is located in southeastern Brazil and is one of the most important industrial centers in Latin America. The city is 350 miles from Rio de Janeiro and approximately 48 miles inland from the Atlantic port of Santos. São Paulo is one of the fastest growing metropolises in the world.