Demographics of South America

South America is a large continent filled with many people from different backgrounds. As of 2017, it was home to about 418.76 million people, making it a busy and lively place. The continent includes many countries, each with its own cultures, languages, and traditions. Understanding the demographics of South America helps us learn about the many people who live there and how they share the land.

The people of South America come from many places and have diverse histories. Some groups have lived there for thousands of years, while others arrived more recently. This mix creates a rich tapestry of cultures and ideas.

Learning about the demographics of South America is important because it shows us how people live together, share resources, and build communities. It helps us appreciate the differences and similarities among the people who call this continent home.

Population and density

Further information: List of South American countries by population and List of South American countries by life expectancy

Largest population centres

The largest cities in South America are home to many people. These cities grow as more families and workers move in, looking for jobs and opportunities.

Religion

Further information: Religion in Latin America

See also: Buddhism in Brazil, History of the Jews in Argentina, History of the Jews in Brazil, History of the Jews in Latin America and the Caribbean, and Islam in Argentina

Most people in South America follow Christianity. About 82% are Catholic, and 8% belong to other Christian groups such as Protestants and Evangelicals. These Christians make up around 19% of all Christians in the world.

Some communities in Latin America have histories tied to Crypto-Jews, Marranos, conversos, and Anusim.

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina, and São Paulo, Brazil, have some of the largest Jewish populations by urban area.

In places like Brazil and Peru, you can find Japanese Buddhism and Shinto-inspired beliefs. Korean Confucianism is also present in Brazil, and Chinese spiritual traditions are spread across the continent.

Kardecist Spiritism is practiced in several South American countries.

Religions in South America as of 2013:

Racial

South America has many different groups of people. There are Africans, Amerindians, Europeans, and smaller numbers of Arabs, Romanis, and East Asians. Some people are a mix of Amerindian and European, called mestizo. Others are a mix of Amerindian and African, called zambo, or European and African, called mulatto.

South America has about 400 million people. Many are Whites from many European countries. There are also people from the Levant area, like Levantine Arabs, and small groups of Jews and Crypto-Jews.

Most people in South America have DNA from Iberian people, like Portuguese and Spanish. Other European groups include Italian, German, Slavic, French, and Dutch people.

Indigenous peoples

Main article: Indigenous peoples of South America

Indigenous people make up a large part of the population in some countries, like Bolivia. In many places, they still live in traditional ways, often in the Amazon rainforest. Some tribes have never had contact with the outside world.

Argentina

See also: Indigenous peoples in Argentina

Argentina has about 900,000 indigenous people. The largest groups are the Mapuche, Kolla, Toba, and Guaraní.

Bolivia

See also: Indigenous peoples in Bolivia

In Bolivia, over 60% of people identify as indigenous. The largest groups are Quechua and Aymara.

Brazil

See also: Indigenous peoples in Brazil

Indigenous people make up about 0.4% of Brazil's population. Many live in special areas called indigenous territories.

Chile

Main article: Indigenous peoples in Chile

About 4.6% of Chile's population is indigenous. Many are Mapuche.

Colombia

See also: Indigenous peoples in Colombia

Colombia has many indigenous cultures, with over 1 million people. One group is the Muisca.

Ecuador

See also: Indigenous peoples in Ecuador

About 25% of Ecuador's population is indigenous. Most are Kichwa people.

Peru

See also: Indigenous Peoples in Peru

Indigenous people make up around 25% of Peru's population.

Venezuela

See also: Indigenous peoples in Venezuela

Indigenous people make up about 2% of Venezuela's population. Many live in the Amazon area.